Psychology, B.A.A.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) in Psychology at Texas A&M University–Kingsville is designed for students who want to build on previous vocational, technical, or applied learning while developing a deeper understanding of human behaviour and psychological principles. Combining foundational psychology courses with flexible professional-development studies, the program suits students seeking to advance their careers or prepare for further study in psychology and related fields.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman Year: Students establish their academic foundation through general education subjects, including Rhetoric and Composition, Mathematics, and Life and Physical Sciences, alongside PSYC 2301 – Introduction to Psychology. They also begin the program’s applied component by connecting previous technical or vocational learning with university-level study.

Sophomore Year: Students continue developing their broader academic knowledge through American History, Government and Political Science, Communications, and Language, Philosophy and Culture. Further BAAS courses allow students to build on their existing experience while progressing towards their chosen professional-development goals.

Junior Year: Students move into more advanced psychology study, including PSYC 3381 – Statistics for Behavioral Science and PSYC 3387 – Experimental Psychology. These courses introduce quantitative approaches and experimental methods that help students understand how psychological evidence is gathered and interpreted, alongside advanced psychology courses, BAAS requirements, and electives.

Senior Year: Students complete advanced psychology courses, upper-level electives, and remaining BAAS requirements to strengthen their subject knowledge and professional preparation. The exact advanced psychology subjects depend on the approved degree plan and course selection, so students should consult an academic advisor to confirm the courses available for their intended pathway.

Focus Areas

Applied psychology, human behaviour, psychological principles, statistics for behavioural science, experimental psychology, research methods, applied and technical learning, professional development, communication, critical thinking, and career-focused interdisciplinary study.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of foundational psychological concepts, strengthen their ability to interpret behavioural research and statistical information, build critical-thinking and communication skills, and connect their previous vocational or technical experience with advanced academic learning and professional goals.

Professional Alignment and Accreditation

Texas A&M University–Kingsville is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This is institutional accreditation, not psychology-specific professional accreditation. The B.A.A.S. alone does not qualify graduates to practise as licensed psychologists; additional graduate education and applicable professional licensure are generally required for that career path.

Reputation and Employability Rankings

The program offers a flexible route for students who want to combine psychology knowledge with prior applied or technical experience. Its emphasis on professional development and research-related coursework can support career progression in people-focused and service-oriented roles. No program-specific QS or Guardian ranking, employment rate, or graduate salary figure was identified in the official sources reviewed, so these should not be presented as established outcomes for this degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Psychology B.A.A.S. connects academic study with professional development, particularly for students bringing experience from vocational, technical, or applied fields. Students can strengthen their understanding of research through advanced psychology coursework and may have opportunities to participate in supervised undergraduate research, depending on eligibility, faculty availability, and project requirements. The university also provides career resources that help students explore employment, prepare application materials, and find internships or work opportunities.

Students can explore these opportunities through:

Psychology research experience: The university’s psychology course catalogue lists PSYC 4351 – Directed Research in Psychology. Qualified students may assist a faculty member with a research project involving library research, data collection, data entry, statistical analysis, or research planning. Prerequisites and instructor approval apply.
Statistics and experimental methods: PSYC 3381 – Statistics for Behavioral Science and PSYC 3387 – Experimental Psychology provide a foundation for understanding psychological data and experimental research methods.
Undergraduate research opportunities: TAMUK’s Undergraduate Research Program helps students connect with faculty mentors and explore research projects. Participation can support collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and preparation for graduate or professional school.
Career Engagement and Handshake: Javelina Careers, powered by Handshake, helps students find internships, part-time employment, and full-time jobs. Career Engagement also offers career planning, job-search guidance, workshops, career fairs, and practice interviews.
Resume and interview preparation: Students can use Quinncia, an AI-supported resource provided by the university, to receive résumé feedback and practise interview skills.
Campus and off-campus employment: Eligible students can explore student employment and work-study opportunities to gain practical experience while completing their degree.

The official sources reviewed do not confirm a dedicated psychology laboratory, required field trips, specific psychology software, or a compulsory internship for this B.A.A.S. program. Students should check with the program advisor about current research placements and practical opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Psychology B.A.A.S. can help students build on existing work experience while developing knowledge of human behaviour, research, and professional practice. Graduates may pursue roles that value communication, analytical thinking, and an understanding of people, although opportunities depend on prior experience, employer requirements, and any additional qualifications needed. Students planning to enter professional psychology or counselling should expect further education and, where applicable, licensure.

Potential career paths include:

Human resources or recruitment assistant
Social and community services support worker
Behavioural health program assistant
Research assistant, subject to the position’s education and experience requirements

Career Development and Employment Opportunities

Career planning and job-search support: TAMUK’s Career Engagement office supports students and alumni with career planning, résumé preparation, job-search strategies, practice interviews, career fairs, and employment opportunities through Javelina Careers powered by Handshake.
Internships and employer connections: The university provides a platform for employers to advertise internships and jobs. Students can use these opportunities to gain relevant experience, although a psychology-specific placement is not guaranteed.
Employment statistics and salary figures: No current official employment rate or salary figure specific to graduates of the Psychology B.A.A.S. was identified in the sources reviewed. Earnings and job prospects will vary by role, location, previous experience, and additional qualifications.
University–industry partnerships: TAMUK Career Engagement connects employers with students for recruitment, internships, and employment. However, a specific industry partnership dedicated to this psychology program was not confirmed in the official sources reviewed.
Accreditation value: The university’s SACSCOC institutional accreditation supports the standing of its awarded degree. It does not constitute specialist accreditation for psychology practice or replace any licensing requirements.
Graduation outcomes: The degree is structured to combine general education, a flexible area of specialization, and professional development. This can be useful for students seeking career advancement or further study, but specific graduate employment outcomes for this program were not published in the sources reviewed.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A.A.S., graduates may consider relevant master's programs in psychology or related fields, such as counselling, social work, human services, or other applied disciplines. Admission requirements differ by institution, and some psychology or counselling programs require specific undergraduate coursework, research preparation, or prerequisite subjects. Students should check the requirements of their intended graduate program before selecting their final undergraduate courses.