General Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.
The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests within the first quarter of attendance. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.
Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 1.49 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.
Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.
Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official or unofficial), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.
Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.
Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information
Conditional Acceptance
Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:
- Removal from class
- Cancelation of enrollment
- No final course grades
- No transcript
Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.
Admission of Transfer Students
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission.
- Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
- Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
- Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.
For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.
Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.
Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Identify major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of Psychology.
- Identify cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
- Apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
- Communicate psychological concepts using APA style, consistent with writing in the field.
- Explain the connection between theory, concepts, research, and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.
- Appraise professional growth in the field of Psychology including The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits
Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
This course equips students with the essential tools for success in both academic and professional environments. Through the identification of academic resources and the development of resiliency skills, students will gain strategies to overcome challenges and achieve long-term goals. The course also highlights the role of critical thinking as a cornerstone for decision-making and goal attainment, preparing students to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes with confidence and integrity.
Quarter Credits : 4
Basic Communications
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, writing, and revising essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, exploring types of essays, developing effective writing styles, voices, and procedures, and gaining insight on personal growth as a writer. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Quarter Credits : 4
Professional Communication for Diverse Populations will explore the complexities of intercultural communication by exploring obstacles affecting intercultural communication, understanding the relationship between communication and various cultures, comparing intercultural communication dynamics, and learning about communication theories and models in diverse contexts. Additionally, students will develop ethical and culturally competent communication skills to engage effectively in our interconnected world.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Mathematics and Statistics
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.
Quarter Credits : 4
Natural Sciences
Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.
Quarter Credits : 4
Choose one additional course from the list below:
This course explores environmental stewardship and policy, focusing on power structures and their impact on ecosystems. Students analyze how policies and individual actions affect public health and safety globally and locally. Students will also examine challenges to improving environmental outcomes and compare different solutions to ecological issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in environmental discussions and contribute to sustainable solutions.
Quarter Credits : 4
Principles of Biology II is the second course in a two course sequence in biology. This course continues the study of human biology with the role of endocrine and nervous systems in homeostatic regulation. Other topics covered are human reproduction, development, evolution, and advanced genetics. Ecological concepts are also discussed. The student will complete writing assignments that serve to increase knowledge of the scientific literature.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts and their applications. Students will explore essential terminology, the scientific method, atomic structure, chemical kinetics, and radioactivity, while learning how to classify matter, understand ideal gas law relationships, and identify acids, bases, and salts. Students will gain a solid foundation in chemistry, preparing them for further scientific studies.
Quarter Credits : 4
Arts and Humanities
This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between social identity, individual perception, and social institutions in shaping the self and influencing how we engage with others. Students will define key concepts related to social identity and social responsibility, analyze how social institutions affect individual and collective perceptions, and develop strategies for promoting cultural humility and social responsibility. Through critical reflection and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of how social structures and personal experiences intersect to influence ways of seeing the world.
Quarter Credits : 4
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course introduces students to the American Government. By examining the struggle for power-the participants, the stakes, the processes, and the institutional arenas — this course introduces the students to the political struggles that drive democracy.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
General Education Elective (choose any two courses from General Education not fulfilled in the above categories):
Area II Foundational Requirements: 32 Credits
Elective Pool (Eight courses or 32 credit hours)
Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits
Core: 36 Credits
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Major Curriculum: 44 Credits
Students must take one course within each of the four areas below (16 credit hours) plus an additional 28 credit hours (7 courses) from any area below. Students should work with their academic counselor or program director to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.
Behavioral Health
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Behavioral Neuroscience
Quarter Credits : 4
The examination of human motives and the impact of emotion on the decision-making process. Consideration of primary and secondary motivators regarding theoretical and practical application for reward, punishment, and avoidance scenarios.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Human Development
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Social/Organizational
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4