For information regarding Conditional Acceptance, click here.
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 14 calendar days 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.
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 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
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) and must be received within 14 calendar days for Undergraduate programs of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The student will be exempted from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success course. Students will select another 4-quarter 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.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Students will apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
- Students will identify cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
- Students will explain the connection between theory, concepts, research, and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.
- Students will communicate psychological concepts using APA style, consistent with writing in the field.
- Students will identify major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of Psychology.
- Students will 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, and atomic structure, while learning to how to classify matter, 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: Choose two 4.0 credit courses.
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
This course will examine psychopathology, theory, and research associated with the identification of psychological disorders. A concentration on classification, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders will also be reviewed.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine the study of biological mechanisms of behavior in psychology. Topics include the development of the brain, brain-behavior relationships, hormones and sexual behavior, the biology of learning, memory, sensation, movement, sleep and mental health. Emphasis will be placed on clinical findings and application of biological research.
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
This course will provide a theoretical, conceptual, and practical overview of internal and external determinants of addictive behaviors across the lifespan. Assessment and treatment approaches will be discussed along with issues influencing relapse.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine multicultural trends that include varied characteristics and populations of diverse groups. Topics will include gender, ethnicity, religion, geography, culture, age, sexual orientation, physical disability, education, and social class. Students will be exposed to the impact of these contexts on the intrapersonal and interpersonal psychosocial framework.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will provide an introduction to the field of abnormal child psychology and the associated major theories. The pathogenic process (i.e., developmental sequence) of psychological disorders will be explored from early childhood to late adolescence. Students will engage in critical thinking on major issues including the genetic, biological, and environmental influences on behavior, emotions, and personality in conjunction with associated assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine the theoretical, conceptual, and practical application of counseling regarding assessment, treatment, diagnostic, and ethical issues in Professional Counseling. Students will gain an understanding of contemporary assessment and interview techniques for mental health disorders and the array of specialties in the counseling profession.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
This course examines the major, minor, and associated categories of anxiety and mood disorders and the dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development, course, and outcome of each of these disorders. Of specific focus are the etiology, prevalence rates, course, duration, assessment, diagnosis, and treatments related to each of the anxiety and mood disorders. Focus on developmental differences and ongoing changes in categorization, including emerging ideas about “spectrum” disorders will also be highlighted along with research contributions within these fields of study.
Quarter Credits : 4
Behavioral Neuroscience
This course explores the major concepts in the study of sensation and perception. Topics include vision, audition, chemical, tactile, and proprioceptive senses, receptor mechanisms, psychophysical methods and perceptual phenomena.
Quarter Credits : 4
The course will provide an 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 will be explored.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will address multivariate research design and methodology. Students will be exposed to an analysis of the approaches to developing and interpreting multivariate psychological phenomena. The primary topics will include Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), multiple regression, and logistic regression. Additional areas will include a concentration on reliability, validity, and experimental control issues.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the theories and basic processes relevant to learning and behavior. Particular focus on the interplay and application of theory to real world phenomena will be discussed, such as training our pets, raising our children, treating mental illness, and treating drug addiction.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine the basic anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system and its control of physical functions as well as cognitive and motor behaviors. By the very nature of the subject matter, the course requires learning the terminology that is typically used to describe the function and pathology of the nervous system.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will explore how the nervous system uses a very precise system of neurochemical messengers to produce all aspects of sensation, perception, feelings, emotions, motivation, movement, and conscious experience. This course will address the role of neurochemicals in normal brain functioning and describe how drugs are used to treat neurological and psychological disorders. Drug abuse and toxicology will also be discussed.
Quarter Credits : 4
Human Development
This course will introduce students to the major developmental theories associated with childhood (age 3) through adolescence (age 21). The primary areas of exploration include cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and emotional systems in addition to contextual approaches involved in understanding these systems.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course explores the major developmental theories and processes associated with adulthood (ages 18 through 65). The primary areas of exploration include cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and emotional systems in addition to the contextual approaches involved in understanding these systems.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will introduce students to the major developmental theories associated with late adulthood (age 65 and older). The primary areas of exploration include death and dying and cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and emotional systems in addition to the contextual approaches involved in understanding these systems.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will provide an overview of psychological testing and measurement techniques, including self-report, interview, observation, and collateral information. The importance of construction, utilization, and the psychometric background of tests will be considered for intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and personality applications. The course will also involve the ethical and pragmatic considerations involved with testing and measurement according to developmental level.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will introduce students to a biopsychosocial perspective of the determinants of human sexual behavior. Developmental views of normal and abnormal sexual behavior, treatment, and cultural influences will also be highlighted. The goal of this course is to increase student awareness of the field of human sexuality as well as their own beliefs and perceptions related to human sexuality.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine a historical and contemporary review of the psychological issues of gender from a social, emotional, personality, physiologic, geographic, and cultural perspective. Emphasis on the human experience will be examined through topics of career development, marriage, family, sex role development and expectations, role conflict, achievement, and sexuality.
Quarter Credits : 4
Social/Organizational
This course provides students with a historical and contemporary examination of the psychological influences of the media. Various types of media will be explored within a global context, and students will analyze media from a psychological perspective.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will provide an overview of the major theories and trends associated with health psychology. Key areas of focus include stress, mind-body connection, health behaviors, coping strategies, and the psychological impact of chronic illness. The psychological approaches to treating and preventing disease will be explored.
Quarter Credits : 4
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will provide an examination of the contemporary issues in psychology regarding religious beliefs, values, experience, and practice. Additional topics include psychosocial comparisons of major religions, religious development, and the connection between religion and health-promotion.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course examines the main aspects of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology. Topics include job analysis, training, performance, organizational culture and dynamics, leadership, worker satisfaction, workplace environment, group behavior, and conflict.
Quarter Credits : 4
This course will examine the topic of psychometrics and assessment. The focus will be on ethical considerations and applications of survey design across social and occupational settings. Topics include test construction, scoring, interpretation, reliability, and validity.
Quarter Credits : 4
Capstone
This capstone course provides an exploration of historical and contemporary issues in the field of psychology. Specific emphasis is placed on application of psychological concepts and their connection to real-world examples. Students will conduct extensive research and critical analysis designed to support their understanding in the discipline of psychology.
Quarter Credits : 4