About the Program
Decode the Mind to Improve Lives
Solving the mysteries of human behavior and the mind is like cracking an intricate riddle. Psychology reveals how the pieces of the human mind interlock. As a psychology major at UST, you’ll learn to put the pieces together by thinking critically, conducting research, and using analytical software. Combined with study abroad programs and internships, our unique curriculum emphasizes social justice and service to the community, paving your way toward a wide variety of careers in psychology.
If decoding the mind to improve the lives of those in need sparks your synapses, a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology may be right for you.
Guide and Serve Others
Ethics + Empathy = Success
Empathy and ethical leadership drive any successful psychology-based career. The essential UST virtues of goodness, discipline and knowledge complement psychology as we look into our hearts and minds to fully understand human behavior and change lives.
From conducting research for legal cases to applying analysis to nonprofit organizations, the foundation you receive at UST will foster critical thinking skills and a sense of community. In the game of life where the next right move can be difficult to plan, your psychology degree will prepare you to move boldly forward as you guide and serve others.
Performing Study
Psychology Leadership
Dr. Crystal D. Tran
The UST Psychology Department operates under the leadership of Dr. Crystal Tran. Dedicated to teaching students how to blend ethics and empathy, the Psychology Program at UST produces well-rounded, intelligent yet kind psychology professionals that live in the intersection of science and service.
Student Experience
Strong Classes, Active Community
Join one of our many clubs:
- Psi Chi and Psychology Club
- Join UST’s chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology and Psychology Club, to network and explore research opportunities. Participation is an excellent way to set yourself apart to employers after graduation.
- Mental Health and Wellness Club
- Neuroscience Society
We also host Annual Events to help our students and foster community like :
- Graduate School Workshop
- Career Night About Graduate Programs in Psychology
- Career Night With Professional Psychology Alumni
- Internship Spotlights
- Professional Guest Speakers
- And more!
Your Academic Journey
Why UST?
Our graduates go on to have bright futures in counseling & advising, education, nonprofit outreach, medicine, mental health & therapy, research coordination, statistics, and more!
At UST, you’ll have career-igniting opportunities that take the guesswork out of landing top positions after graduation. With access to choice internships and service learning endeavors, you’ll gain the hands-on experience necessary to rock your chosen occupation.
Integral Internships
BA Psychology
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology benefit from built-in internship opportunities, with access to more than 100 partnered sites across healthcare, education, business, and social services including sites like Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Assessment Center, Justice for Children, Center for Optimal Brain Health, and more. These internships are designed to connect students with real-world settings where they can explore career options and build professional networks.
Impactful Research
BS Psychology
Those enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology engage in rigorous research experiences, including a year-long capstone project conducted alongside faculty mentors. Every year, more than a dozen UST Psychology students present their research at regional and national professional conferences—experiences that prepare them for graduate study and careers in research, medicine, or academia. Join them as you use top scientific methods to conduct research with faculty or affiliated organizations and centers.
Portfolio-building
Giving You the Tools
The Applications and Careers in the Psychological Sciences (PSYC 4345) course is built into the Bachelor of Arts curriculum but is open to all psychology students. This portfolio-building class helps students clarify their goals and chart a personalized path forward. Whether preparing a professional portfolio for immediate job applications or assembling a graduate portfolio for advanced study, students gain the tools to showcase their strengths and ambitions.
Strong Career Choice
The Intersection of Science and Service
Psychology is one of the most promising fields today, with a projected job growth of 7% from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all occupations—and a median annual salary of $94,310 as of 2024.
If you’re considering a career in psychology, you’re stepping into a field that blends human understanding with real-world impact. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for psychologists is expected to increase by 14,000 jobs over the next decade, driven by rising demand for mental health services across healthcare, education, and business sectors.
With diverse career paths, strong job growth, flexible education requirements, and competitive salaries, Psychology is a strong career choice. In a world increasingly focused on mental well-being, studying psychology empowers you to transform lives and influence the systems that shape them. Whether you’re drawn to therapy, research, education, or corporate strategy, psychology equips you with the tools to understand people and drive meaningful change.