Not just a hypothesis anymore

Graphic by Matias Pacheco-Ramirez, Photographer

What makes people think, act and respond the way they do? Answering questions like these takes more than observation — it takes research.

With Chapman’s new Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program, students have opportunities to investigate human behavior through advanced coursework, statistical analysis and hands-on research. The program’s first cohort began this academic year, opening a new path for students interested in understanding not just how people behave, but why.

The university continues to offer its Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology alongside the new B.S.. All students majoring in psychology will begin in the B.A. program before they have the opportunity to apply to the new program. While both degrees focus on psychology, the B.S. is designed for students seeking more extensive training in research design, statistical methods and hands-on research, particularly those considering research-focused graduate programs or careers.

Psychology professor Tara Gruenewald, who spearheaded the program’s development, said a B.S. in Psychology had been a goal for the psychology department and Crean College for more than a decade, with formal development beginning about six years ago. 

The curriculum has two central aims: helping students understand biological behavior and equipping them with advanced statistical and methodological skills to understand and contribute to research in the field.

Head of the B.S. program Vincent Berardi said faculty began developing the program after recognizing a need for more structured research opportunities for psychology majors.

“There’s just not enough faculty research slots for students who want to do research,” Berardi said. “So we thought we were missing the mark there. This is a way to kind of give this research-heavy experience to a larger set of students who desire it.”

While psychology is often associated with counseling and therapy, the field also involves research into human behavior, cognition and development. The new degree is intended to provide students interested in this area of psychology with a more structured approach to developing the skills needed to conduct research.

“People tend to think psychology is just someone laying on a couch doing counseling and therapy,” Berardi said. “There’s other things within psychology. There is a track which has research focus and requires methods and stats expertise, so that’s who we’re really trying to serve with this degree.”

The difference in the two paths is reflected in the coursework. According to Berardi, the B.A. requires 46 credits, while the B.S. requires 61 credits, adding five courses focused on research training. 

The new courses cover areas such as advanced statistics and specialized research method courses in areas like health psychology, cognitive neuroscience and social psychology. A key feature is the inclusion of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), which allow students to develop research and data analysis skills in class while working on real-world projects. The courses also draw on faculty expertise across multiple psychology subdisciplines.

Gruenewald is teaching the B.S. program’s first advanced method course, "Research Methods in Health Psychology.” Students are working in small teams to investigate questions using data from a national health study, with plans to present their findings at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence Student Scholar Symposium at the end of the semester.

For Natalie Paradiso, a junior in the inaugural B.S. cohort, the opportunity to explore research more deeply was a major reason for joining the program.

“Research Methods is a required course for all psychology majors, but this new major gave me the chance to dive deeper into the course and gain hands-on experience, creating and ultimately presenting a research project,” Paradiso said.

Paradiso also highlighted the opportunity to learn from faculty and investigate questions she had not previously had the chance to explore. She plans to apply to graduate school and hopes the additional coursework and faculty connections will strengthen her application and help her develop the skills needed for further study. 

Developing the B.S. program required more than new classes. Berardi said faculty had to establish program objectives, map the curriculum, develop new courses and navigate multiple levels of university approval, including approval from the Board of Trustees. The department also had to plan for the resources necessary to support the program.

Berardi said that 14 students are currently enrolled in the program, but hopes to see those numbers grow. He added that students should generally look to complete foundational courses and meet the program’s academic requirements before applying, heading into their junior year.

Looking ahead, Berardi hopes to establish partnerships with organizations and academic institutions that could connect students with internships, career opportunities and research-focused graduate programs. He also plans to track graduates’ outcomes to evaluate whether the degree helps students enter research-oriented graduate programs or pursue related careers.

For students interested in studying human behavior through research, the B.S. provides an additional path within Chapman’s psychology department. While applications don’t open until spring, those interested in more extensive training in research methods and statistics have the opportunity to learn more about the B.S. program during an informational Zoom meeting on Oct. 26. For more information, email Professor Berardi at berardi@chapman.edu.

“Whether I’m conducting research by designing my own experiment or connecting with faculty who can aid me in the interview process, the inaugural cohort of psychology B.S. students and I have access to a multitude of resources,” Paradiso said. “I would completely recommend applying if further research interests you.”