AcademicsUndergraduate AcademicsBA in Psychology

BA in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Contemplative teachings and modern psychology merge as you prepare for a career of service and catalyze self-discovery with Naropa’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Program Overview

Naropa’s Bachelor in Psychology combines contemplative and mindfulness teachings from a variety of wisdom traditions with modern psychology and neuroscience in a program designed to equip you with the skills and compassion needed to confidently serve others. 

This psychology school has different options for each student to find the right path, with concentrations in contemplative neuroscience, psychological science, psychology of health and healing, somatic psychology, and transpersonal and humanistic psychology.

Naropa’s BA in Psychology will not only help you grow into your future career but grow and transform as a person as well.

The program provides a wide array of diverse courses, integrating Western and Eastern approaches to healing the mind and body. Some of these courses include Perception, Cognitive Science, Abnormal Psychology, Dream Psychology, Hakomi, Nutrition, Psychology of the Five Elements, Expressive Arts, and many others.

The program focuses on contemplative education, consisting of genuine kindness toward oneself and gentleness toward others. You’ll also have practical opportunities for volunteer fieldwork in a required service-learning course. This fieldwork provides valuable experience for occupations that require special sensitivity and skill in interpersonal relationships.

You will study with accomplished and insightful faculty like Jordan Quaglia, PhD, and Jennifer Bacon, PhD. Dr. Quaglia conducts groundbreaking research on mindfulness, compassion, and lucidity. Dr. Bacon offers Naropa bachelor of psychology students a unique perspective on addressing issues of overrepresentation in special education, racial and gender equity, child advocacy, and writing for social justice.

Violet brush

Quick Facts

Yellow brush

Program Format

Naropa University’s undergraduate program is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Arts degree program. The psychology major offers an innovative approach to the study and practice of psychology, guided by the principle that psychological health and well-being are innate.

The major is 41 credit hours: 32 credits from the psychology core requirements and 9 credits from one of the concentrations. The core requirements include courses in psychology and meditation, as well as courses in Western psychology.

Students can delve deeper into their studies by choosing from five concentrations: contemplative neuroscience, psychological science, psychology of health and healing, somatic psychology, or transpersonal and humanistic psychology. 

Course Spotlight

Psychology of Mindfulness Meditation

This course introduces students to mindfulness-awareness meditation, blending Tibetan, and Zen Buddhist traditions, and teachings of sacred warriorship. By addressing the pitfalls of ego fixation, students cultivate inner calm, insight, and compassion. These practices equip them with tools to navigate personal and interpersonal challenges.

Degree
Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts degree (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major, as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing. 

The Psychology Major includes 41 credit hours.

Psychology Major Requirements

  • PSYB101 Introduction to Psychology (3)

  • PSYB314 Psychology of Mindfulness Meditation (3)

  • PSYB301 Research Methods and Statistics (3)

Take twice for 2 credits:

  • PSYB343W Contemplative Community Retreat (1) OR

  • COL299 Special Topics workshops (1)

  • PSYB325 Awakening Compassion: Working with Others (3)
  • PSYB368 Psychology and Neuroscience of Emotion (3)

Set A:

  • PSYB304 Somatic Intelligence (3)

  • PSYB329 Approaches to Healing (3)

  • PSYB354 Transpersonal Psychology (3)

  • PSYB359 Learning from Trauma (3)

Set B:

  • PSYB345 Developmental Psychology (3)

  • PSYB357 Cognitive Science (3)

  • PSYB373 Social Psychology (3)

  • PSYB420 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Choose one of the following concentrations (9 credits):

  • Contemplative Neuroscience

    This concentration provides a foundation for integrating neuroscientific approaches into the study of the contemplative mind. Students’ development in this area joins training in cognitive neuroscience with meditative experience. Topics include important findings from functional brain imaging studies on embodiment, perception, emotion, consciousness, mind wandering, and contemplative experience beyond mindfulness. Students use contemplative practice as a laboratory for investigating their own mind and brain while employing a variety of complementary psychological research methods, including phenomenology, experimentation, task performance, and experience sampling.

 

Required Courses:

  • PSYB301 Research Methods and Statistics (3)

  • PSYB462 Contemplative Neuroscience (3)

Choose 3 credits:

  • PSYB357 Cognitive Science (3)

  • PSYB368 Psychology & Neuroscience of Emotion (3)

 

  • Psychological Science

    The Psychological Science concentration emphasizes the study of human experience and activity through systematic observation. Topics include development from infancy through adulthood, individual differences, embodiment, perception, emotion, consciousness, thinking, social influence, self, and other aspects of mental life. In addition to theoretical study, methods of obtaining and evaluating empirical evidence are explored, ranging from behavior assessment to contemplative phenomenology.

Required Course:

  • PSYB301 Research Methods and Statistics (3)

    Choose 6 credits:

  • PSYB234 Perception (3)

  • PSYB345 Developmental Psychology (3)

  • PSYB371 Personality Theories (3)

  • PSYB373 Social Psychology (3)

    PSYB420 Abnormal Psychology (3)

 

  • Psychology of Health and Healing

    The Psychology of Health and Healing concentration emphasizes body-mind synchronization as the key to inner harmony and well-being. Students explore a diversity of ancient and modern healing methodologies and learn experiential techniques for balancing the spiritual and somatic aspects of health.

Required Course:

  • PSYB329 Approaches to Healing (3)

    Choose 6 credits:

  • PSYB208 Embodying Process and the Individual (3)

  • PSYB209 Herbal Medicine (3)

  • PSYB239 Nutrition (3)

  • PSYB303 The Psychology of the Five Elements I (3)

  • PSYB323 The Psychology of the Five Elements II (3)

  • PSYB333 Hakomi Somatics (3)

  • PSYB359 Learning from Trauma: Understanding Its Effects and Building Personal Resources (3)

  • Somatic Psychology

    The Somatic Psychology concentration emphasizes the practice of making meaningful connections between emotional process and the body’s expressions, sensations, and symptoms. Coursework includes three learning domains: 1) the historical and developing theory of body psychology; 2) the research and science regarding body psychology; and 3) the increase of body/self-awareness developed through experiential and movement-oriented classes.

Required Course:

  • PSYB304 Somatic Intelligence: The Neuroscience of Our Body-Mind Connection (3)

Choose 6 credits:

  • PSYB208 Embodying Process & the Individual (3)

  • PSYB255 Body-Mind Centering (3)

  • PSYB303 The Psychology of the Five Elements I (3)

  • PSYB328 Gestalt: Presence (3)

  • PSYB333 Hakomi Somatics (3)

 

  • Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology

    The Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology concentration helps students synthesize two major forces in Western psychotherapy and appreciate their unique contributions to the understanding of mental health. These include the recognition of spiritual longing for wholeness as essential to psychological growth and the acknowledgment of the importance of the client-therapist relationship in the healing process.

Required Courses:

  • PSYB350 Humanistic Psychology (3)

  • PSYB354 Transpersonal Psychology (3)

Choose 3 credits:

  • PSYB225 Family Systems (3)

  • PSYB328 Gestalt: Presence (3)

  • PSYB330 Jungian Psychology (3)

  • PSYB355 Dynamics of Intimate Relationships (3)

  • PSYB430 Exploring Dream Psychology (3)

 

  • No Concentration Option

    Students may elect to not have a thematic concentration. There are no required courses. Nine credits are to be selected from within PSYB.

  • PSYB415 Maitri: Working with Emotions (3)
  • PSYB462 Contemplative Neuroscience (3)
  • COL450 Internship (3)

  • Capstone I (3)

  • Capstone II (3)

Total Credits: 41

Why Choose Naropa?

Research Opportunities

Naropa's BA in Psychology offers chances for collaborative research with globally recognized faculty. As a leading institution in contemplative psychology in the Western context, Naropa is committed to exploring the impact of contemplative practices on both individuals and communities.

Blue brush

Senior Year Experience

Your bachelor’s in psychology culminates in a senior-year capstone experience: an exploration of Maitri Space Awareness, a community field placement focusing on social change, and a multidisciplinary senior project aimed at challenging both intellect and intuition.

Scholarships

Naropa offers scholarship opportunities for students admitted to the psychology degree who are enrolled full-time in at least 12 credit hours each semester, with awards determined by the student's cumulative GPA.

Blue brush
A woman is sitting on her knees and leaning forward and to the left with her torso. She's wearing black clothes which are partially stained with clay. There is clay all around her and on her hands and face. She seems to be experimenting with the material.

How this Program Prepares You

Innovative Foundation in Psychology

Learn from internationally recognized faculty in a psychology school that views learning as a journey. Naropa’s BA in psychology starts at the center of the individual with contemplative psychology and mindfulness practice before moving into traditional and psychological theories.

Research Opportunities

Naropa’s BA in psychology offers collaborative research opportunities with world-renowned faculty. Through these research opportunities, students contribute to advancing the global understanding of meditation and other phenomena associated with human consciousness. 

Senior Year Capstone Experience

In the final year of your psychology bachelor’s program, you’ll engage in a senior-year capstone experience. This includes delving into Maitri Space Awareness, participating in a community field placement with a focus on social change, and undertaking a multidisciplinary senior project designed to challenge both intellect and intuition.

What You'll Learn

Foundation in Psychology

Students understand and apply contemplative principles to Western psychological science.

Understanding of Psychological Science

Students enrich their approach to mind-body healing with peer-reviewed research.

Commitment to Inclusivity

Students work for social change and commit to diversity awareness in the community.

Career Readiness

Step into a meaningful career that allows students to serve others.

Mindfulness

Expand self-awareness to increase awareness of and compassion for others.

Yellow brush

Career Opportunities with a BA in Psychology

Graduates of the BA in psychology have sharpened their intellect, deepened their intuition, nourished compassion, and embodied confidence. These attributes form a crucial foundation for success in their careers. Some roles may require additional education, certification, or licensing.
Graduates of Naropa’s BA Psychology program can go into these careers. 

Hear from a Graduate



Naropa offers an education that allows one to go within, then go out into the world. This allows space for spiritual growth and the understanding of what it means to be a compassionate person. This also allows space for one to understand one’s own pain and suffering. Being at Naropa is like an education retreat for me.

Tosha Jorden

FAQs About the
BA in Psychology

A bachelor’s in psychology may qualify you for certain entry-level positions in the field, but it typically doesn’t meet the requirements for becoming a licensed therapist. To become a licensed therapist, most jurisdictions require at least a master’s degree, which you can pursue after earning a bachelor’s in psychology.
The difference between the BA (Bachelor of Arts) and the BS (Bachelor of Science) is the subject matter. The BA degree usually focuses on general studies and subjects like the arts, communication, and humanities, whereas the BS degree delves into subject areas such as science, math, and technology.
Naropa University’s undergraduate Psychology program is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Arts degree program. The psychology major offers an innovative approach to the study and practice of psychology, guided by the principle that psychological health and well-being are innate.
A Bachelor’s in Psychology can open doors to various entry-level positions in a variety of fields such as human resources, social services, marketing, and education. Graduates of Naropa’s BA Psychology program can go into these careers. Some roles may require additional education, certification, or licensing: Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Aides; Clinical and Counseling Psychologists; Clinical Neuropsychologists; Marriage and Family Therapists; Mental Health Counselors; Industrial-Organizational Psychologists; Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors; Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors; School Psychologists; Rehabilitation Counselors; Psychology Teachers Post Secondary, Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Compliance Managers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Neuropsychologists; Regulatory Affairs Managers; and more.
A Bachelor’s in Psychology can open doors to various entry-level positions in a variety of fields such as human resources, social services, marketing, and education. Graduates of Naropa’s BA Psychology program can go into these careers. Some roles may require additional education, certification, or licensing: Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Aides; Clinical and Counseling Psychologists; Clinical Neuropsychologists; Marriage and Family Therapists; Mental Health Counselors; Industrial-Organizational Psychologists; Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors; Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors; School Psychologists; Rehabilitation Counselors; Psychology Teachers Post Secondary, Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Compliance Managers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Neuropsychologists; Regulatory Affairs Managers; and more.
While a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a significant step in understanding the field, becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires further education. To practice as a psychologist and use the title “psychologist,” most jurisdictions mandate a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. This is followed by supervised clinical experience and, in many cases, passing a licensing examination.

Learn More About the Program

Rachel Thompson head shot

Connect
with your counselor

Rachel Thompson

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions 

Prospective students with last names A-G

Jenna Priest head shot

Connect
with your counselor

Jenna Priest

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor

Prospective students last names H-Z

Ready to Apply?

Admission Requirements

Naropa University’s unique approach values both academic excellence and the willingness to carry out introspective work.

Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for prospective students.

Round yellow brush
  • Students with a 3.0 GPA or Higher

Applicants who can demonstrate a strong history of academic performance are welcome with minimal eligibility criteria.

  • Students with Less than 3.0 GPA

If you wish to benefit from a Naropa education and will contribute to our growing community, we strongly encourage you to submit your application, regardless of any past academic challenges.

  • Transfer your College Credit

You can transfer 60 or more transferable credits from previous studies by presenting an official college transcript on top of your application.

Read our admission requirements guide for first-time and transfer students to apply to Naropa.

Naropa is your home away from home. We welcome international students from every corner of the world to be a part of our dynamic community. We are represented by inclusion and diversity, and we embrace a diverse student body that makes Naropa stronger. Learn more about applying to Naropa as an international student.

Costs and Financial Aid

You can explore our undergraduate costs and financial section to learn about tuition, scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities. Naropa strives to make education accessible for as many students as possible. To get a better idea of what you might pay at Naropa, you can run your numbers through Naropa’s Net Price Calculator.

Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Naropa University offers an array of scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students may be eligible to receive scholarships through their admissions application, by applying for scholarships, or by being nominated for a scholarship. For more detailed information about the different scholarships available and how to receive them, please review our undergraduate scholarship page.
A woman holding a microphone and speaking. The picure shows her from the shoulders up. Other women are seen in the background, some looking at her and seemingly listening to what she's saying.
Violet decor brush

Interested in Psychology?

Read our blog or listen to our podcast!

post

Heartfire Festival Returns to Naropa University

By Monera Mason, Community Manager & Master of Divinity student at Naropa University Heartfire Festival made its post-pandemic return to Naropa last month after a three-year hiatus. Naropa students, staff,...

podcast

Episode 89. Jordan Quaglia: The Science of Mindfulness Training

What is mindfulness really doing to your mind? Jordan Quaglia, PhD, Director of Naropa’s Cognitive and Affective Science Lab, joins us to answer this and more on the science of...

post

Naropa Alumna Emily Elrod-Black Helps Others Achieve Academic Success

By Odra William We recently got to sit down and video chat with one of our amazing alumnae, Emily Elrod-Black (BA Contemplative Psychology, ’15). We talked about the experiences that...

podcast

Episode 27. Chris Cole: Bipolar Order

This week’s episode features Naropa graduate Chris Cole (BA Contemplative Psychology '10), who currently works as a Life Coach specializing in bipolar disorder and spiritual emergence....

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

“*” indicates required fields

Search Naropa University

Search
Naropa Logo

Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.