students in the bachelor of arts in psychology apply the science of understanding and explaining thoughts, emotions and behavior to solving real-world problems. topics include stress, biological influences on behavior, growth and development of children and diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. elective courses may be used to specialize in a number of areas of psychology and to gain hands-on experience in research labs. it prepares students for graduate school and employment in a range of fields, including clinical, applied and experimental areas of psychology and related fields such as education, law, human resources and health care.