Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Travel into the human psyche
Psychology is the science of human emotion, thought and behavior, including neural, physiological and cognitive processes; developmental factors and individual differences; and interpersonal, international, and cross-cultural components. The Psychology major is designed to expose students to a spectrum of basic issues currently being addressed in the discipline, the principles of research design and statistics, and theory and research in specific areas of psychology.
A bachelor's degree in Psychology provides preparation for graduate study for a career in psychology, and a major or minor may be paired with further training in law, education, business, social work or other health-related professions. Students with this major or minor have also pursued careers in business, healthcare, social services, communications, social media, education, human resources and other fields since psychology coursework provides the knowledge of human behavior, analytical thinking, communication and teamwork skills, as well as the sensitivity and comfort with diversity sought by employers. The psychology major at Franklin University may be completed on campus or in conjunction with a Franklin partner institution. For students interested in an intensive laboratory experience, a semester abroad during the spring semester of the third year of study is strongly recommended. Selection of coursework and research experiences at the partner institution is completed in conjunction with the Franklin psychology advisor and approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs. The current partner institution is Southern Methodist University (S.M.U.) in Dallas, Texas. Students may also choose to fulfill the requirement at another institution in close consultation with the psychology advisor.
Psychology Requirements
*All Bachelor of Arts degrees require a total of 120 credits consisting of Core Requirements, Major Requirements, and General Elective courses. Prerequisites may be required for courses outside of the major.Admission CriteriaUndergraduate admission to Franklin University Switzerland is selective, competitive and based primarily on the following:
- High School Record
- Personal Recommendations
- SAT I or ACT Scores
By the time you start your application, you are expected to have completed a solid university preparatory program. We recommend a program that includes four years of English grammar, composition, and literature; three years of a foreign language; three years of history; three years of mathematics, and two years of science. Coursework in areas such as art, computer science, and music is also recommended.Cost & Fees
- US Nationals / Permanent Residents and Canadian Nationals
Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel (Required, two weeks each semester): $40,800 per year - All Other Nationalities
Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel(Required, two weeks each semester): CHF 49,100 per year
| Foundation Courses (12 Credits) |
BIO 102 Introduction to Biology: Cell and Animal Biology
MAT 201 Introduction to Statistics
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology Required Courses (12 Credits) PSY 202 Developmental Psychology
PSY 203 Theories of Personality
PSY 215 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
PSY 210 Cognitive Psychology Major Electives (12 Credits) Four of the following:
COM 201 Fundamentals of Media Studies and Criticism
COM 202 Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication
PSY 201 Social Psychology
PSY 220 Multicultural Psychology
PSY 297 Faculty Fellows Summer Program
PSY 301 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 310 Organizational Psychology
PSY 315 Environmental Psychology
PSY 370 Special Topics in Psychology Electives (6 Credits) Two of the following:
AHT 213 Art and Ideas: Exploring Vision
AHT 371 Topics in Art History
BUS 353 Strategic Management Theory
BUS 410 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
CLCS 335 Hauntings
CLCS 360 Critical Race Studies in a Global Context
COM 320 The Art of Persuasion: Social Influence in Theory and Practice
COM 347 Organizational Communication
ECN 256 Managerial Economics (Intermediate Microeconomics)
ENV 210 Natural Disasters, Catastrophes, and the Environment
ENV 372 Sustainability Science
FRE 320 Writing the Self: French Autobiography and Autofiction
FRE 325 Representation of the Shoah in French Literature and Cinema
HIS 211 The Human in History: Biography and Life Writing
HIS 325 Human Rights in History
LIT 201 Deception
LIT 243 On Being Human
POL 302 Political Philosophy
POL 315 War and Contemporary Politics Capstone Requirement (3 Credits) One of the following:
PSY 497 Senior Research Seminar in Psychology
PSY 498 Internship in Psychology
PSY 499 Senior Thesis in Psychology
Tuition and Fees
US nationals or permanent residents / Canadian nationals
Cost of Attendance
The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on circumstances, based on how far you have to travel to reach Franklin, the choices you make regarding meals and housing, and more. The costs can be broken into Direct vs. Indirect costs (see below).
Direct Costs
These will appear on the billing statement each semester and may vary based on the cost of housing and meal plan the student chooses. These costs include tuition, university fees, room, and board as well as Swiss health insurance. Exact amounts or averages for these costs (for example for housing or insurance) are provided below.
| Tuition and Fees | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel (Required, two weeks each semester) |
$20,400 | $40,800 |
| Annual University Fees | $710 | $1,420 |
| Orientation Fee (new incoming students only) |
$500 | $500 |
| Housing and Meals | ||
| Average Residence Hall | $5,045 | $10,090 |
| Meal Plan (required for all first-year students) |
$1,600 | $3,200 |
| Health Insurance | ||
| Average Insurance for Non-Swiss citizens* | $790 | $1,580 |
*Swiss law requires that all students are covered by Swiss medical insurance. The cost varies according to the age of the student. For information regarding the cost of Swiss medical insurance for 2017-2018 please see Health and Counseling.
Indirect Costs
These costs are incidental to the student’s attendance and are fully managed by the student and their family. These costs include travel costs to/from Franklin each semester, the purchase of books and supplies as well as personal costs for weekend travel, toiletries, and such. Each family can reduce these costs by planning travel early, sending care packages from home that include lower-priced toiletries, buying used books and more.
| Typical Expenses | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Books and other materials | $700 | $1,400 |
| Travel to and from campus (average cost of an intercontinental flight) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Average cost for personal expenses, off-campus meals, independent travel (based on student surveys) | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Total Average Cost of Attendance
Based on the above estimates and average costs, the typical total cost of attendance for a non-Swiss, new incoming undergraduate student (e.g. a first-year undergraduate student, incoming study abroad student or transfer student) coming from the US or Canada would calculate as follows:
| Average Direct Costs | Average Indirect Costs | Total | |
| First Semester | $29,045 | $3,200 | $32,245 |
| Second Semester | $28,545 | $3,200 | $31,745 |
Non-US or Canadian national or a permanent US resident
Cost of Attendance
The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on circumstances, based on how far you have to travel to reach Franklin, the choices you make regarding meals and housing, and more. The costs can be broken into Direct vs. Indirect costs (see below).
Direct Costs
These will appear on the billing statement each semester and may vary based on the cost of housing and meal plan the student chooses. These costs include tuition, university fees, room, and board as well as Swiss health insurance. Exact amounts or averages for these costs (for example for housing or insurance) are provided below.
| Tuition and Fees | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel (Required, two weeks each semester) |
CHF 24,550 | CHF 49,100 |
| Annual University Fees | CHF 710 | CHF 1,420 |
| Orientation Fee (new incoming students only) |
CHF 500 | CHF 500 |
| Housing and Meals | ||
| Average Residence Hall | CHF 5,045 | CHF 10,090 |
| Meal Plan (required for all first-year students) |
CHF 1,600 | CHF 3,200 |
| Health Insurance | ||
| Average Insurance for Non-Swiss citizens* | CHF 790 | CHF 1,580 |
*Swiss law requires that all students are covered by Swiss medical insurance. The cost varies according to the age of the student. For information regarding the cost of Swiss medical insurance for 2017-2018 please see Health and Counseling.
Indirect Costs
These costs are incidental to the student’s attendance and are fully managed by the student and their family. These costs include travel costs to/from Franklin each semester, the purchase of books and supplies as well as personal costs for weekend travel, toiletries, and such. Each family can reduce these costs by planning travel early, sending care packages from home that include lower-priced toiletries, buying used books and more.
| Typical Expenses | Per Semester | Per Year |
| Books and other materials | CHF 700 | CHF 1,400 |
| Travel to and from campus (average cost of an intercontinental flight) | CHF 1,000 | CHF 2,000 |
| Average cost for personal expenses, off-campus meals, independent travel (based on student surveys) | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,000 |
Total Average Cost of Attendance
Based on the above estimates and average costs, the typical total cost of attendance for a non-Swiss, new incoming undergraduate student (e.g. a first-year undergraduate student, incoming study abroad student or transfer student) coming from the US or Canada would calculate as follows:
| Average Direct Costs | Average Indirect Costs | Total | |
| First Semester | CHF 33,195 | CHF 3,200 | CHF 36,395 |
| Second Semester | CHF 32,195 | CHF 3,200 | CHF 35,395 |
Scholarships & Financial Aid
At Franklin, we see financing your education as an investment and partnership among you, your family, and the University. About 70 percent of Franklin students receive financial aid in a variety of forms, such as need- and merit-based scholarships, government and private aid and engagement incentives. Franklin offers scholarships, financial aid, and other initiatives, and various external programs are available based on citizenship and need assessment. Together we will create your financial aid package and carefully guide you through your financing options.
Need-based Aid
Students of all nationalities are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Information about how and when to apply, various aid programs available and eligibility is available in our dedicated section on Financial Aid.
Scholarships and Merit Awards
Merit scholarships are given to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and are renewed each year, for four years. These scholarships are automatically awarded at the time of admission and are not based on need or family income. Priority is given to students applying for admission by the December 1, 2017, deadline. After December 1, we may continue to award merit scholarships, if funds are still available. For more information, students are advised to contact our office in Lugano.
Below is a range of awards available for the incoming class of Fall Semester 2018.
| Merit Award Amounts for US Students (US dollars) |
Merit Award Amounts for Students outside of the US (Swiss francs) |
| $22,000 | CHF 28,500 |
| $18,000 | CHF 24,500 |
| $16,000 | CHF 22,500 |
| $12,000 | CHF 18,500 |
| Up to $5000 | Up to CHF 5000 |
Swiss Matura Initiative
Specific financial incentives are available for students holding a Swiss national high school diploma (Matura).
Starting with the 2016-17 academic year, Franklin University Switzerland offers students holding a Swiss national high school diploma ('Matura') the opportunity to earn a Bachelor degree in a discipline of their choice in a program designed just for them.
Life-long Learning Scholarship Program
The Life-Long Learning Scholarship Program (L.L.L.S.) supports students by preparing them to be career-ready upon graduation from Franklin, not only with regard to academic foundations in their respective disciplines but also by providing them with skills that are essential in public and private sector employment in a wide variety of settings. By participating in the Life-Long Learning Scholarship program, students will experience a strong sense of engagement with the University, develop leadership skills, and have the opportunity to learn and develop practical skills in a number of fields and areas.
L.L.L.S. Program Eligibility for Students
- All undergraduate students enrolled at Franklin University Switzerland with full-time status (a minimum of four-semester courses) may apply for an L.L.L.S. position.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher is required to be eligible for the L.L.L.S. program.
- All applicants MUST have an account in good standing with the University in order to be eligible for the L.L.L.S. program.
- Resident Assistants are eligible for L.L.L.S. positions for a maximum of 5 hours per week and only with permission from their supervisors.
L.L.L.S. Position Levels
The L.L.L.S. positions are classified into various levels. First-year students start with simpler, service-oriented positions and progress to more challenging positions with greater responsibility and increased complexity during their upper-class years.
- Tier I: Task-oriented. Entry-level students learn basic career skills and experienced students have proven to be dependable. Students may have time to study while conducting projects after their assigned tasks have been completed.
- Tier II: Students learn project management and more advanced career skills. Experienced students have the capacity to train and supervise beginner level students. Students do not have time to study during their assigned projects.
- Research Assistant or other Academic Assistant Position: Students perform basic to advanced academic research and complete academic projects. Students do not have time to study during their assigned projects.
The L.L.L.S. program allows students to experience a strong sense of engagement with the University, develop leadership skills, and have the opportunity to learn and develop practical skills in a number of fields and areas. Students are expected to maintain communication with their supervisor about the schedule, tasks, and deadlines. Supervisors are expected to provide training for L.L.L.S. students to fully acclimate the student to the new role.
L.L.L.S. Administration
At the beginning of each semester, information about open L.L.L.S. positions and the application process is sent to students' Franklin email accounts. The L.L.L.S. Program is coordinated by the Dean of Student Life and Engagement in collaboration with the Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Franklin Bursar.
This school offers programs in:
- English
