Major in Psychology
The Psychology major provides students with a knowledge base of theory, research, and practice in psychological sciences. The curriculum enables students to use the principles of psychology and prepares students for graduate study or for careers in professions for which psychological training is crucial.
The student who graduates with a Major in Psychology will be able to
- Apply major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology to prepare for graduate studies or careers in which psychological training is relevant.
- Apply basic knowledge of research methodology, statistics, measurement, guidelines, ethical standards, laws, and regulations to design, participate in, and evaluate research in a variety of contexts.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior to inform personal growth, communicate effectively, solve problems, make decisions, and interact with individuals, communities, and organizations.
- Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and where possible appropriate technology, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to current and emerging trends within the domains of psychology.
- Value diversity and different perspectives, tolerate ambiguity, and act ethically to communicate appropriately with various sociocultural and international populations.
Degree Requirements
A degree with a major in Psychology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 36 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 43 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 18 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).
The following course sequence outlines all the requirements for the BS in Psychology. Coursework for the major is indicated by Δ . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an Advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.
Requirements for the Psychology Major
- Required foundation courses (9 credits): PSYC 100 and 305 and STAT 225
- Biological science psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from BIOL 362 and PSYC 301, 310, and 341
- Professional psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from PSYC 335, 353, 432, 436, and 437
- Social psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from PSYC 321, 351, 354, and 361
- Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Any PSYC courses (but no more than three 1-credit courses)
- Required capstone course (3 credits): PSYC 495
Recommended Sequence
The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in Psychology. Since some recommended courses fill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.
Psychology Degree Courses
First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for MATH and WRTG courses.
LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
or WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing
MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math courseIntroductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)
PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or HUMN 100 Introduction to Humanities
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities
BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirements in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory
WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
or other communications/writing course
Δ PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
or CMST 301 Digital Media and Society
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
Δ STAT 225 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychology (3)
or STAT 200 Introduction to StatisticsFoundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)
GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or ECON 103 Economics in the Information Age
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences (discipline must differ from first)
NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences
HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or HIST 125 Technological Transformation
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in computing
SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
orSPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
orCOMM 202 Media and Society
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications, writing, or speech
Δ PSYC 300 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)
WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course
Δ PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3)
or other social psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
or other biological psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 353 Abnormal Psychology (3)
or other professional psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3)
or other social psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3)
or other biological psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 436 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)
or other professional psychology course for the major
Δ PSYC 415 History and Systems (3)
or other supplemental major course
Δ PSYC 451 Tests and Measurements (3)
or other supplemental major courseCapstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits) (3)
Δ PSYC 495 Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)
Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)
Total credits for BS in Psychology: 120
