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

• Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).



• Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology.



• Explain different research methods used by psychologists.



• Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems.



• Use and engage critical thinking effectively.



• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant ethical issues and general understanding of the American Psychological Association ethics code.

A degree with a major in psychology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major (indicated by Δ), 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs), and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Coursework for a major in psychology includes the following:

• Required foundation courses (9 credits): PSYC 100 and 305 and STAT 225 (or STAT 200)
• Natural science psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from BIOL 362 and PSYC 301, 310, 315, 341, 391, and 441
• Social science psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from PSYC 321, 345, 351, 354, 355, 357, 361, and 424
• Clinical science psychology courses (6 credits): Chosen from PSYC 353, 432, 435, 436, and 437
• Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Any PSYC courses (but no more than three 1-credit courses)
• Required related course (3 credits), which can be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107

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.

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for MATH and WRTG courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or a foreign language course
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement

Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/writing requirement

Δ PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Applications Software

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to satisfy the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

Δ STAT 225 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychology (3)
or STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or GERO 100 Introduction to Gerontology
or other course to satisfy the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course(s) to satisfy the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3)
(recommended elective)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts
or other course to satisfy the communications/writing or speech requirement

Δ PSYC 305 Research Methods in Psychology (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement

Δ PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3)
or other social science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
or other natural science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 353 Adult Psychopathology (3)
or other clinical science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3)
or other social science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3)
or other natural science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 432 Introduction to Counseling Psychology (3)
or other clinical science PSYC course for the major

Δ PSYC 355 Child Psychology (3)
or other supplemental major course

Δ PSYC 341 Introduction to Memory and Cognition (3)
or other supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)

Recommended Electives
PSYC 415 History of Psychology
PSYC 451 Principles of Psychological Assessment
(for students who plan to go on to graduate school)

Total credits for BS in Psychology: 120