School of Undergraduate Studies

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Psychology

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in psychology.

Major in Psychology

The principles of psychology have endless applications. Whether you’re considering graduate study, a career in mental health, or simply wish to acquire an understanding of cognitive and emotional functioning to apply in everyday life, you’ll be well-prepared with a UMUC education in psychology.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in psychology will be able to:

Recognize how knowledge of psychology can facilitate career advancement and help people improve their interpersonal relationships across cultural and national boundaries.
Examine psychology in a broad context of interdisciplinary approaches that cover cultural diversity, historical and political perspectives, and current issues.
Practice critical observation, experimentation, and empirical reasoning in psychology theory and research.
Apply theory and research in psychology to practical situations and problems.
Effectively communicate psychological concepts and critical thinking in oral and written form (such as research presentations and papers).
Conduct scientific research, including accessing technical information, writing papers and presenting research, and using computers in psychology.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in psychology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; 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).

Psychology Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in psychology includes the following:

Required foundation courses (9 credits): PSYC 100 and 305 and STAT 225
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 may be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in psychology. 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.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 107 College Algebra (3) 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 fulfill 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 fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
‡ PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application 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 fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
‡ 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 fulfill 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 fulfill 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 fulfill 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 to fulfill 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 fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
‡ PSYC 305 Research Methods in Psychology (3)

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

WRTG 391/391X Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive writing requirement
‡ PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3) or other social science psychology course for the major
‡ PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3) or other natural science psychology course for the major
‡ PSYC 353 Adult Psychopathology (3) or other clinical science psychology course for the major
‡ PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3) or other social science psychologycourse for the major
‡ PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3) or other natural science psychologycourse for the major
‡ PSYC 432 Introduction to Counseling Psychology (3) or other clinical science psychology course for the major
‡ PSYC 355 Child Psychology (3) or other supplemental major course
‡ 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) (40)

Recommended Electives

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