UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Psychology

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

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.

Objectives

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.

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:

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 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or 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 advanced 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 Abnormal Psychology (3) or other clinical science psychology course for the major
  • ‡ PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3) or other social science psychology course for the major
  • ‡ PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3) or other natural science psychology course 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

Total credits for BS in psychology: 120