Major in Psychology

Students may seek either an academic major or minor 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.

Intended Program Outcomes

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; 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).

Requirements for the Psychology Major

Coursework for a major in psychology includes the following:

• Required foundation courses (9 credits): PSYC 100 and 300 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 BS in psychology. Coursework for the major is indicated by . 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.

Psychology Degree Courses

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 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (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 arts and humanities course
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course
• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) 
  
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
• SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course
• STAT 225 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (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 behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy  or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
  or other interdisciplinary issues/computing course
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts or other communication, writing, or speech course
• 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  
  
• PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3)
  or other social psychology course for the major
• PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
  or other biological psychology course for the major
• PSYC 353 Abnormal Psychology (3)
  or other professional psychology course for the major
• PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3)
  or other social psychology course for the major
• PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3)
      or other biological psychology course for the major
• PSYC 436 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)
  or other professional psychology course for the major
• PSYC 352 Child and Adolescent Psychology (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• PSYC 335 Theories of Personality (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)

• PSYC 495 Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (40)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Recommended Electives 

• PSYC 415 History and Systems
  (for students who plan to go on to graduate school) 
• PSYC 451 Tests and Measurements

Total credits for BS in psychology: 120

• Psychology Degree Planning Worksheet