Program Requirements:
Every Psychology major must complete 36 semester hours in psychology and four hours in statistics.
The following five core courses are required:
In addition, to ensure sufficient breadth across substantive areas as well as depth in at least one area, every Psychology major must complete at least one course in each of the five following areas (Basic Processes, Social and Developmental, Clinical and Personality, Capstone: Upper-Level Theory and Application, and Capstone: Upper-Level Research):
Basic Processes
Social and Developmental
Clinical and Personality
Capstone
Students fulfill the capstone requirement in the Department by completing two Courses: one Upper Level Theory and Application Course and one Upper Level Research Course (listed below).
Upper Level Theory and Application
Upper Level Research
Prerequisites:
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science is a prerequisite for all courses offered by the department except PSYC 220 (for which the prerequisite is PSYC 101 or WGST 100). Upper-level courses have additional prerequisites as detailed in the course descriptions. Students may use an AP psychology test score of 4 or 5 to replace the PSYC 101 course requirement, but they are still encouraged to take the course for the comprehensive background it provides.
Recommendations:
Students considering a major in psychology are advised to take PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science and MATH 118 Introductory Statistics during their first year so that they can take PSYC 203 Research Methods in Psychology and PSYC 201 Biopsychology in their second year, as intended. Advisors and the Department Chair can help students plan individualized course sequences based on their interests and career goals. The following examples illustrate a variety of possibilities.
1. A student with career interests in the clinical and personality area should consider
2. A student planning a career working with children, such as early childhood education, counseling, child guidance, or school psychology, should consider
3. A student planning a career in medical or neuroscience research should consider
Relevant courses in biology, chemistry, and computer science are also recommended.
4. A student interested in a career in behavioral research, human factors, or computer-based instruction should consider
Relevant areas of mathematics and/or computer science are also recommended.
5. A student planning a career in social service or human resources should consider
Independent Learning in Psychology
Independent learning experiences enrich a student’s education in Psychology and can distinguish a student’s qualifications when applying for employment and admission to graduate school. Although not required for the Psychology degree, majors are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisors about integrating one or more of the following courses into their plan of study:
PSYC 380: Note: Must apply in spring before senior year. Students typically earn 8 credits of PSYC 380 across two consecutive semesters.