Psychology, B.A.

The psychology major is composed of a minimum of 32 credits plus a statistics course. Only one psychology course may be transferred into the major (unless the student is a transfer student). The major requirements are broken down into the following elements:

Fundamental Courses

All majors must take:

PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 4 (includes Research Lab)
MATH 210 - Introductory Statistics Credits: 4
or
MATH 311 - Statistical Methods Credits: 2
PSY 200 - Research Methods Credits: 4 (includes Research Lab)

Students must take four of the following courses:

NSCI 211 - Introduction to Neuroscience Credits: 4
PSY 230 - Developmental Psychology Credits: 4
PSY 310 - Behavior Disorders Credits: 4 (includes Research Lab)
PSY 330 - Social Psychology Credits: 4 (includes Research Lab)
PSY 340 - Cognitive Psychology Credits: 4 (includes Research Lab)

Topical Seminar

PSY 308 - Multicultural Psychology Credits: 4
PSY 325 - Health Psychology Credits: 4
PSY 350 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology Credits: 4
PSY 382 - Psychology of Gender Credits: 4
PSY 390 - Advanced Research Credits: 4
PSY 395 - Studies in Psychology Credits: 1-4
PSY 410 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology Credits: 4
PSY 435 - Psychological Science and Religion Credits: 4

Electives

Four additional credits in psychology are required, and these credits may be from any Psychology course such as another survey course, seminar course, or one of the following courses:

PSY 110 - Race in America Credits: 2
EDUC 225 - The Exceptional Child and Adolescent Credits: 3
EDUC 226 - The Exceptional Child and Adolescent Clinical Experience Credits: 1
KIN 371 - Sport Performance Psychology Credits: 3 will also count toward the major.

Perspective Taking

The Psychology Department believes it is essential for students to develop cultural perspective-taking. Students are required to take six credits of courses identified as having a Global Learning focus. These courses do not need to be psychology courses. However, PSY 110 - Race in America , PSY 395 - Studies in Psychology , and PSY 308 - Multicultural Psychology incorporate Global Learning.

Service Learning or Field Experience

Students interested in a career in the helping professions are encouraged to take PSY 265 - The Theory and Practice of Helping , to develop basic listening skills.

Students are required to participate in one service-learning course. This can be fulfilled by taking

PSY 230 - Developmental Psychology Credits: 4
or
PSY 496 - Psychology Internship Credits: 1-10

Research Skills Development

Students who are interested in attending a research-based graduate program are encouraged to take PSY 390 - Advanced Research . The department also offers PSY 290 - Supervised Study in Psychology , PSY 490 - Special Studies , and PSY 493 - Honors Research , which are opportunities that enhance students’ skills for the workplace and equip them for graduate study.

Students who have questions about whether the prescribed 32-credit major is the most appropriate one for them or who would like to form a composite major may design, in consultation with their psychology advisor, a major program suited to their unique needs and goals. A written copy of this alternate major program is filed with the department chairperson after approval is obtained by the relevant chair(s) and the Registrar. Students interested in an alternative major should contact the Department of Psychology chairperson or their psychology advisor as soon as possible.