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.

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 emergent 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 (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 43 credits in the minor, electives, and other 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, PSYC 300, and STAT 225
  • Biological science psychology foundation courses (6 credits): Chosen from BIOL 362 or 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 of 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 academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Minor in Psychology

The psychology minor complements the skills the student gains in his or her major discipline by investigating the nature of mind and behavior, including the biological basis of behavior, perception, memory and cognition, the influence of environmental and social forces on the individual, personality, life-span development and adjustment, research methods, and statistical analysis.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in psychology requires the completion of 15 credits in psychology (any PSYC course). Applicable coursework is as follows.

  • Students must choose one of the following foundation courses:
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 300 Research Methods in Psychology
  • STAT 225 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
  • They must also choose one biological psychology course, one social psychology course, and one professional psychology course. All of these courses must be chosen from those listed under the requirements for the major. The remaining course may be chosen from any PSYC course.

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, students should refer to their major and the General Education Requirements.

Psychology Major Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

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

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)

or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

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 general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

PSYC 100Required by major 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 ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

STAT 225Required by major Introduction to Statistical Methods 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 course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

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 general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

PSYC 300Required by major Research Methods in Psychology (3)

Additional Required Courses

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

PSYC 321Required by major Social Psychology (3)
or other social psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 301Required by major Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
or other biological psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 353Required by major Abnormal Psychology (3)
or other professional psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 354Required by major Cross-Cultural Psychology (3)
or other social psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 310Required by major Sensation and Perception (3)
or other biological psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 436Required by major Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)
or other professional psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 352Required by major Child and Adolescent Psychology (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 334Required by major Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Capstone Course for the Major

(to be taken in the last 15 credits)

PSYC 495Required by major Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)

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


UMUC Europe Undergraduate Catalog


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Last updated: 30 June 2011