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    Undergrad | Bachelors |

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 (indicated by ); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

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.

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 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101/101X 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 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

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 general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

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 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)

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics 3
(recommended elective)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing
or speech

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 upper-level advanced writing requirement

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

PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior 3
or other natural science psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 353 Abnormal Psychology 3
or other clinical science psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

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

PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception (3)
or other natural science psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 432 Introduction to Counseling Psychology 3
or other clinical science psychology course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 355 Child Psychology 3
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PSYC 341 Introduction to Memory and Cognition (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

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

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

Required for the major

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.

Objectives

A student who graduates with a minor in psychology will be able to

• Recognize how knowledge of psychology can facilitate career advancement and help people improve their interpersonal relationships across cultural and national boundaries.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the origins and development of the discipline of psychology and explain some of the issues of world diversity in behavioral research.
• Use critical observation, experimentation, empirical reasoning, and appropriate information technology and information resources.
• Apply psychological theory and research to practical situations and problems.
• Think critically and communicate an understanding of psychology.
• Access databases for psychological literature and identify psychological resources online.

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 305 Research Methods in Psychology
• STAT 225 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychology
• One natural science PSYC course chosen from list allowable for major
• One social science PSYC course chosen from list allowable for major
• One clinical science PSYC course chosen from list allowable for major
• One general PSYC course (any PSYC)

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Courses may not duplicate those used to satisfy requirements for the major. Prerequisites apply for all courses.

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

Last updated: 10 August 2009