The Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology provides broad coverage of modern scientific psychology, including the methods by which knowledge is acquired in this field. As a science, psychology seeks to understand the basic principles by which living organisms adapt their behavior to the changing physical and social environments in which they live. The breadth of the discipline, with its links to the humanities, mathematics, computer sciences, and other social and natural sciences, encourages the development of broad problem-solving skills through exposure to research methodology and statistical analysis and contributes to personal growth and the development of communication skills.

The psychology major requirements reflect the belief of the faculty that all psychology majors should be exposed to a core of courses, and be allowed to select other courses in the field that are of particular interest. The major is designed so that, in consultation with his or her advisor, each student will be prepared to enter the workforce prepared for positions in human services, social services, or business areas such as personnel or management. The major requirements are also suitable for the psychology major who is considering furthering his or her education at the graduate level in social work, marriage and family counseling, vocational counseling, or the more traditional applied and experimental psychology programs. The program is also appropriate for those who would like to pursue careers that emphasize scientific training and quantitative skills.

1. See the “Degree Requirements for a B.A. in Humanities and Social Sciences” section under the “School of Humanities and Social Sciences” for General Education and other basic requirements.
2. Psychology Major Requirements for B.A.: Students must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours in psychology with a grade of C- or higher in each course.  Questions about other psychology courses that might meet Cluster I, II, III, IV, or V below should be directed to the department.

Psychology Core Requirements: The following courses are required of all students declaring a B.A. in Psychology major (all course descriptions can be found here):

• PSY-P 103 General Psychology (3 cr.) - this also serves as a general education course for psychology majors
• PSY-P 259 Introduction to Psychological Inquiry (3 cr.)
• PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 355 Experimental Psychology (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 459 History & Systems of Psychology (3 cr.)*

Category I: Choose 1 of these 2 courses:

• PSY-P 319 Psychology of Personality (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 320 Social Psychology (3 cr.)

Category II: Choose 1 of these 2 courses:

• PSY-P 325 Psychology of Learning (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 335 Cognitive Psychology (3 cr.)

Category III:  Choose 1 of these 2 courses:

• PSY-P 326 Behavioral Neuroscience (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 407 Drugs and the Nervous System (3 cr.)

Category IV:  Choose 1 of these 2 courses:

• PSY-P 303 Health Psychology (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 324 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)

Category V:  Choose 1 of these 2 courses:

• PSY-P 216 Life Span Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 316 Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 cr.)

       NOTE: Credit cannot be earned for both PSY-P 216 and PSY-P 316.

Supervised Skills Sequence: Students should consult with academic advisors and with the psychology faculty in deciding which 1 of these 2 sequences to complete:

• PSY-P 493 (3 cr.) + PSY-P 494 (3 cr.) Supervised Research I & II
• PSY-P 381 Helping Skills and Ethics (3 cr.) + PSY-B421 Practicum in Psychology (3 cr.)

*Psychology majors are not required to take ENG W 350. The intensive writing requirement is fulfilled in PSY-P 459 History & Systems of Psychology.