Psychology B.A.
Degree Requirements
A major in Psychology is achieved by the completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| PSY 100 | General Psychology | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 225 | Stats & Rsrch Meth-Behav Sci | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 325 | Stats & Rsrch Meth-Behav Sc II | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 420 | His & Systems of Psychology | 1 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Course
| PSY 424 | Senior Research | 1 Course Credit |
Required Laboratory Courses
Two (2) laboratory courses, chosen from
| PSY 207 | Principles of Learning w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 208 | Cognitive Psychology with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 209 | Social Psychology w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 210 | Ind/Org Psy with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 212 | Behavioral Neuroscience w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 214 | Ethology with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
Required Distribution Courses
Three (3) additional PSY course credits, at least two of which must be chosen from
| PSY 207 | Principles of Learning w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 208 | Cognitive Psychology with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 209 | Social Psychology w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 210 | Ind/Org Psy with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 211 | Abnormal Psychology | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 212 | Behavioral Neuroscience w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 213 | Child Psychopathology | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 214 | Ethology with Lab | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 215 | Health Psychology | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 217/PSY 323 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 231/CFS 231 | Social Gerontology (CFS) | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 321 | Personality Theory | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 323/PSY 217 | Clinical/Counseling Methods | 1 Course Credit |
Required Science Collateral Course
Any one of the following, although
BIO 100 or
BIO 110 is recommended and preferred. Students successfully competing
PSY 212 (Behavioral Neuroscience with Lab) waive the Science Collateral Course Requirement.
| BIO 100 | Introduction to Biology | 1 Course Credit |
| BIO 110 | Modern Biology | 1 Course Credit |
| CHM 131 | Accelerated General Chemistry | 1 Course Credit |
| CHM 134 | Accelerated Environmental Chem | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 217 | General Physics I with Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 315 | Intro Physics I with Calculus | 1 Course Credit |
| PSY 212 | Behavioral Neuroscience w/ Lab | 1 Course Credit |
Exploring the Major— Students interested in this major should take and earn a grade of B- or higher in PSY 100 as early as possible. (Completion or waiver of MAT 012 is a prerequisite.) Exposure to this introductory course will help students determine if they want to pursue a major in Psychology. In addition, PSY 100 also is a prerequisite for the other courses in Psychology (see course sequencing below). Potential majors should consult with the Program Chair if they are having trouble registering because of closed sections. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in PSY 225. Because the use of statistics and statistical reasoning is such an important part of psychology, students who are unable to earn a C in PSY 225 should consider changing majors. In addition to PSY 100 and PSY 225, prospective majors are encouraged to take as many of their General Education requirements as possible in their first two years. (Students should be aware that they will earn credit for four of the perspectives from the courses they will take as part of the Psychology Major: Practical Reasoning (both Quantitative and Non-quantitative, Social Science AND Western History Perspective).
Admission to the Major— Completion of PSY 100 with a grade of B- or higher; completion of PSY 225 with a grade of C or higher; and satisfactory completion of an admission interview. In unusual circumstances, any of these requirements may be waived by the consent of the Psychology faculty.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— The following regularly scheduled PSY courses may be taken as soon as PSY 100 has been completed: PSY 225 (MAT 012 also a prerequisite), PSY 207, PSY 208, PSY 209, PSY 211, PSY 212 (or permission), and PSY 214. PSY 225 and PSY 325 must be taken sequentially, preferably in the sophomore year (PSY 225 in Fall Term and PSY 325 in Spring). PSY 325 is a prerequisite for PSY 424. Keep in mind that PSY 207, PSY 210, PSY 212, PSY 215, PSY 217, PSY 231, and PSY 321 are usually taught in alternate years.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— In addition to the course requirements and the minimum grade required for PSY 100 and PSY 225, each student must satisfy the program’s standards for effective communication.
Other Considerations or Recommendations— Laboratory courses, in addition to the two required credits, are permitted and encouraged. A foreign language and MAT 115 (or waiver) are recommended. Courses outside the Psychology Program are recommended in Biology, Chemistry, Child Development, Computer Science, English, Sociology, and Philosophy. See the Schedule of Classes for courses that have been approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) for a given term.