Psychology
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. 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 Department 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 210, 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.
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 department’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 Department are recommended in Biology, Business, 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.