The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a comprehensive education in the field of psychology. Students who earn the degree will acquire a thorough understanding of the core disciplines in psychology, gain the ability to apply psychological principles, and develop proficiency in conducting and assessing empirical research. Students also will receive general training in key elements of a liberal arts education, including essential critical thinking and writing skills.
Students who are considering a career involving therapy or social work are strongly encouraged to complete the minor in Counseling along with the psychology degree.
Curriculum
Recommended Schedule
A recommended course sequence for Psychology B.A. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.
College Core Curriculum (31-45)
English (3-8 credits)
Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum
Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)
Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum
Mathematics (3-5 credits)
Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum
Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)
Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum
Social Sciences (3 credits)
Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum. (Excluding PSY 101)
Fine Arts (3 credits)
Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum
Humanities (6 credits)
Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum
Constitution-3-6-credits
Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum
Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum. (Excluding ANTH 101)
Additional College requirements (6)
Students must earn a C- or higher in courses used to fulfill the additional college requirements below.
Anthropology or Sociology
Choose one course from the following:
| ANTH 101 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.00 |
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3.00 |
Another Social Science Course
For the Additional Social Science course, choose a different prefix from the core social science course above.
| | Another Social Science Course: ANTH, COM (except 101 or 250), COU, CRJ (except 301 or 302), ECON (except 261 or 262), PSC, SOC (except 210 or 240), WMST | 3.00 |
Major Requirements (45-46)
Introductory course (3 credits)
Methods (6 credits)
Methods courses are only offered as in-person courses. These courses should be completed by the end of a student’s sophomore year.
| PSY 210 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3.00 |
| PSY 240 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3.00 |
Foundations and Principles (15 credits)
Choose five courses. Two courses must be selected from Group I and two courses must be selected from Group II.
Group I
Choose at least 2 courses from the following:
Group II
Choose at least 2 courses from the following:
Applied Methods and Specific Populations (6 credits)
Choose two course from the following:
| COU 320 | Drugs and Behavior | 3.00 |
| PSY 307 | Principles of Educational Psychology | 3.00 |
| PSY 450 | Industrial & Organizational Psychology | 3.00 |
| PSY 466 | Psychology of Sex | 3.00 |
| PSY 468 | Psychology of Inequality | 3.00 |
| PSY 469 | Psychology and the Legal System | 3.00 |
| PSY 470 | Health Psychology | 3.00 |
| PSY 481 | Principles of Psychological Assessment | 3.00 |
Direct Learning (3-4 credits)
Choose one course from the following:
| PSY 375 | Advanced Undergraduate Research | 3.00 |
| | or | |
| PSY 497 | Supervised Field Experience | 4.00 |
PSY 375 and PSY 497 are only offered as in-person courses. They are available in the Fall and Spring semesters only.
Psychology Electives (12 credits)
Except for PSY 101 and PSY 210, all psychology courses, including those listed above, may be considered electives. At least 18 credits in the major field must be upper division.