The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides our most comprehensive education in the field of psychology. Relative to those who acquire a B.A. degree, students who earn the B.S. degree will receive more advanced training in research methodology and statistical analysis along with a more thorough understanding of the natural sciences. This degree is strongly recommended for students who are planning to attend graduate school. 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.S. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.
Core Curriculum (35-48)
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 (4 credits)
Mathematics requirement should be completed by the end of a student’s sophomore year.
Natural Sciences (10-12 credits)
| | One course in Biological Science (prefix: BIOL) | |
| | One course in Physical Science (prefix: AST, CHEM, or PHYS) | |
| | One course in Earth Science (prefix: GEOG – excluding GEOG 106, GEOL, ENV, or NRES) | |
Among the above requirements, one course must include a laboratory component.
Social Sciences (3 credits)
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3.00 |
| | or | |
| ANTH 101 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.00 |
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
Additional College requirements (6 credits)
Students must earn a C- or higher in courses used to fulfill the additional college requirements below.
| PHIL 102 | Critical Thinking and Reasoning | 3.00 |
| | 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 |
For the Additional Social Science course, choose a different prefix from the core social science course above.
Major Requirements (45)
Introductory course (3 credits)
Methods (6 credits)
| PSY 210 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3.00 |
| PSY 240 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3.00 |
Methods courses are only offered as in-person courses. These courses should be completed by the end of a student’s sophomore year.
Foundations and Principles (15 credits)
Group I
Choose three courses from the following:
Group II
Choose two courses from the following:
Applied Methods and Specific Populations (6 credits)
Choose two courses from the following:
| 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 |
| COU 320 | Drugs and Behavior | 3.00 |
Direct Learning (3 credits)
Only offered in-person. Fall and Spring semesters only.
| PSY 375 | Advanced Undergraduate Research | 3.00 |
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.