B.A. Degree with a Major in Psychology

Requirements for the Major

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, 225, 325, 420

Required Capstone Course

PSY 424

Required Laboratory Courses

Two (2) laboratory courses, chosen from PSY 207, 208, 212, or 214

Required Distribution Courses

Three (3) additional PSY course credits, at least two of which must be chosen from PSY 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 217, 231, 321, 323 (if not already used in Laboratory Courses above)

Required Science Collateral Course

BIO 100 or BIO 110 is recommended.  However, any one of the following alternatives will meet the requirement: CHM 131, CHM 134, PHY 217, PHY 315, or PSY 212.

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 to determine for certain 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 Coordinator 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 have difficulty with PSY 225 should consider changing majors. In addition to PSY 100 and 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), 207, 208, 209, 211, 212 (or permission), and 214 (or BIO 100 or 110). PSY 225 and 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, 210, 212, 215, 217, 231, and 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.

Psychology

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