Department of Psychology

Psychology Major (B.A.)

Program objectives for a B.A. in Psychology are: (a) describe the nature of psychology as a discipline; (b) use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena; (c) demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology; (e) describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology; (f) explain different research methods used by psychologists; (g) design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using appropriate research methods; (h) evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from psychological research; (i) generalize research conclusions appropriately based on the parameters of particular research methods; (j) follow the APA Code of Ethics in the treatment of human and nonhuman participants in the design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting of psychological research; (k) use critical thinking effectively; (l) use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments and other persuasive appeals; (m) approach problems effectively; (n) describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, school, health); (o) identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems; (p) articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy; (q) recognize the necessity for ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and practice of psychology; (s) recognize and understand the importance of academic integrity; (t) recognize and respect human diversity and understand that psychological explanations may vary across populations and contexts; (u) assess and justify engagement with respect to civic, social, and global responsibilities; (v) understand the limitations of psychological knowledge and skills .

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements.

B. College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (12-16 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements and are listed above.

C. The Major (35 hours in Psychology)

1. Completion of PSYC 1030, 3010 (4), 3020 (4). In addition, all majors must take the Psychology Field Test during their senior year.

2. Concentrations (24 hours):

a. General Psychology: Completion of at least one course each from the PSYC 3100, 3300, and 3500 series, and 15 additional upper-division hours in PSYC courses.

b. Behavioral Neuroscience: any 3100 series course, 3306, 3507, 4505, 4506, and 4997 (Thesis), and 6 additional upper-division hours. Students must also take BIOL 1110, 1120, CHEM 1110, 1120.

c. Cognitive Science: Completion of at least one course from either PSYC 3103 or 3106; PSYC 3303; at least two courses from PSYC 3304, 3305, 3306, 3530, 4305; and either PSYC 4998 or 4999. In addition, students must complete at least three of the following courses outside of psychology: PHIL 3460, 3621, 4421, COMP 1800, 1900, 4001, ENGL 3511, MATH 2701. Students must take additional upper-division hours in PSYC courses to bring their PSYC total to at least 35 hours.

D. Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

E. Honors Program

The Psychology Honors Program provides an opportunity for selected Psychology majors to enrich their learning experience through honors courses, independent study, a senior thesis, and extracurricular learning experiences. The program requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of honors work in psychology. Students who complete the program with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average will earn degrees that included the distinction "With Honors in Psychology." Please contact the department honors coordinator for more detailed information about the Psychology Honors Program and assistance in applying. Psychology majors may also be eligible to participate in the University Honors Program described elsewhere in this bulletin. Some psychology honors courses may be counted toward the requirement of the University Honors Program.

Psychology Honors Classes. The honors courses described below are open only to students in good standing in the Psychology Honors Program or the University Honors Program. Honors courses in Psychology include: (1) PSYC 1030 (General Psychology - Honors). Students who wish to enroll in this course during their first year may do so either by meeting the requirements for the University Honors Program or by instructor permission; (2) periodically offered honors sections of other courses in the psychology curriculum; (3) specialized honors courses; (4) Honors Special Topics; (5) Directed Research and Senior Thesis.

Psychology Honors Contracts. Students may ask the instructor of any psychology course to negotiate an honors contract, in which the instructor and student agree on additional honor-level requirements for the course.

Psychology Honors Senior Thesis. Students ask a psychology faculty member to serve as adviser for PSYC 4996 (Honors Senior Thesis), typically completed during the student’s last semester. Before enrolling in PSYC 4996, the student should complete at least one semester of PSYC 4504 (Directed Research) under the same faculty adviser who will oversee work in the honors thesis. Students specializing in Behavioral Neuroscience may choose to enroll in PSYC 4506 (Directed Research in Behavioral Neuroscience) and PSYC 4997 (Senior Thesis in Behavioral Neuroscience). The completed thesis is presented in writing and defended orally before a faculty committee.

Psychology Minor

Completion of 20 semester hours in psychology, including PSYC 1030, 3010 (4) 3020 (4) (or equivalent), and 9 additional upper-division hours.

Typical 4-Year Psychology Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours: 120

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement