Major in Psychology
The minor program offers an opportunity for students wishing to develop a core understanding of psychology. The minor is not meant for students whose primary interest is the study of psychology; instead, it is a complement to other fields of study where knowledge of psychology and its methods would be beneficial.
Admission Requirements: Admission is open to any student who is interested in psychology and who can maintain a 2.0 grade point average in the required and elective psychology courses.
Standards for Minimum Academic Performance in the Psychology Major: The Psychology major requires a minimum grade of C- in all courses applied to the major. Courses may be repeated. The C- minimum grade does not apply to psychology courses beyond those applied to the major (four specified, four from specified areas and four elective courses). Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the major, consistent with University policy.
Requirements for a Major in Psychology: The Psychology major requires successful completion of 12 courses in Psychology. Four of these courses are specific core requirements; four are from specified areas and the remaining four are electives. The minimum of 37 credits must include the following four core courses:
PS 101 General Psychology
PS 205 Research Methods
PS 275 Psychological Statistics
PS 307 Applied Research Methods
and at least four courses (12 credits) from the following, including one from each of four different areas:
Area 1 — Developmental
1 — PS 210 Child Growth and Development
2 — PS 215 Psychology of Adolescence
3 — PS 220 Psychology of Aging
Area 2 — Social Psychology
1 — PS 250 Social Psychology
2 — PS 252 Applied Social Psychology
Area 3 — Personality and Abnormal Psychology
1 — PS 330 Theories of Personality
2 — PS 335 Abnormal Psychology
3 — PS 340 Introduction to Psychometrics
Area 4 — Learning and Cognition
1 — PS 325 Psychology of Learning
2 — PS 345 Cognitive Psychology
Area 5 — Biopsychosocial Processes
1 — PS 280 Sensation and Perception
2 — PS 380 Physiological Psychology
3 — PS 222 Introduction to Health Psychology
and 12 credits in psychology electives. At least three courses (nine credits) must be at a 300 and/or 400 level.
Evening Psychology: The required core courses for the Psychology Major may be completed with evening or summer classes. Many core courses are offered in the evening during each academic year as well as some elective courses. Internships and independent study courses, however, are only offered in fall and spring day classes.
HONORS Program: The HONORS program is designed to increase opportunities for students of outstanding ability to engage in independent work and prepare for more challenging futures. It is especially recommended for students planning to pursue graduate education.
The HONORS project must be completed and presented to the faculty sponsor. Students are required to make an oral presentation on the project in a session open to all faculty and students in the department.
Admission to the HONORS program is by application. The admission requirements, closing date for application and instructions for completing the application process may be obtained from the Department Office.
Concentrations: Students may choose to simply major in psychology without a particular specialization (by completing the Requirements for a Major in Psychology) or may choose to major in psychology with a specialization by completing the requirements for a concentration in Mental Health Services, Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Developmental Processes. They may also specialize by completing the requirements for a Consortium Certificate in Gerontology or for an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Women's Studies.