Psychology Major, B.S.

All majors will complete the required sequence of courses. Majors are advised to select an emphasis in aging studies or substance use disorder counseling, or to pursue a career-related minor or second major.

Course Title Credits
General Requirements
Core General Education Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
Core Courses
PSYCHLGY 1130General Psychology 13
PSYCHLGY 2230Introduction to Experimental Psychology3
PSYCHLGY 3960Behavioral Research I3
PSYCHLGY 3970Behavioral Research II3
PSYCHLGY 4330History and Systems of Psychology3
or PSYCHLGY 4340 Capstone in Psychology
MATH 1830Elementary Statistics 1, 23
ENGLISH 3000Technical Writing 23
or BUSADMIN 2010 Business Communication
or ENGLISH 3010 Writing for Science and Research
Elective Group A: BIOLOGICAL or COGNITIVE
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Cognitive Psychology 1
Sensation and Perception
Physiological Psychology
The Biological Basis of Emotion and Motivation
Elective Group B: DEVELOPMENT & LEARNING
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Life Span Developmental Psychology 1
Learning and Behavior 1
Child Psychology 1
Adolescent Psychology 1
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 1
Elective Group C: SOCIAL & PERSONALITY
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Psychology of Prejudice, Discrimination, and Stigma 1
Social Psychology 1
Theories of Personality 1
Elective Group D: MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Health Psychology 1
Psychopathology 1
Drugs and Behavior
Techniques of Counseling
Electives
Select 10 additional credits from the above categories and/or from the following:10
Careers in Counseling and Human Services
Positive Psychology 1
Human Behavior in the Social Environment 1
Psychology of Women and Gender 1
The Psychology of Human Sexuality 1
Contemporary Issues in Psychology 1
Cooperative Field Experience 3
Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Treatment
Individual Study in Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Advanced Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Social Work Practice with Groups and Families
1

This course may apply toward a Core General Education Requirement.

2

Does not count toward the 37 credits for the major.

3

Four credits of cooperative field experience may count toward the 37 credits required for the major; up to eight credits may count toward the 120 credits required for graduation.

Departmental Writing Requirements

In addition to the completion of 37 credits in psychology, all psychology majors must also successfully complete the following writing requirements:

  1. Completion of ENGLISH 1130, ENGLISH 1230, and ENGLISH 3000 with a minimum grade of “C-”, or verification of testing out of ENGLISH 1130 by the Department of Humanities (English)
  2. Completion of Technical Writing (ENGLISH 3000), Writing for Science (English 3010), or Business Communication (Busadmin 2010) is required
  3. Satisfactory completion of papers in those courses in which papers are required, which are evaluated for ability to communicate in written form as well as knowledge of psychological concepts

Course Grade and Prerequisite Requirements

  1. A grade of “C-” or better must be earned in all psychology courses that contribute to the 37 credit requirement for a psychology major.
  2. A grade of “C-” or better is required in PSYCHLGY 1130 in order to enroll in PSYCHLGY 2230.
  3. A grade of “C-” or better is required in PSYCHLGY 2230 in order to enroll in PSYCHLGY 3960 and PSYCHLGY 3970.
  4. Elementary Statistics (MATH 1830) must be successfully completed (“D” or better) before taking Behavioral Research I (PSYCHLGY 3960).
  5. Four credits of CFE or Independent Study in Psychology may count toward the 37 required credits for the major; up to 8 credits of CFE or Independent Study in Psychology may count toward the 120 credits required for graduation.

Psychology Emphases

Emphases within the major: Completion of an emphasis, a career-related minor or a second major is strongly recommended.

Aging Studies Emphasis

This combination of courses will increase students' understanding of the biopsychosocial aspects of aging and will better prepare students for working with the aging population.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
PSYCHLGY 2930Human Behavior in the Social Environment 13
PSYCHLGY 3000Cognitive Psychology 13
PSYCHLGY 3990Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 13
PSYCHLGY 4660Cooperative Field Experience3
PSYCHLGY 4930Techniques of Counseling3
Total Credits15
1

This course may apply toward a Core General Education Requirement.

Substance Use Disorders Counseling Emphasis

The coursework in this emphasis is recommended by the Psychology Department to students interested in pursuing a career in substance use counseling.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
PSYCHLGY 4430Psychopathology 13
PSYCHLGY 4660Cooperative Field Experience3
or CRIMLJUS 4880 Internship
or CRIMLJUS 4500 Directed Individual Studies
PSYCHLGY/CRIMLJUS 4840Drugs and Behavior3
PSYCHLGY/CRIMLJUS 4850Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Treatment3
PSYCHLGY 4930Techniques of Counseling3
PSYCHLGY 4940Advanced Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy3
Electives
Select 6 credits of electives 26
Foundations of Interviewing
Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Learning and Behavior 1
Physiological Psychology
The Psychology of Human Sexuality 1
Health Psychology 1
Social Work Practice with Groups and Families
Total Credits24
1

This course may apply toward a Core General Education Requirement.

2

Please see your advisor for details.