Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The B.S. in Psychology is designed to provide a knowledge base of current methods, content areas, and theories. It seeks to facilitate the development of intellectual skills and characteristics that enhance the student's lifelong personal and career success. The program begins with a general psychology course and includes courses in quantitative methods and experimental design. Additional coursework is selected from a broad range of available courses. Students are encouraged to pursue breadth across the areas of psychology, particularly when planning for advanced study in psychology. The department does, however, identify sets of courses particularly relevant for students interested in clinical or industrial/organizational psychology.

Students may choose to complete a minor in Psychology by declaring their minor in the Psychology Department (MGB 246). The Psychology minor may be used to support the student's major, to expand employment opportunities following graduation, or to provide recognition of study in a second academic area.  Steps required to declare a minor are listed here.

A student who intends to major in psychology must attend a major declaration session.  The steps required to declare a major in psychology are listed here. 

Required Psychology Courses

A total of 36 hours of in psychology is required. Students must take PSYC 201S, 317, and 318. In addition, students must take at least one course from Area I (Foundation courses) -- PSYCH 310, 313, 314, 324 or 330; and one course from three of the five other areas: Area II (Developmental) -- PSYC 321, 334, 351, 352, or 353; Area III (Social/Personality) -- PSYC 304U, 305U, 363, 408U; Area IV (Clinical) -- PSYC 306, 325, 405U, 412, or 461; Area V (Cultural Context) -- PSYC 323U, 403, 420, 431, or 460; or Area VI (Industrial/Organizational) -- PSYC 303U, 343, 344, or 345. Requirements for graduation include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 overall and in the major, 120 credit hours, passage of the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency, and completion of Senior Assessment. A grade of C- or better is required in all psychology courses counted towards the major.

Interest Area in Clinical Psychology

The undergraduate interest area in clinical psychology was designed for students who wish to develop cognitive and behavioral competencies at the bachelor's level of mental health specialization. The suggested curriculum includes PSYC 369, 370, 405U, 408U, 412 and either 203S, 204, 304U, or 321, in addition to completion of the general requirements for a major in psychology.

Interest Area in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The undergraduate interest area in industrial/organizational psychology is designed for psychology majors who have a special interest in industrial, engineering, and organizational psychology. The suggested curriculum includes PSYC 303U, 343, 344, and 345, in addition to completion of the general requirements for a major in psychology.