Psychology Major Requirements
The psychology major seeks to assist students in developing a critical knowledge of psychology as a science and psychology as a means to promote human welfare. These goals reflect the college’s mission and identity statements, which promote educating students for meaningful professional lives of service and a lifelong search for truth.
Requirements for the major are a minimum of 34 credits:
I. FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION
- ENG 110 College Writing
- MATH 101, 111, 112, 122 or 231 (caution: some majors have specific math requirements)
- COMMS 101 Speech
- PHIL 101 Logic: Critical Thinking
- Computer Competency (determined by major)
- Foreign Language (a two semester sequence is required)
For a B.S., at least 6 credits in one language; for a B.A., 16 credits in one language, or 14 credits in one and 8 in a second. High school coursework may fulfill the requirement, but credit is not given unless the student wishes to earn retroactive credit; see the college catalogue for policies.
II. FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN LEARNING
- An F1 course in literature (Pre-req is ENG 110 College Writing)
- An F2 course in history and appreciation of one of the fine arts
- An F3 studio experience course in one of the fine arts
- An F4 course in social science: economics, political science, psychology, sociology - PSY 101
- An F5 sequence of two courses in one of the natural sciences, including experimental lab
- An F6 course in history
- An F7 course in philosophy other than PHIL 101 (Pre-req is PHIL 101 Logic)
- An F8 course in religious studies
III. HUMAN ISSUES STUDY
- Human Issues Seminar (3-4 credits) or
- Independent study on a Human Issues topic of the student’s choosing (min. 3 credits)
IV. MAJOR DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Required core courses:
- PSY 101F4 General Psychology
- PSY 369 Statistics for Social Science or MATH 121 Statistics
- PSY 375 Research Methods in Psychology
- PSY 445 Biological Psychology
- PSY 495 Guided Experiential Learning Internship
- PSY 498 Evaluating Psychological Research
- At least one Human Development course*:
- PSY 210 Child Psychology
- PSY 220 Adolescent Psychology
- PSY 345 Lifespan Development
- PSY 384 Youth Development and Culture
- PSY 440 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
- At least two Major Areas of Inquiry courses*:
- PSY 230 Psychology of Human Learning
- PSY 287 Psychology of Gender
- PSY 310 Psychology of Intimate Relationships
- PSY 340 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 349 Social Psychology
- PSY 388 Perception, Memory, and Cognition
- PSY 430 Animal Behavior
- At least one Applications of Psychology course*:
- PSY 324 The Helping Relationship
- PSY 350 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence
- PSY 360 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- PSY 380 Introductions to Psychotherapy
- PSY 382 Multicultural Counseling
- PSY 386 Psychological Assessment
- PSY 387 Forensic Psychology
- PSY 390 Group Psychotherapy
- PSY 487 Introduction to Family Therapy
* PSY 285, 385, 485 Topics in Psychology and PSY 383, 483 Topics in Psychology and Culture may fulfill a requirement for these areas if the topic examined falls within the subject matter for that area. This will be determined and announced by the Psychology Department.
Also Required: A minimum of 120 credits & a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0. Some majors may require more credits and a higher GPA for completion of the degree.