Psychology, B.A.

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Psychology is the science that endeavors to achieve the goals of observation, description, understanding, prediction and control of behavior and psychological processes. Topical areas of inquiry include: human development, personality theory, neuroscience, learning, memory and cognition, emotion, sensation and perception, interpersonal relationships, personal adjustment, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy. Theoretical perspectives most emphasized over the course of studies include: Neuroscience, cognitive science, behavioral and social learning theories, humanist-existential, post-structural and psychodynamic theories.

Because scientific knowledge of behavior and psychological processes are important to all fields of study, persons majoring in areas other than psychology should enroll in selected courses of interest. For the same reason, choosing psychology as a minor also is encouraged. Students majoring in psychology may work with their advisor to select a guided program of study. An applied program is designed to prepare those who plan to seek employment in community agencies in either the private or public sector immediately following graduation with the bachelor degree. Academic studies programs prepare students to pursue studies in psychology at the graduate school level in either practical (i.e., clinical, school, counseling) or experimental (i.e., neuroscience, developmental, social, cognitive) specializations. Psychology majors are expected to understand scientific methods, conduct research, write scholarly research reports in APA style, and present their research findings to peers.

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

PHIL 330 - Ethics 3 hours

Foreign Language Requirement (6 sem. hrs)

For information on how to fulfill the foreign language requirement click here .

Psychology Core Requirements (18 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Psychology Electives (33 sem. hrs)

Complete 33 hours in elective Psychology courses.

Foundational Courses (21 sem. hrs minimum)

All majors must complete at least 21 credit hours of foundational courses, including at least one course from the Biological and Behavioral Processes group, and at least one course from the Social and Developmental Processes group.

Biological and Behavioral Processes

Social and Developmental Processes

Additional Foundational Courses

Additional Electives (12 sem. hrs)

Twelve additional hours in psychology are chosen by the student with the approval of a Psychology advisor. Psychology electives should be selected on the basis of career interests.

Sport Psychology Emphasis (Optional) (33 sem. hrs)

33 hours of Sport Psychology Emphasis coursework can be used in place of the Psychology Electives above. The 21 hours below; plus 12 additional hours in psychology courses chosen by the student and approved by an advisor.

PSYC 280 - Psychology of Sport 3 hours
PSYC 235 - Social Psychology 3 hours or
SOCI 235 - Social Psychology 3 hours
PSYC 371 - Neuroscience 3 hours or
BIOL 371 - Neuroscience 3 hours
PSYC 399 - Psychology Internship 1-3 hours
(3 hour internship must be taken to fulfill emphasis requirements)
PSYC 220 - Cognitive Psychology 3 hours
PSYC 460 - Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology 3 hours

Additional Electives (12 sem. hrs)

Twelve additional hours in psychology are chosen by the student with the approval of an advisor. Psychology electives should be selected on the basis of career interests.

Electives (21-24 sem. hrs)

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)

The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.

Note (s):

Culminating Evaluative Experiences: all students must complete PSYC 495 - Integrative Psychology 3 hours with a grade of C or higher and also a comprehensive exit interview.