Psychology, B.A. (R, A)

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Psychology Major

Psychology takes a scientific approach to studying the behavior of humans and other animals, with the goal of better understanding ourselves as individuals and as members of various groups. Although psychological disorders and their treatment are an important part of the field, we seek to understand the complete spectrum of human experience, including our thoughts, emotions, and motivations. We study behavior from a number of different perspectives, ranging from the biological to the sociological, depending on the question being asked. In all cases, though, the goal is to better understand ourselves and to use that knowledge to improve people’s lives.

Students who major in Psychology will learn how to use scientific methods to ask and answer questions about behavior and will develop their understanding of key content areas in the field. The program in psychology provides students with the knowledge and experiences needed to pursue graduate study in psychology or to pursue careers in human services, research, and other areas. Students majoring in Psychology may earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

REAL Curriculum

This major fulfills the R and A areas of the REAL Curriculum. In support of area A of the REAL Curriculum, the Psychology major develops students’ understanding of the factors that determine individual and collective human behavior including biological, psychological, social, and cultural influences. With respect to area R of the REAL Curriculum, the Psychology major develops students’ skills in utilizing scientific and quantitative methods to measure, describe, and test hypotheses about human behavior. Students need other majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and L areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Psychology major includes 3 credits of writing intensive courses. Psychology majors are strongly encouraged to complete ENGL 112 to fulfill the first of the two Writing Intensive requirements for the REAL Curriculum.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Psychology major includes 9-12 general education credits.

Major Requirements (43-46 credits)

B.A. Requirements (6-8 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements described here .

Required Major Courses (37 credits)

Prerequisite Survey (3 credits)

PSYC 121 - Introduction to Psychology (GE)

Foundation Courses (7 credits)

Core Content Courses (12 credits)

Choose one course from each area:

Developmental Core

Biological Core

Social/Cultural Core

Cognition/Learning Core

Integrative Research Experience (3 credits)

PSYC 491 - Topical Research in Psychology (WI)

Integrative Capstone Course (3 credits)

PSYC 470 - History and Systems of Psychology

Elective Psychology Courses (9 credits)

Any course with a “PSYC” prefix can count toward fulfillment of the elective requirements for the major, including independent studies and internships taken for a letter grade.

Required Outside Coursework (3 credits)

STAT 200 - Introduction to Statistics (GE)

Additional Degree Requirements

To graduate with a major in Psychology, a student must earn a grade of “C-” or better in PSYC 301 and PSYC 302, and have a grade point average of 2.25 or higher for all courses taken with a PSYC prefix.

Open Credit Hours (72-80 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

Total Credits Needed for Degree 120

Additional Information

Psychology majors are strongly encouraged to complete English 112 to fulfill the first of the two Writing Intensive requirements for the REAL Curriculum.