Academics
Department of Psychology > Requirements
Psychology Major
To graduate with a major in psychology, a student must: (a) complete nine courses (as specified below), each with a grade of C- or better, (b) take a comprehensive major exam in the senior year (described below), and (c) earn at least a C average (2.0) in all psychology courses selected to fulfill the major course requirements outlined below.
Psychology 110. A basic course that introduces the student to the major findings, ideas, and subdisciplines of psychology.
Psychology 221 & 222 (Research Methods and Statistics I and II). A basic course sequence covering the fundamental research methods and statistics used in psychological research.
Two of the following four courses: Psychology 255, 350, 375, 330. These courses provide a foundation for understanding the social nature of human beings.
Two of the following four courses: Psychology 310, 320, 360, 370. These courses cover fundamental behavioral processes in perception, learning, cognition, and brain function.
One 400-level psychology course. Each student must complete at least one senior-level integrative course (senior seminar) or senior thesis.
One elective. Any course offered by the psychology department will satisfy this elective requirement.
Senior Majors’ Exam
In the senior year, each major is required to take a comprehensive major exam. Its purpose is to provide an additional source of feedback to the Department of Psychology and to the individual student about the educational experience in psychology. Graduation with a major in psychology requires taking the exam at the scheduled time. Individual and group scores are reviewed annually by psychology department faculty for use in program evaluation. Each graduating senior receives an individual score report for self-evaluation.
Psychology Minor
To graduate with a minor in psychology, a student must: (a) complete six courses (as specified below), each with a grade of C- or better, and (b) earn at least a C average (2.0) in all psychology courses selected to fulfill the minor requirements outlined below.
Psychology 110. A basic course that introduces the student to the major findings, ideas, and subdisciplines of psychology.
Psychology 221 & 222 (Research Methods and Statistics I and II). A basic course sequence covering the fundamental research methods and statistics used in psychological research.
One of the following four courses: Psychology 255, 350, 375, and 330. These courses provide a foundation for understanding the social nature of human beings.
One of the following four courses: Psychology 310, 320, 360, and 370. These courses cover fundamental behavioral processes in perception, learning, cognition, and brain function.
One elective. Any course offered by the psychology department will satisfy this elective requirement.
Curricular Planning
In addition to these requirements, the department asks students to consider the following issues:
Science and Mathematics. Success in psychology is enhanced by substantial exposure to scientific and quantitative material. Therefore, psychology majors (especially those considering graduate work) are encouraged to take courses in other sciences and in mathematics.
Research. Psychology majors—especially those considering graduate study in psychology—are strongly encouraged to seek out additional research experiences. On-campus research opportunities include assisting a faculty member with his or her research, developing a research project in collaboration with a faculty member, and designing an independent project and conducting it under faculty supervision. Course credit may be granted for student-designed or collaborative research under the heading of a research project or senior thesis. Such projects sometimes result in student-faculty coauthored publications. Off-campus research opportunities are made available to students through an applied research course, Psychological Research in Community Settings (Psychology 321), and through research internships.
Internships. An additional set of valuable opportunities consists of off-campus internships in social service agencies, hospitals, and other applied educational, organizational, or legal settings. These experiences allow counseling, teaching, and other skills to be cultivated in preparation for later professional training and/ or employment. Students’ practical experiences are put into perspective in weekly seminar discussions on campus with a faculty member and other students who are completing internships that semester. All such internships in psychology are done within the framework of the practicum course, Psychology 380.
Career Preparation. Some psychology courses are especially helpful for those considering specific types of careers. Psychology 325 and Psychology 345 will help students prepare for careers in business or other organizations. Psychology 210, Psychology 318, and Psychology 320 are of special interest to those pursuing careers in education. Psychology 430 is of particular value to pre-law students, while pre-med students will benefit from taking Psychology 310, Psychology 370, and Psychology 450.