Majoring & Minoring

The Psychology Major

Students who major in psychology begin their studies with three foundation courses: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and Psychology Methodology. Seven other courses are selected, in conference with the student's faculty adviser, based on department guidelines and student interest. One course must come from each of four subdisciplinary areas: physiological and perceptual processes; cognitive processes; individual development and psychopathology; and personality and social processes. One additional course must be a capstone (400-level) course. The final two courses may be selected from any of the intermediate (200-level), advanced (300-level), or capstone (400-level) courses. Course sizes range from nine students (at the upper level) to 40 students (at the introductory level).

Requirements for the major ensure that students get a broad exposure to the subfields of psychology. Students interested in clinical or counseling psychology benefit from relevant practicum experiences as well as from courses in personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and psychology of women. Students interested in basic research in psychology gear their coursework toward experimental, developmental, social, community, human computer interaction, and physiological psychology.

The department has an active practicum program, and most psychology majors pursue a practicum experience in an area of interest. The program provides supervised experience and training in psychological activities in a variety of local institutions and businesses. The practicum program is offered to junior and senior psychology majors as an important supplement to their academic and research development.

Major Requirements

Projected Psychology Courses for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011

Projected courses