Psychology Department

Psychology Degree Requirements

The following degree requirements are those reflected in the 2016-2017 course catalog.

Major

10 courses distributed as follows:

  • PSYC 290 Statistics*
  • PSYC 295 Research Methods*
  • 2 courses from Cluster A, at least one of which must have a laboratory:
    • PSYC 150 Comparative Animal Behavior in the Tropics
    • PSYC 260 Human Sexuality
    • PSYC 300 Comparative Animal Behavior with lab
    • PSYC 320 Cognitive Psychology with lab
    • PSYC 323 Human Memory
    • PSYC 330 Learning
    • PSYC 335 Sensation and Perception
    • PSYC 355 Evolutionary Psychology
    • PSYC 360 Behavioral Neuroscience with lab
  • 2 courses from Cluster B:
    • PSYC 230 Social Psychology
    • PSYC 240 Childhood and Adolescence
    • PSYC 245 Adult Development and Aging
    • PSYC 255 Stereotyping and Prejudice
    • PSYC 352 Social Cognition
    • PSYC 370 Personality
  • 1 course from Cluster C:
    • PSYC 380 Psychology Practicum
    • PSYC 390 History and Systems
    • PSYC 400 Psychology of Gender
    • PSYC 480 Advanced Research
    • PSYC 497 Senior Seminar
  • 3 electives from psychology listings at any level
  • A minimum of 4 of the 10 courses must be at the 300-level or above.

* PSYC 290 Statistics is a prerequisite for PSYC 295 Research Methods, and PSYC 295 Research Methods is a prerequisite for most other laboratory courses in the department.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience for the psychology major consists of successful completion of a Cluster C course and the Major Field Test (MFT) in Psychology, which is intended as an assessment device for senior psychology majors. It consists of 140 multiple-choice items covering the major areas of psychology. The examination is normally taken during the spring semester of the senior year. The grade for the Senior Capstone Experience is based on the student’s score on the Psychology MFT.

Minor

Six courses in psychology, of which three must be at the 300-level or above.

Note: PSYC 380 Psychology Practicum will not count toward the minor.