The curriculum in the Psychology Department is designed to: (1) give the student a background in the philosophical, theoretical and empirical aspects of the field; (2) develop the student’s basic skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, computer use, and research; (3) emphasize the role of liberal education in enhancing personal and professional development; and (4) assure that students have the background experiences necessary to pursue graduate education.

      The B.A. major in psychology consists of at least eight courses (28 hours), with additional courses required for the B.S. degree (34 hours). All majors must take the following core courses PSY 101, 302 and 303. All majors must complete one course from each of the following two groups: Group1: PSY 210, 215, 221, 225; Group 2: PSY 230, 240, 245, 260, 270. At least one of these courses must be completed prior to enrolling in PSY 302, and the second completed prior to enrolling in any courses beyond PSY 303. Upon completing of PSY 303, all majors must complete one of the following laboratory electives: PSY 305, 310, 325, 326, 385.

      For a B.A. in Psychology, majors must complete an additional research requirement of either (a) an empirical project (PSY 490a and PSY 490b or PSY 496a and 496b) or (b) an additional laboratory elective from among PSY 305, 310, 325, 326, 385. B.A. majors must also complete one of the following seminar courses: PSY 401, 410, 420, 430, 485.

      For a B.S. in Psychology, majors must complete: (a) and empirical project (PSY 490a and PSY 490b or PSY 496a and PSY 496b); (b) PSY 401; (c) at least 6 additional hours in Psychology of which at least 3 must be 300-level or above (and no more than 3 credit hours in PSY 390 or PSY 495); (d) MAT 133, 141, or MAT 191; (e) CHM 111 and 112 (or only CHM 115) and Bio 211. The following laboratory sequences are highly recommended: CSC 204 and 205; PHY 141/121L and 142/142L; or PHY 161/121L and 162/162L.

      A minor in Psychology consists of five courses: PSY 101; one course from Group 1 and Group 2 above, PSY 302, and one other PSY course numbered 300 or higher. Various special topics courses may be submitted only with prior permission of the department chair.

      Majors may attain Departmental Honors in psychology by fulfilling the following requirements: (1) maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in all psychology courses and a 3.0 overall grade point average; (2) file an application for attempting honors with the chair, and in order to be eligible to apply (a) have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 and (b) have completed at least three courses in psychology, which must include PSY 302; (3) complete PSY 496a and 496b, Honors Project in Psychology, in place of PSY 490a and 490b. PSY 101 is a prerequisite for all further work in the department.