The requirements for the psychology major are described below. Note that the first digit of the course number indicates the recommended year for a student to take the course (1 = freshman; 2 = sophomore; 3 = junior; 4 = senior). Five-level courses are upper-level courses that require approval by the instructor; they are appropriate for juniors and seniors. Please note that this coding system is provided only as a guideline. Students should consult with their departmental academic advisor to determine optimal course scheduling.

Core Courses

PSYCH 114 General Psychology 
PSYCH 215 Behavioral Statistics 
PSYCH 216 Research Methods and Design

PSYCH 114, General Psychology, is a prerequisite for most psychology courses (see individual course descriptions for prerequisite information). It is generally recommended that psychology majors take this course in the first semester of the freshman year. The two-course methods sequence, Behavioral Statistics and Research Methods and Design, should be completed during the sophomore year.

Distribution Requirements

Students select three distribution courses, at least one from Group A and one from Group B. Group A courses present a range of theoretical perspectives within the field of Psychology; each includes a substantive writing component. Group B courses present current research in specific experimental domains; each includes a substantive writing component, typically a research paper. Research Methods and Design (PSYCH 216) is a prerequisite for each of the Group B courses.

Group A

PSYCH 226 Theories of Personality 
PSYCH 233 Child Development 
PSYCH 241 Social Psychology

Group B

PSYCH 311 Sensation and Perception 
PSYCH 312 Cognitive Neuroscience 
PSYCH 313 Physiological Psychology

Electives

Students select two 300-level elective courses from the Group C list. These courses assume a knowledge base derived from the Core and Distribution requirements; they are recommended for juniors and seniors. In these courses students examine empirical research, develop critical thinking skills, and/or prepare for work in applied settings. Each has a required substantive writing component.

Group C

PSYCH 314 Learning and Reinforcement 
PSYCH 315 Neuropsychological Syndromes 
PSYCH 317 Psychology of Addictions 
PSYCH 321 Introduction to Counseling Skills 
PSYCH 324 Psychology of Identity and the Self 
PSYCH 325 Health Psychology 
PSYCH 326 Abnormal Psychology 
PSYCH 333 Adult Development and Aging 
PSYCH 334 Adolescent Development 
PSYCH 336 Developmental Psychopathology 
PSYCH 341 Sociocultural Perspectives 
PSYCH 345 Teambuilding in Global and Diverse Workplaces 
PSYCH 347 Cyberpsychology