College of Arts and Sciences
The psychology major requires a minimum of 24 hours of credit in upper-division (i.e., PY 3xxx or PY 4xxx) courses in psychology. Students are required to take 9 credit hours of PY courses at the 4000 level. One of these courses is the capstone experience (either PY 4960 or PY 4100). The other 6 hours of 4000-level courses are designed to help students develop or reinforce skills for the capstone. These courses involve reading original source journal articles. In addition, a significant APA-style written assignment that involves integrating conceptual, theoretical, and empirical material is required. Students must earn a C or better in at least one 4000-level course prior to enrolling in capstone.
There are three foundational psychology courses required for the major: (1) PY 1000 (or PY 1100), (2) PY 2100, and (3) PY 3100 or PY 3110. In addition, all majors must complete a capstone course (either PY 4100 or PY 4960). The psychology major also requires a minimum of one unique course from each of the following four groups of courses:
Applied Group A: PY 3200, PY 3250, PY 3500, PY 3550, PY 3700, PY 3810, PY 4500, PY 4510, PY 4550, PY 4570;
Biological/Experimental Group B: PY 3300, PY 3350, PY 3650, PY 4200, PY 4300, PY 4350, PY 4890;
Cultural/Social Group C: PY 3600, PY 3610, PY 3820, PY 4020*, PY 4400, PY 4430*, PY 4600;
Developmental Group D: PY 3010, PY 3020, PY 3400, PY 3410, PY 3440, PY 4020*, PY 4320, PY 4430*.
*If a course is listed in more than one grouping it can only fulfill the requirement for one grouping. A grade of C or better is required in all upper-division courses counted toward fulfillment of the major requirements. (A grade of C- will not satisfy the requirement.)
Students are strongly encouraged to complete PY 2100 and PY 3100 (or PY 3110) during the sophomore year. Other courses should be selected on the basis of interest and in consultation with the department.
The major advisor should be consulted about the selection of the 12 semester hours of upper-division coursework in related areas of study.
