Program Description

Psychology can be considered from a variety of perspectives, such as

1. a natural or biological science,
2. a behavioral or social science,
3. an applied or professional field, or
4. a set of experiential or humanistic concerns.

This multi-perspective approach is best illustrated in the Mission and Goals statement of the department.

The requirements for the major expose the student to the broad range of perspectives, problems, methodologies, and bodies of knowledge found in contemporary psychology. We believe that this foundation provides for the development of relevant skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for diverse professional fields, especially those related to the human services.

All declared majors are expected to confer regularly with their faculty advisors to ensure that the selection of courses will be most appropriate for the student’s career goals. The goals and objectives of the BA in Psychology can be found at the department’s website.  

Course List

Code	Title	Units
General Education Requirements
First-Year Seminar (FYS)		2
Lower Division Area A: Foundational Skills		9
Lower Division Area B: Natural Sciences		6
Lower Division Area C: Arts and Humanities		6
Lower Division Area D: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
Lower Division Area E: Student Enrichment and Lifelong Learning (SELF) 3		3
Lower Division Area F: Ethnic Studies		3
American Institutions: Government and History		6
Junior Year Diversity & Reflection (JYDR) 3		3
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)		3
Upper Division Thematic Area B and C		6
General Education Capstone		0
General Education Subtotal		50
Statistics Requirement
Select one of the following: 1		3-4
PSYC 2018	Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research
MATH 2200	Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods
Prerequisites
PSYC 1018	Explorations in Psychology	3
PSYC 2030	Interpersonal & Group Process Skills 1	3
Major Requirements
Core Courses
PSYC 2020	Psychology as a Profession	3
PSYC 3110	Scientific Inquiry in Psychology	3
PSYC 4908	Senior Seminar	3
or PSYC 4910	Senior Thesis
Foundation Courses
Area A
Select two of the following:		6
PSYC 2230	Biological Psychology
PSYC 3210	Principles of Learning
PSYC 3220	Sensation and Perception
PSYC 3240	Cognitive Psychology
Area B
Select two of the following:		6
PSYC 2250	Lifespan Development
PSYC 3250	Child Psychology
PSYC 3260	Social Psychology
PSYC 3270	Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 3280	Personality
Advanced topic/laboratory experience
Select one of the following:		3
PSYC 4210	Principles of Learning Lab
PSYC 4220	Sensation and Perception Lab
PSYC 4230	Biological Psychology Lab
PSYC 4240	Cognitive Psychology Lab
PSYC 4250	Child Psychology Lab
PSYC 4260	Social Psychology Lab
PSYC 4270	Abnormal Psychology Lab
PSYC 4280	Personality Psychology Lab
One additional Foundation A or Foundation B course		3
Applications of Psychology course
Select one of the following:		3
PSYC 4810	Directed Research in Psychology
PSYC 4820	Directed Research in Applied Psychology
PSYC 4860	Internship in Applied Psychology
PSYC 4870	Cooperative Education
PSYC 4880	Directed Study in the Instruction of Psychology
Electives
A minimum of four elective courses in Psychology 2		12
Major Subtotal		51-52
Additional Units Needed Towards Graduation		21-22
Total Units		122-124

¹

These courses are prerequisites for subsequent major requirements and require a grade of “C-” or better.

²

Two of these may be lower division, and one may be Credit/No Credit. Two must be upper division, letter-graded courses

³

Some general education courses may double count as PSYC major requirements.

Note: One (1) semester unit of credit normally represents one hour of in-class work and 2-3 hours of outside study per week.