The Bachelor of Science program is designed for the student who wishes to combine the psychology major with a strong subconcentration in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics. Optimal preparation for the B.S. program includes four years of high school mathematics and at least one course in the natural sciences. A bachelor of science in psychology is excellent preparation for careers or graduate studies in animal behavior, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, medicine, neuropsychology, perception, psychiatry, or veterinary medicine.
Changes in the sequence of the plan of study below may be desirable. These must be made in consultation with the student's academic advisor. To see the title of a course in the plan of study, simply pass the cursor over the course's number. To see an overview of a course, click on its number. A list of all psychology courses is found on our Course Descriptions page.
* The School of Arts and Sciences requires all majors to complete a foreign language course at the 202 level or higher. Students not prepared to begin at this level will need to take additional courses in the language, which count as general electives.
** A minimum of three credits of communication skills courses beyond CLAR 111 and can be taken from among: ENG 230, ENG 250, ENG 260; foreign language conversation and composition courses beyond or in a different language from School of Arts and Sciences foreign-language requirement; or other communication skills courses approved by the Psychology Department.
*** Elective in biology or math subconcentrations.
Psychology Distribution
To guarantee exposure to a sufficient number of fundamental areas and minimum breadth requirements, all psychology majors must take at least four courses listed below (two from Elective Set 1 and two from Elective Set 2). To see an overview of a course, click on its number.
Departmental Comprehensive Requirement
To comply with University comprehensive examination requirements, psychology majors must take PSYC 401. Senior Seminar. In this course students plan, conduct and write a senior thesis. The purposes of the thesis are to capstone undergraduate experiences and to provide a transition to post-baccalaureate life. The thesis is based on an empirical research project.