Program Overview

Psychological Sciences BS

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychological Sciences is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mental processes, the brain, and behavior in humans and other animals. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, scientific research, communication, and ethical responsibility skills.

Overview

The BS degree in Psychological Sciences differs from the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in that it requires additional math and science classes beyond the general education requirements. Students can explore various subdisciplines, such as mental health/trauma, child/lifespan development, or biological psychology, through upper-level psychology courses.

General Education Course Requirements

Majors must satisfy the university and college General Education curricular requirements. Selected psychology courses may be used to meet General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences requirements.

Degree Requirements

The following core courses are required:

• MATH 1030: College Algebra
• MATH 1035: Trigonometry
• PSYCH 1000: Choosing a Career in Psychology
• PSYCH 1003: General Psychology
• PSYCH 2201: Psychological Statistics
• PSYCH 2211: Introduction to Biological Psychology
• PSYCH 2219: Research Methods in Psychological Science
• PSYCH 2245: Psychological Disorders
• PSYCH 2250: Social Psychological Science
• PSYCH 2268 or 2270: Lifespan Developmental Psychology or Developmental Psychology: Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence
• PSYCH 4999: Integrated Psychology Additional requirements include:
• PHIL 2256 or 3380: Bioethics or Philosophy of Science
• Four Psychology courses numbered 3000 to 4998
• At least one of the following Psychology courses:
  • Neuroscience: PSYCH 4300, 4314, 4330, 4340, 4349, 4350, or 4372
  • Clinical: PSYCH 3340, 3500, 3820, or 4374
  • Applied: PSYCH 3318, 4250, or 4365
• Math and Natural Science: Choose one of the following courses: BIOL 1141, 1831, CHEM 1111, 1121, MATH 1800, or PHYSICS 1011
• Social Science: Select one course from Anthropology, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, or Sociology

Graduate School Preparation

Students interested in applying to graduate school in Psychology are encouraged to participate in a research project with a Psychology faculty member by enrolling in PSYCH 3390, Directed Studies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate an integrative understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research, and historical trends
• Summarize and explain the use of the scientific approach to solve behavioral problems
• Evaluate and identify appropriate research methods in psychology
• Communicate effectively using various formats
• Demonstrate respect for diverse groups and adopt social and ethical values
• Display professionalism and ownership of professional growth and learning

Sample Four-Year Plan

A sample four-year plan is provided to illustrate a typical student's coursework. However, this plan may vary depending on placement exam scores, completion of coursework, and regular academic advising appointments.

Academic Affairs

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