Program Overview

Psychology (BA): General Psychology Concentration

Overview

A Psychology degree is oriented toward the student who wants a broad understanding of the types of problems with which psychology is concerned and the ways in which psychologists approach and attempt to solve these problems. Curriculum requirements are sufficiently flexible for students to concentrate, if they wish, in another area of study as well as psychology, and thereby prepare themselves for a variety of careers or professional programs. By wise choice of elective courses, a student can prepare for medical, legal, business, or education graduate training, while at the same time acquire a basic background in the social sciences.

Plan Requirements

• Course List Code | Title | Hours
  • Natural Sciences
    • BIO 105 | Biology in the Modern World | 4
    • Basic Natural Science 1 | 4
    • Additional Natural Science 1 | 3
  • Mathematics
    • ST 311 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 3
    • Mathematics Elective 1 | 3
  • Foundation Courses
    • PSY 200 | Introduction to Psychology 1 | 3
    • PSY 230 | Introduction to Psychological Research 1 | 3
  • Core Courses
    • PSY 311 | Social Psychology 1 | 3
    • PSY 376 | Developmental Psychology 1 | 3
    • PSY 420 | Cognitive Processes 1 | 3
    • PSY 430 | Biological Psychology 1 | 3
  • Psychology Elective Courses
    • Psychology Elective Courses 1 | 15
      • Hours may be selected from any Psychology course in the NCSU course catalog or on the approved transfer list. At least two courses must be at the 400 or 500 level. Only 6 credits of PSY 499 may be used towards this requirement.
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
    • ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 1 | 4
    • History I 1 | 3
    • History II 1 | 3
    • Literature I 1 | 3
    • Literature II 1 | 3
    • World Language 200 Level 1 | 3
    • Philosophy 1 | 3
      • Any PHI course on the approved GEP Humanities list.
    • Arts and Letters 1 | 3
    • Social Science (3 Different) 1 | 9
    • Additional Social Science 1 | 3
  • General Education Program (GEP) Courses
    • GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1 | 2
    • GEP Elective 1 | 3
    • GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 1 | 5
    • GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
    • GEP Foundations of American Democracy (verify requirement)
    • World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
  • Free Electives
    • Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 2 | 23
  • Total Hours | 120

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

• Plan of Study Grid First Year
  • Fall Semester
    • PSY 200 | Introduction to Psychology (CP) 1 | 3
    • BIO 105 & BIO 106 | Biology in the Modern World and Biology in the Modern World Laboratory (CP) 1 | 4
    • Mathematics Elective 1 | 3
    • ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research (CP) 1 | 4
    • GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1
    • Hours | 15
  • Spring Semester
    • PSY 230 | Introduction to Psychological Research (CP) 1 | 3
    • Social Science Elective | 3
    • GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives Requirement | 3
    • GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1
    • Free Elective | 5
    • Hours | 15
• Second Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ST 311 | Introduction to Statistics (CP) 1 | 3
    • Philosophy | 3
    • Natural Science Elective 1 | 3
    • World Language 201 | 3
    • PSY 311 | Social Psychology (CP) 1 | 3
    • Hours | 15
  • Spring Semester
    • PSY 376 | Developmental Psychology (CP) 1 | 3
    • Literature Elective (Group I) | 3
    • Natural Science | 4
    • GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives Requirement | 2
    • Free Elective | 3
    • Hours | 15
• Third Year
  • Fall Semester
    • PSY 420 | Cognitive Processes 1 | 3
    • Psychology Elective | 3
    • History Elective (Group I) | 3
    • GEP Elective | 3
    • Free Elective | 3
    • Hours | 15
  • Spring Semester
    • PSY 430 | Biological Psychology (CP) 1 | 3
    • Psychology Elective 1 | 3
    • History Elective II | 3
    • Social Science Elective | 3
    • Free Elective | 3
    • Hours | 15
• Fourth Year
  • Fall Semester
    • Psychology Elective 1 | 3
    • Psychology Elective 1 | 3
    • Literature Elective (Group II) | 3
    • Social Science Elective | 3
    • Free Elective | 3
    • Hours | 15
  • Spring Semester
    • Psychology Elective 1 | 3
    • Social Science Elective | 3
    • Arts and Letters Elective | 3
    • Free Electives | 6
    • Hours | 15
  • Total Hours | 120

Career Opportunities

Career Titles

• Human Factors Psychologist
• Human Resources Management Advisor
• Human Resources Management Consultant
• Industrial Therapist
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
• Job Analyst
• Job Development Specialist
• Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
• Market Research Analyst
• Mental Health Counselor
• Middle School Guidance Counselor
• Neuropsychologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Parole Officer
• Personnel Administrator
• Personnel Recruiter
• Psychiatrist (MD)
• Psychology Professor
• Psychometrist
• Recreational Therapist
• Residential Advisors
• Sales Representative (Psychological Tests)
• School Psychologist
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Social Psychologist
• Social Science Research Assistants
• Social Welfare Administrator
• Social Worker
• Sport Psychologist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Training and Development Specialist
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Youth Services Specialist

Learn More About Careers

• NCcareers.org: Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.
• Career One Stop Videos: View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required): This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.
• Focus 2 Apply Assessment (Available to prospective students): A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State.
• American Psychological Association-Careers: Careers in Psychology.