Program Overview

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Introduction to the BS in Applied Psychology Program

The BS in Applied Psychology is a 128-credit program that combines theory, research, and applications to real-world problems influencing the lives of people and communities. Students gain an understanding of various psychology subfields, including developmental, social, community, and counseling, and engage in research and practice with the department’s renowned faculty and in field placements across the city.

Program Overview

The program prepares students for graduate study or a career in psychology or related fields. It includes a fieldwork experience that sets Applied Psychology students apart from other students graduating from comparable programs.

Core Course Sequence

The program includes a core course sequence that provides a foundational academic experience of general education in the liberal arts for undergraduates. This sequence includes courses in foreign language, expository writing, and foundations of contemporary culture and scientific inquiry.

College Core Curriculum (CORE)

The College Core Curriculum includes:

• Foreign Language (4 credits)
• Expository Writing (4 credits)
  • EXPOS-UA 1: Writing as Inquiry
  • ACE-UE 110: Advanced Writing and Research
• Foundations of Contemporary Culture (4 credits)
  • Texts and Ideas
  • Cultures and Contexts
  • Expressive Culture
• Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (4 credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning or any mathematics course
  • Physical/Life Science or any science course

Major Requirements

Students take foundational classes in psychological theory and research, with an emphasis on application to real-world contexts. The major requirements include:

• Introduction to Psychology and Its Principles (APSY-UE 2)
• Developmental Psychology (APSY-UE 10)
• The Cultures of Psychology (APSY-UE 1050)
• Restricted Psychology Electives (16 credits)
  • Choose 1 course from each of the following 3 content areas plus one additional course in any of the content areas:
    • Social/Community
    • Clinical/Counseling
    • Developmental/Learning
• Research Skills (12 credits)
  • Basic Statistics I (APSTA-UE 1085)
  • Research Methods in Applied Psychology I (APSY-UE 25)
  • Research Methods in Applied Psychology II (APSY-UE 1137)
• Field Experiences (10 credits)
  • Professional Development in Applied Psychology 1 (APSY-UE 1034)
  • Seminar in Applied Psychology I: Principles & Practices 2 (APSY-UE 1124)
  • Seminar in Applied Psychology II: Theory, Research & Practice 2 (APSY-UE 1125)

Electives

• Specialization Electives (6 credits)
• Unrestricted Electives (12 credits)

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided to help students plan their course sequence. The plan includes:

• 1st Semester/Term: EXPOS-UA 1, APSY-UE 2, SAHS-UE 1, CORE-UA, Liberal Arts Elective
• 2nd Semester/Term: ACE-UE 110, CORE-UA, Restricted Psychology Elective, Liberal Arts Elective
• 3rd Semester/Term: APSY-UE 10, CORE-UA, Interdisciplinary Elective Sequence, Liberal Arts Elective
• 4th Semester/Term: APSTA-UE 1085, CORE-UA, Restricted Psychology Elective, APSY-UE 1034, Foreign Language
• 5th Semester/Term: APSY-UE 25, CORE-UA, Interdisciplinary Elective, Specialization Elective
• 6th Semester/Term: APSY-UE 1137, APSY-UE 1124, Liberal Arts Elective, Unrestricted Elective
• 7th Semester/Term: APSY-UE 1125, Interdisciplinary Elective, Restricted Psychology Elective, Unrestricted Elective
• 8th Semester/Term: APSY-UE 1050, Restricted Psychology Elective, Specialization Elective, Unrestricted Elective

Curricular Requirements

The program requires a total of 128 credits, including general education requirements, major requirements, and electives.

Culminating Experience

The culminating experience includes a fieldwork experience and the opportunity to complete independent research under the mentorship of a faculty member. Students can also pursue Honors in Applied Psychology in their senior year. The Honors Program is a two-semester course sequence where students can pursue independent research under the mentorship of a faculty member while completing advanced training in writing and research. Additionally, students can present an oral or poster presentation during the program’s annual Undergraduate Research Conference.