Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Studies is offered by the College of Liberal Arts's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ). This program is designed to promote a broad understanding of human behavior and the affective and cognitive processes that underlie it from the perspective of psychology as a science and a profession.

Overview of the Program

The Psychological Studies major prepares students to deal with the wealth of research-based knowledge they will encounter as they develop a strong foundation in basic and applied areas of psychology. The program includes introductory courses, statistics and research methodology, and a research or internship option. Unique to TUJ's Psychological Studies major is its focus on cross-cultural issues, with special emphasis on Asia and the U.S.

Campus Location and Program Code

• Campus Location: Japan
• Program Code: LA-PSYS-BA

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

University and College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Requirements

1. Writing-Intensive Courses: All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. The writing-intensive courses required for this major are PSY 3096 and a Psychology course at the 4000 level, such as PSY 4696.
2. General Education Curriculum: Students must complete the General Education curriculum.
3. CLA Requirements: Students must follow CLA requirements as specified in the CLA College Requirements section of the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Major Requirements (Minimum 38 credits)

• Introductory Courses:
  • PSY 1001: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY 1002: Careers in Psychology (1 credit)
  • PSY 1003: Statistics for Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY 1004: Critical Thinking in Psychology (3 credits)
• Psychological Studies Science Requirement: Select one of the following (4 credits)
  • BIOL 1001: Human Biology
  • BIOL 1011: General Biology I
  • CHEM 1031 & CHEM 1033: General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I
  • PHYS 1021: Introduction to General Physics I
• Developmental/Clinical/Social Foundation Courses (Group 1): Select one of the following (3 credits)
  • PSY 2201: Foundations of Psychopathology
  • PSY 2301: Foundations of Developmental Psychology
  • PSY 2401: Foundations of Social Psychology
  • PSY 2402: Foundations of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Brain and Cognitive Sciences Foundation Courses (Group 2): Select one of the following (3 credits)
  • PSY 2101: Foundations of Cognitive Psychology
  • PSY 2103: Foundations of Learning and Behavior Analysis
  • PSY 2104: Foundations of Sensation and Perception
  • PSY 2501: Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience
  • PSY 2502: Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychology Foundation Elective Course: Select an additional course from Group 1 or Group 2 (3 credits)
• Required Methods Course:
  • PSY 3096: Conducting Psychological Research (3 credits)
• Advanced Courses: In consultation with the Academic Advisor and/or Major Coordinator, select 2 psychology courses at the 3000 level or higher, one of which must focus on gender/culture (6 credits)
• Internship / Collaborative Research / Clinical Practicum: Must complete at least one internship, collaborative research, or clinical practicum for at least 3 credits, with approval by the Major Coordinator
• Senior Writing Seminar:
  • PSY 4696: Capstone in Psychology (3 credits)

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Studies is outlined over four years, including specific courses for each semester to ensure students meet all requirements for graduation.

Year 1

• Fall: ENG 0802 or ENG 0812, GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course, GenEd Breadth Course, Foreign Language 1001
• Spring: IH 0851, GenEd Breadth Course, Foreign Language 1002, PSY 1001, BIOL 1001

Year 2

• Fall: IH 0852, GenEd Breadth Course, GenEd Breadth Course, PSY 1002, PSY 1003, Select one of the following
• Spring: GenEd Breadth Course, GenEd Breadth Course, GenEd Breadth Course, PSY 1004, Psychology 2000-level Foundations #1

Year 3

• Fall: Psychology 2000-level Foundations #2, Psychology 2000-level Foundations #3, One CLA/CST 2000+ Humanities/CST course, One CLA/CST 2000+ course, One Elective in any School or College
• Spring: PSY 3096, One CLA/CST 2000+ Humanities/CST course, One CLA/CST 2000+ course, One CLA/CST 2000+ course, One CLA/CST 2000+ course

Year 4

• Fall: One Advanced Psychology #1 course (Gender or Culture), One CLA/CST 2000+ course, One CLA/CST Elective, One CLA/CST Elective, Select one of the following
• Spring: PSY 4696, One Advanced Psychology #2 course, One CLA/CST course, One CLA/CST course, One Elective in any School or College

Total Credit Hours: 123-124

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychological studies, preparing them for careers in psychology and related fields.