Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Psychology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of psychology. Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Psychology, students will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology, drawing on a broad knowledge base in psychology and its content domains.

Program Learning Outcomes for the BA Degree with a Major in Psychology

Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Psychology, students will be able to:

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology, drawing on a broad knowledge base in psychology and its content domains.
• Understand research methods, and develop and apply research skills.
• Understand the applications of psychology, including major areas and emerging applied areas of psychology.

Requirements for the BA Degree with a Major in Psychology

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the BA degree with a major in Psychology must complete:

• A minimum of 15 courses (47 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 9 courses (27 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above.

Core Requirements

The 5 courses listed below (comprising 17 credit hours) must be completed to satisfy the Core Requirements for this major:

• PSYC 101: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 202: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 203: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3 credit hours)
• PSYC 339: STATISTICAL METHODS-PSYCHOLOGY 2 (4 credit hours)
• PSYC 340: RESEARCH METHODS - PSYCHOLOGY 2 (4 credit hours)

Elective Requirements

Select a total of 10 additional courses from departmental (PSYC) course offerings (30 credit hours).

Policies for the BA Degree with a Major in Psychology

Transfer Credit

For Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit.

Departmental Transfer Credit Guidelines

Students pursuing the major in Psychology should be aware of the following departmental transfer credit guideline:

• No substitutions or transfer credits are allowed for PSYC 339, SOSC 302, or PSYC 340.
• Students should complete these courses (PSYC 339 or SOSC 302, and PSYC 340) preferably by the end of their sophomore year.

Opportunities for the BA Degree with a Major in Psychology

Academic Honors

The university recognizes academic excellence achieved over an undergraduate's academic history at Rice.

Departmental Honors Program

Qualified students may apply to the honors program during preregistration in the spring semester of their junior year. A written proposal for the project must be submitted by the end of the second week of classes in the fall of their senior year. Admission to the honors program requires a major GPA of 3.70 and an overall GPA of 3.50, completion of PSYC 339 or SOSC 302, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 340. To graduate with departmental honors, students must complete the requirements for the major, a written honors thesis approved by a faculty committee, and other requirements as determined by their honors committee.