Program Overview
Psychology (B.A.)
The undergraduate training offered by the Department of Psychology serves several related purposes. For the science major and the liberal arts major, the study of psychology provides an opportunity to learn the scientific approach to the study of behavior, which will include material helpful in increasing self-understanding and insight into the behavior of others. For students preparing for medicine, law, education, nursing, business, and other professions, psychology provides important basic knowledge useful in these vocations. For those planning to pursue graduate study in psychology, the undergraduate program establishes a sound foundation. Psychology-related employment for graduates with a bachelor's degree has increased in recent years. Such employment, of course, depends on the personal characteristics of the individual, on the special qualifications and training of the individual, and particularly on job opportunity.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.
Psychology Mass Advising / Information Meeting
Attendance at one of the meetings is mandatory for all psychology majors. Students are expected to attend prior to their first advising appointment. Prospective and current students who are considering majoring or minoring in psychology should attend to learn about the major and opportunities within the field. It is also helpful for individuals who are considering pursuing psychology as a second career and/or graduate studies. Meetings will cover psychology major requirements, information about graduate school, research experience, volunteer experience, career development, tips for success, and much more.
Program Requirements
Candidates must complete a minimum of 120 credits in course work, including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the Departmental major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.
Major Requirements
- Attendance at at least one Psychology Information Meeting.
- Students are encouraged to attend in their first semester or as soon as possible to get the most out of the meeting content. Meetings will cover psychology program requirements, career development, graduate school admissions and applications, research experience, volunteer experience, resources, and tips for success. Students will complete a knowledge check at the end of the meeting to demonstrate proficiency.
- Students must complete a minimum of thirty-five credits of psychology courses. At least twenty credits of the required psychology courses must be earned at Wayne State University.
- A grade point average of 2.00 or higher for all Wayne State University psychology course work.
Core Psychology Courses
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1010 | Introductory Psychology (Preferred for Majors) | 4 |
| or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030 | Elements of Psychology and Introductory Psychology Laboratory | |
| PSY 2020 | Research Methods In Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 2030 | Statistical Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 3993 | Laboratory in Experimental Psychology | 2 |
| Total Credits | 14 |
Foundation & Elective Psychology Courses
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three Foundation Courses | 9-12 | |
| Choose 3 foundation courses from the following: | ||
| PSY 2100 | Psychology and the Workplace | |
| PSY 2400 | Developmental Psychology | |
| PSY 2600 | Psychology of Social Behavior | |
| PSY 3040 | Psychology of Perception: Fundamental Processes | |
| PSY 3060 | Psychology of Learning and Memory: Fundamental Processes | |
| PSY 3080 | Cognitive Psychology: Fundamental Processes | |
| PSY 3120 | Brain and Behavior | |
| PSY 3310 | Introduction to Psychopathology | |
| Four Psychology Electives | 12-16 | |
| Choose 4 PSY courses (PSY level) | ||
| Total Credits | 21-28 |
Preparation for Psychology Graduate Programs
While individual psychology graduate programs have unique admission requirements, students who intend to pursue graduate programs are advised to select courses that are consistent with their intended area of study. Students interested in doctoral level programs are strongly encouraged to obtain undergraduate research experience. Students are also encouraged to meet with their psychology academic advisors early on to develop a plan for their individual academic and career goals.
Psychology Honors Program
Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 and a Psychology grade point average of 3.5 are eligible for admission to the Department's Honors Program. Satisfactory completion of the Honors Program will lead to a degree 'With Psychology Honors' on the diploma. Students interested in the program should obtain detailed information from the Psychology Department Undergraduate Advising Office.
Honors Sections
Provide smaller classes, somewhat more advanced readings, and opportunities for independent work by students. Students must complete a minimum of eighteen credits in honors coursework, including:
- PSY 5020 (Honors Research in Psychology)
- PSY 4991 (three-credit Honors Directed Study)
- PSY 4998 (Senior Thesis)
- One additional PSY course designated as honors through an honors section or honors option contract Students must also complete an Honors Seminar from the HON 42xx series.