Major in Psychology

Students majoring in psychology must complete a total of forty-eight (48) units.

Five foundational courses (20 units) are usually taken during freshman and sophomore years:

• PSYC - 101 General Psychology
• PSYC - 260 Psychological Statistics
• PSYC - 265 Research Design
• PSYC - 270 Biological Psychology
• RHET - 301 Writing in Psychology

In addition to the five foundational courses, students must complete twenty-eight (28) units as follows:

Three breadth courses (12 units), selected from among the following:

• PSYC - 310 Social Psychology
• PSYC - 312 Child Development
• PSYC - 313 Abnormal Psychology
• PSYC - 318 Theories of Personality
• PSYC - 319 Learning, Memory and Cognition

One diversity course in Psychology (4 units), selected (in consultation with a faculty advisor) from current department listings.

Two electives (8 units), chosen from among upper-division offerings in Psychology (300-level or above).

One course in Advanced Research Methods (4 units):

• PSYC - 388 Advanced Research Methods (Lab)

Students must obtain at least a "C" grade in each required course in the major. Students may retake no more than one course applied towards the psychology major.

Learning Goals/Outcomes for the B.A. in Psychology

Students who complete the B.A. in Psychology will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to think scientifically about human behavior and psychological processes and to differentiate conclusions based on evidence from those based on speculation or personal belief.
• Evaluate research methods and designs, to distinguish observations from conclusion.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of psychology, including different areas of psychology, such as the social, abnormal, developmental, personality, and cognitive areas, and different approaches to the study of psychology, such as biological, interpersonal, and sociological approaches.
• Show respect and appreciation for human diversity.
• Interpret the ethical practice of scientific inquiry and apply a consideration of ethical issues and values, both within and beyond the discipline, to their daily lives.
• Speak and write effectively, both generally and in the language of the discipline.
• Research, review, and critically analyze a current topic in psychology.