The Department of Psychology offers a comprehensive curriculum characterized by breadth and depth of study. A major in psychology prepares students for immediate employment in a wide variety of positions (e.g., human services, health care, research, sales and marketing) as well as for graduate study in psychology or another field (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, law, elementary and secondary school counseling, school psychology). Pennsylvania certification in social studies for grades 7-12 is also attainable; students and their advisors should consult the Education Department for more information.

The general learning objectives of the department of psychology are that students:

1. develop a knowledge base of key concepts and perspectives of the various content areas and applications of psychology;

2. engage in scientific inquiry and develop critical thinking skills;

3. develop an understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world;

4. develop strong oral and written communication skills; and

5. refine skills relevant to their professional development such as project management skills and teamwork capacity.

In order to meet these objectives, the psychology major requirements are divided into five components as explained below: foundation courses, content courses, advanced research methods courses, capstone course, and elective courses. Recommended courses for majors pursuing graduate school in psychology or a related field and minor requirements are also explained below.

Psychology majors fulfill the writing requirement by completing the Advanced Research Methods (ARM) courses.

Requirements for Majors

1. Foundation Courses: PSYC-100, 200Q.

2. Content Courses: Each student must select four courses, each one from a different content area, at least two of which must be at the 300-level.
a. Health: PSYC/GWSS/IDS-214; PSYC-311, 312.
b. Clinical/Personality: PSYC-220, 320, 322.
c. Cognitive/Cognitive Neuroscience: PSYC/NEUR-230, PSYC-232, PSYC/NEUR-330, 332.
d. Developmental: PSYC-240, 340, 342.
e. Social: PSYC-250, 252, 350, 352.

3. Advanced Research Methods Courses: Each student must select one course from at least two different content areas (two courses total).
a. Health: PSYC-410W.
b. Clinical/Personality: PSYC-420W.
c. Cognitive/Cognitive Neuroscience: PSYC/NEUR-430W, 432W.
d. Developmental: PSYC-440W.
e. Social: PSYC-450W.

4. Capstone Course: One seminar course (numbered in the 460s or 470s), or honors research (numbered PSYC-491 or PSYC-492).

5. Elective Courses: Eight additional elected credits in Psychology.

Recommended Courses

These are not required but rather intended for the student who plans to pursue graduate study in psychology or related fields.

1. STAT-141Q, 242, or 243W.
2. PSYC-481, 482, 491, or 492.
3. At least three electives from departmental offerings at the 300-400 level.
4. BIO-101Q or BIO-102Q.

Requirements for Minors

A minor concentration in psychology comprises PSYC-100; four courses, each in different content areas: health psychology chosen from PSYC/GWSS/IDS-214, PSYC-311, or 312; clinical/personality psychology chosen from PSYC-220, 320, or 322; cognitive psychology/cognitive neuroscience chosen from PSYC/NEUR-230, PSYC-232, PSYC/NEUR-330, or 332; developmental psychology chosen from PSYC-240, 340, or 342; and social psychology chosen from PSYC-250, 252, 350, or 352. At least one course is required at the 300-level.