The major in psychology requires 34 hours of psychology courses, whether the student follows the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) curriculum. The difference between the two curricula lies in the course requirements outside of psychology, not in the psychology courses.

All psychology majors must complete:

PSY 101 (Introductory Psychology) (3 cr)
PSY 216 (Elementary Statistics) (3 cr)
PSY 217 (Experimental Psychology) (4 cr)

Psychology majors must also choose:

Two of the following Core I courses:
PSY 321 Cognitive Processes (3 cr)
PSY 322 Learning (3 cr)
PSY 323 Psychology of Perception (3 cr)
PSY 422 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)

Two of the following Core II courses:
PSY 341 Social Psychology (3 cr)
PSY 351 Child Psychology (3 cr)
PSY 361 Personality (3 cr)
PSY 363 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)

The above courses must be completed with grades of C- or better for students entering the University in August of 1997 and thereafter. If a C- or better is not attained, the courses will have to be retaken if they will be used to satisfy the psychology major. Additionally, 12 hours of psychology electives (at 300/400 level) to total 34 hours of psychology courses, are required. A maximum of 6 hours for any combination of PSY 477, 478, 490, 493, 494, or 497 is acceptable toward graduation requirements. If MTH 207 is substituted for PSY 216 (for a student who transfers to psychology from a UD major where MTH 207 was required, or transfers to the University and receives the equivalent of MTH 207) an additional 3 credits of psychology electives must be taken. A student may take up to 45 hours of psychology courses to count toward either degree. The hours above 34 count as general electives. If more than 45 hours of psychology are taken the student must graduate with at least the number of hours over 45 added to the 120 (BS) or 124 (BA) required for a degree.

Course sequencing

The Department recommends that students follow certain guidelines in choosing classes. An appropriate sequence of courses for the major would be for the student to take Introductory Psychology (101) and one or two Core psychology courses during the first year. Within the Core psychology courses, it is recommended that Personality (361) precede Abnormal Psychology (363).  For the second year, especially for those who are research oriented or planning to go to graduate school, students should complete Statistics (216) and then Experimental Psychology (217) if possible. Although these are two of the more difficult psychology courses, they provide the foundation for upper level courses. This time table allows opportunity for the graduate-school bound student to get involved in research in the junior and senior years. Along with Statistics and Experimental, students should choose courses that will complete their Core psychology requirements. During the junior year students can choose electives in psychology that complement their interests. Independent study and internship courses are very appropriate here. For those planning to go to graduate school, History of Psychology (471) provides a good foundation for GRE advanced psychology testing, and should be taken in the spring semester. The requirements for the major can be completed during the senior year.

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