Psychology develops thoughtful servant leaders through a complete understanding of human behavior.

Our program advances the understanding and application of psychology among our students, emphasizing teaching the history, culture, and role of Black people in the psychological sciences.

We equip our students with an understanding of fundamental and evolving theories and concepts in psychology to provide a strong foundation for understanding the basic principles of research in the behavioral sciences. We further prepare our students for academic and professional pursuits by providing awareness of the African American experience and other cultural perspectives with the skills, training, and ethical behavior needed to lead in careers ranging from clinical practice to education, research, social work, business, and other areas.

Psychology majors may choose the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. While the Bachelor of Arts provides a broader scope of classes within the major, the Bachelor of Science is an acceptable route for pre-medical and other pre-health professions. It prepares students for a wide range of career options. It gives them an excellent foundation for graduate work in the neurosciences, biology, public health, and clinical psychology. Both degrees provide students with a strong foundation for work in various social services occupations, whether graduates obtain employment or pursue graduate degrees in psychology, public health, social work, or other related areas.

Outcomes

• Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
• Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation
• Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve behavior and mental processes
• Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues
• Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity
• Develop insight into the behavior and mental processes of themselves and others and apply effective self management and self-improvement strategies

This handbook is intended to provide Psychology majors with information about department policies and procedures, familiarize the student with department faculty, provide requirements for the major and recommended courses and sequences, and offer information about special programs and opportunities connected to the discipline.

Download the handbook

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY

The B.S. requires 54 semester hours in psychology. These hours must include the following specified courses, along with science electives chosen in consultation with your advisor.

Major Requirements

• HPSY 352 and 352 Lab: Biopsychology with the Laboratory
  (offered Fall Semester only)
• HPSY 350 and 350 Lab: Animal Behavior with the
  Laboratory (offered Spring Semester only)
• HPSY 355 and 355 Lab: Learning and Memory with
  the Laboratory

Core Curriculum Requirements

• HMTH 100 and 120 (or other approved science
  sequence in math)
• HBIO 111/111L General Biology and 112/112L (for majors)
  in place of HBIO 101 Biological Science.
• At least one semester of chemistry for majors with the laboratory, e.g. HCHE 111/111L or physics for majors with the laboratory, e.g. HPHY 151/151L in place of HPHY 102 Physical Science. The full year of either the chemistry or physics is recommended.

Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Psychology Majors

Psychology majors planning to attend medical, dental or other health professional schools after graduation must take the following courses to meet minimum admission requirements for most medical/dental schools. This sequence should be started in the freshman year.

• General Biology for majors: 8 hours
• General Chemistry for majors: 8 hours
• Organic Chemistry for majors: 8 hours
• Physics for majors: 8 hours
• Mathematics (100-120 or higher): 6 hours

Some medical schools may require one or two semesters of calculus.

Additional courses (such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc.) may be required by some schools. Students planning to attend medical or dental school must check with the Office of Health Professions in order to remain current on application procedures, specific requirements for the schools you are interested in, and information on special summer programs.

General Education (Core) — 33-48 hours

Refer to the general education requirements for more information.

Psychology Major — 52-54 hours