Undergraduate Programs - Introduction

Perhaps you are a person who is fascinated by why some people act in strange and unpredictable ways. Or you've been the one your friends turn to for help and advice, who is interested in interpersonal relationships. Do you enjoy working with children and observing how they grow and develop? Or have you ever wondered about how the brain works and how we remember things? All of these are reasons why students choose to study psychology. The B.A. program in psychology is designed to give students a thorough background in theory and methodology, and to acquaint them with a variety of specializations. Many psychologists work in schools, universities, hospitals, clinics, industry, government, business and private practice, seeking to understand and provide practical solutions for human problems. Students will find a major in psychology to be excellent preparation for employment, for graduate study in psychology, and for graduate study in other fields such as law, medicine, education, social work, or business. The undergraduate psychology program is designed to meet the needs of students with these different goals. After arriving on campus, you will receive a copy of the Undergraduate Psychology Handbook, containing information about the department, course requirements, and careers in psychology.

Majors must take a total of 12 courses in psychology, including required courses in General Psychology (fall semester freshman year), Introductory Statistics (fall semester, sophomore year), General Research Methods (spring semester, sophomore year), and Senior Seminar (fall of senior year). At least one psychology elective course must be selected from each of the following four major areas: experimental, clinical, developmental, and social/personality. The remaining four departmental electives can either be chosen broadly, or to develop more in-depth expertise in one of the above areas. Students can also earn course credit for hands-on research assistant experience with faculty, and are encouraged to seek out career-related internships during the junior or senior year.

 

 

 

 

 

Students from the Lifespan Development course pose with Dr. Jonathon Miles (SRCD Congressional Fellow) (far left) and Professor Sandra Barrueco (far right) after presenting congressional policy briefs designed to advocate for children and families.