Psychology Major (BS)
The psychology major provides a broadly based education in the content, methods, principles, and theories of the science of psychology. The required courses in the major expose students to the traditional important subject areas of psychology. The elective courses in the major allow students the flexibility to pursue their own interests and goals.
Students who are considering psychology as a major should speak with a psychology adviser early in their education. This will allow them to develop a long-range plan that best meets their educational and career goals. Students whose interests are in the social service and mental health areas should consider the Certificate in Mental Health Skills. Students whose interests are in research should consider the Certificate in Psychological Research. Students with some interest in graduate school in neuroscience should consider the Certificate in Neuroscience.
Students who intend to pursue graduate study in psychology or a related field should discuss this with their adviser as early as possible to develop a plan of study that will prepare them for graduate school. These students should plan to take more than the minimum 39 credits in psychology required for the major. They are also encouraged to complete at least one of the three certificates and to participate in PSYC 494 Psychology Internship or PSYC 499 Independent Study under the guidance of a member of the department.
Students majoring in psychology may be eligible for membership in Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. Psychology Club is a student organization that sponsors activities of broad interest to psychology students (e.g., workshops on graduate school and discussions of employment opportunities). Contact Dr. Hillard for information about how to join Psi Chi and/or the Psychology Club.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Communication: Students successfully communicate psychology-related material.
- Critical Thinking: Students apply critical thinking skills to reading scholarly material and writing a scholarly paper.
- Social and Personal Responsibility: Students apply psychological principles.
- Content Knowledge: Students can explain the major theories and research findings major areas of psychology.
Minimum 2.50 GPA in all courses used in the major (including transfer credits).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychological Science | 3 |
| PSYC 150 | Careers in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 250 | Psychological Statistics 2 | 4 |
| PSYC 300 | Research Methods in Psychology 2 | 4 |
| Breadth Courses | ||
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYC 205 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 210 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| Depth Courses | ||
| Select fifteen credits of PSYC courses numbered 301 and above 1 | 15 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select three credits of any 200-level, 300-level, or 400-level PSYC course that is not required for the major | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
not including PSYC 494 Psychology Internship or PSYC 499 Independent Study.
- 2
Except for MATH 103 and MATH 203 (upon chair approval), majors may NOT substitute an equivalent course in statistical or quantitative methods from another department or AP Statistics credits for PSYC 250 Psychological Statistics. Majors must still satisfy the 42 credit minimum requirement in Psychology. Majors may NOT substitute a research methods course from another department for PSYC 300 Research Methods in Psychology.
Degree Requirements (Bachelor's Degree)
In addition to individual program requirements, students must also fulfill the following requirements.
- Complete 120 credits of college work. This must include 36 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Certain elementary courses are identified in the catalog and/or course schedule as not counting toward the 120 credits required for graduation. In addition, only the first 8 credits of physical education activity courses (100-level) may be counted toward graduation or grade point averages (GPA).
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits toward their undergraduate degree at UW-Parkside. Individual departments and programs may require that certain courses must be taken at UW-Parkside. Students must complete all course work to be counted toward graduation by the end of the semester/subscription period in which they graduate.
- Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Some programs have higher GPA requirements. Transfer students must also have a cumulative 2.00 GPA on the combination of transfer credits accepted and credits attempted at UW-Parkside.
- Complete an approved major program of study with the minimum major GPA as specified by the program or department. Usually, the minimum GPA is 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, but some majors require a higher GPA. Students who apply transfer credits to their majors must also meet the minimum major GPA requirement on the combination of transfer credits and UW-Parkside credits. At least 15 credits of upper level course work (courses numbered 300 or higher) must be completed at UW-Parkside. A student may not graduate with an incomplete grade in major course work if failure in that course would reduce the GPA in the major below the minimum GPA.
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Minimum Total Credits | 120 |
| Core General Education | 35 |
| Upper Level Credits (300 level or above) | 36 |
| Residency | 30 |
See the undergraduate policy section for more specific information about Core General Education Requirements. A list of approved courses is available in the General Education program section of the catalog.