Psychology
What courses should I take in my first year to see if this is the right major for me?
The best course to take is PSYC 101, as it is our introductory course and a pre-requisite for all other psychology courses. If you enjoy PSYC 101, or have already taken a similar course, then you should take one of our other psychology foundation courses, either PSYC 120-145 (focus on Basic Processes), PSYC 150-156 (Developmental/Cultural Psychology), or PSYC 170-175 (Social/Clinical Psychology). Any of these courses will determine if psychology is the best fit for you.
Are there any courses I am required or strongly encouraged to take in my first semester if I know I want to declare this major? Do any AP credits count for these requirements?
PSYC 101 (General Psychology) if you have no psychology experience. This class can be replaces the with the AP Intro to Psychology exam and applied towards a Psychology Major requirement.
What is the latest semester that I can start this major and still graduate in four years?
Psychology is a 10-course unit requirement major. Students can begin their studies as late as first-semester Junior year; however, it is highly-recommended that students declare no later than second-semester sophomore year. Some major requirements are offered on rotation or may conflict with students’ other coursework schedule, which could delay completion of requirements. Furthermore, some research courses are full-year (as is the senior honors program), which can impact timing. It will also be important to start earlier as the Psychology major requires a minor, concentration or dual major to be completed along with the Psychology requirements.
I am interested in many different subjects. What other majors, minors, or concentrations go well with this major?
Psychology has synergy with a number of majors including business-related (ex: marketing, finance), hard-sciences (medical fields/research), technology (game design, data science), social sciences (community development, non-profit), and the arts (art-therapy).
What else do you want incoming first year students to know about this major?
Psychology is a versatile major with broad applications in careers post-Clark. It is the largest undergraduate major on campus and offers a variety of coursework for Psychology majors to explore.
If I want to declare this as a major, who should I talk to and where do I go?
Feel free to reach out to our office to meet with any of our faculty and staff to discuss the Psychology program. You can also learn more by visiting our website here.
Summer Point of Contact:
Professor Andrew Stewart (Department Chair) – andstewart@clarku.edu
Kelly Boulay – kboulay@clarku.edu
Kerri Stearns – kstearns@clarku.edu
