Psychology, B.A.
Curriculum
As a psychology major, you will complete a minimum of 10 courses in the department. These include four core courses and at least one course from each of these topic areas: basic processes, developmental/cultural, and social/clinical; a first seminar; a lab or research course; and a senior capstone.
You’ll choose from a diverse list of courses on topics like learning, stigma and health, development, clinical psychology, addictive behaviors, and social psychology. You can also take advantage of intensive career-relevant seminars, laboratory, and research courses, where you can participate in discussions of research and theoretical issues.
In consultation with your faculty adviser, you also will be required to complete a minor or concentration in another field that complements your psychology major. Some examples include the concentrations in peace studies and Holocaust and genocide studies, and the education minor. Alternatively, you can work with your psychology adviser to design your own sequence of six courses.
Featured Courses
The Psychology of Prejudice
Why does prejudice exist? How does it affect ourselves, our relationships, and our society? In this first-year intensive, we we will explore these questions by turning to the scientific literature.
Lab in Program Evaluation
How do you know if a program’s goals are being met? While participating in a real program evaluation, you’ll learn how to craft research questions, collect and analyze data, and report your findings.
Psychology of Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is the focus of many current social and political debates. Examine the nature of sexual orientation, how it’s assessed and measured, and shifts in the way it’s understood in today’s society.
Undergraduate research
As a psychology major, you can pursue research in different ways: lab/research courses; the department’s Honors Program; directed study and capstone research; year-round, noncredit opportunities; and Fall Fest/Academic Spree Day projects. You also can apply for research funding and awards.
