Psychology (PSY) Undergraduate Programs
102 WHITNEY HOUSE/(320) 308-4157
Also see College of Social Sciences description and requirements.
Programs at a Glance
Degree programs
- BA – Psychology
- Minor – Psychology
- Minor (BES) – Psychology
Program admission and performance requirements
Admission – Department
- completion of 11 credits or more in psychology
Graduation – University
- minor or one year of foreign language
University minimum requirements for bachelor’s degrees
- 120 credits
- 40 credits in General Education
- 1 credit in PESS 122
- 45 credits in upper-division (300-400) courses
- 30 credits in residence at SCSU
- 2.00 GPA overall, in major, and in minor (departments may set higher standards)
(See this section and the section on the College of College of Social Sciences for more information.)
Chairperson: Leslie Valdes
Faculty: Buswell, DeVoe, Godding, Illies, Jazwinski, Kling, Kulas, Melcher, Mertens, Protolipac, Rockenstein, Valdes
The psychology undergraduate program is designed to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse content areas in psychology, as well as develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills. Our curriculum, based on the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA), prepares students for careers related to psychology such as human resources, marketing, social services as well as advanced studies in psychology, medicine, or the law.
It is important that students consult early with departmental advisers, particularly if their plan is to continue their education in graduate school.
Bachelor of Arts
Major (41)
All majors
must take the four core classes in the following sequence: Introduction to Psychology (115), Introduction
to Laboratory Methods (116), Psychology Statistics (201), and Methodology
in Psychology (202). The capstone course fulfills the upper division writing requirement. Requirements are:
- Core (11 credits, must be taken in sequence):
PSY 115, 116, 201, 202 - Foundations (15 credits):
PSY 240, 250, 270, 327, 353, 378, 386, 490 - Electives (12 credits):
Any four psychology classes. No more than six credits of any one course. - Capstone (3 credits):
PSY 401, 430, 432 or 435
Students should declare the major soon after taking at least 11 credits in psychology. Transfer students should meet with a Psychology Department adviser as soon as possible. All students need at least 15 psychology credits in residence.
This major requires either one year in a single foreign language OR a minor.
Minor (18)
All minors must take Introduction to Psychology (115), two courses from the Foundations (240, 250, 270, 327, 353, 378, 386, or 490) and ANY three other PSY courses.
All students intending to minor must meet with a Psychology Department advisor.
Note: The psychology minor can be held in conjunction with the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science (teaching and non-teaching) or any Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Bachelor of Elective Studies
Minor (18)
Completion of 18 credits in psychology with departmental approval.
