At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This major is designed for students who want to learn about behavior, normal and abnormal, how it is studied, and its relation to applied areas. Students are encouraged to conduct research with members of the faculty and/or take a practicum in an applied setting. Graduates are equipped for various positions in human service agencies, industrial settings, or laboratories. Others go on to professional school, e.g., medical school, law school, or to continue their training in psychology working toward a master's or a doctoral degree. Majors may elect either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science program.
The B.S. degree program requires more coursework in the sciences than the B.A. program, and students may select courses from one of four areas--mathematics/computer science, statistics, business, or biology--which may be taken instead of a world language.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of thought, behavior, and experience. Many people associate psychology with psychological therapy and the practice of clinical psychology. There are also many other important areas of scientific psychology, such as cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational, and social psychology. What these subfields of psychology have in common is the use of the scientific method to understand human behavior and apply that understanding to the development of theory and practice. Psychologists are increasingly making use of neuroscience methods and theories to understand psychological phenomena. As a profession, psychology is related to fields such as health, education, marketing, human resources, social work, and more. The principles of psychology are relevant to almost all areas of human endeavor, and the career paths of psychology students reflect this wealth of possibilities.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to better understand people’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
- You want to learn about how the brain works, how it malfunctions, and how it recovers.
- You are interested in child development, mental health, personality, social interactions, organizations, and neuroscience.
- You want a career as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or other human services professional.
- You want a broad understanding of human behavior to help you pursue a career in business, law, or medicine.
Entrance to Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to the PSYBS major, a student at any location must have:
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a minimum of 123 credits is required:
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
General Education | 45 |
Electives | 10-13 |
Requirements for the Major | 74-77 |
9 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3 credits of GWS courses and 6 credits of GQ courses.
Per Senate Policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
ENGL 202A | Effective Writing: Writing in the Social Sciences | 3 |
PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
PSYCH 105 | Psychology as a Science and Profession | 3 |
PSYCH 301W | Basic Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
PSYCH 490 | Senior Seminar in Psychology | 3 |
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits of GQ courses | 6 | |
PSYCH 200 | Elementary Statistics in Psychology | 4 |
or STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | |
Select 12 credits of 200-level PSY courses (not to include PSYCH 294, PSYCH 296, or PSYCH 297). At least 3 credits must be from each group A, B, and C: | 12 | |
Group A | ||
Introduction to Psychology of Perception | ||
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | ||
Neurological Bases of Human Behavior | ||
Introduction to Psychology of Learning | ||
Group B | ||
Introduction to Developmental Psychology | ||
Introduction to Social Psychology | ||
Introduction to the Psychology of Gender | ||
Introduction to Personality Psychology | ||
Group C | ||
Introduction to Well-being and Positive Psychology | ||
Evolutionary Psychology | ||
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | ||
Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology | ||
Select 12 credits of PSYCH courses at the 400 level (not including PSYCH 490, and including no more than 3 credits of PSYCH 493, PSYCH 494, PSYCH 495, or PSYCH 496) | 12 | |
Requirements for the Option | ||
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select an option | 24-27 |
Requirements for the Option
Life Sciences Option (24 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park, World Campus
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 15 credits from groups A, B, C, and D, including at least 3 credits from each of three different groups: | 15 | |
A. Genetics | ||
ANTH 218 | ||
Human Genetics | ||
Genetics and Evolution of the Human Species | ||
or BIOL 222 | Genetics | |
B. Biological Anthropology | ||
Introductory Biological Anthropology | ||
Humans as Primates | ||
Biocultural Evolution | ||
Human Evolution: The Material Evidence | ||
Developmental and Health Genetics | ||
Health Care and Medical Needs | ||
Introductory Principles of Nutrition | ||
C. Biological Implications | ||
Any BBH course (except BBH 310) | ||
Biocultural Studies of Family Organization | ||
Introduction to Disability Culture | ||
Introduction to Rehabilitation and Human Services | ||
Medical Aspects of Disability | ||
D. Biology and Chemistry | ||
Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
Introduction to Human Physiology | ||
Introduction to the Biology of Aging | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture | ||
Biology of Sex | ||
Chemical Principles I | ||
Experimental Chemistry I | ||
Chemical Principles II | ||
Experimental Chemistry II | ||
Organic Chemistry I | ||
Organic Chemistry II | ||
Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 3 credits in natural sciences from department list | 3 | |
Select 6 credits in social and behavioral sciences from department list | 6 |
Business Option (24 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park, World Campus
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 15 credits from at least three different groups of the following (3 credits in any category can be replaced by LA 495, but internship credits alone cannot be used to complete a category): | 15 | |
Group 1, Section A | ||
Principles of Economics | ||
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis (or higher-numbered ECON course) | ||
International Political Economy | ||
Government and the Economy | ||
Global Political Economy | ||
Policy Making and Evaluation | ||
Group 1, Section B | ||
Finance | ||
Corporation Finance (or any higher-numbered FIN course) | ||
Group 1, Section C | ||
Marketing | ||
Principles of Marketing (or any higher-numbered MKTG course) | ||
Group 1, Section D | ||
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | ||
Group 2, Section A (Management) | ||
Management and Organization | ||
Consumer Choices in Health Care | ||
Introduction to Health Services Organization | ||
Health Care Payment | ||
Financial Decisions in Health Care Organizations | ||
Health Services Policy Issues (or any higher-numbered HPA course) | ||
LER 305 | ||
Basic Management Concepts (or any higher-numbered MGMT course) | ||
Group 2, Section B (Law and Ethics) | ||
Supply Chains | ||
Legal Environment of Business | ||
LER 460 | ||
Ethical Leadership | ||
PHIL 406 | ||
Seminar in Philosophy of Technology | ||
Seminar in Ethical Theory | ||
Medical and Health Care Ethics | ||
Supply Chain Management | ||
Group 2, Section C (Labor Relations) | ||
LER 100 | ||
LER 304 | ||
Any LER 400-level course | ||
Group 2, Section D (Communication) | ||
Organizational Communication | ||
Group Communication Theory and Research | ||
Organizational Communication Theory and Research | ||
Advanced Business Writing | ||
Business and Literature | ||
LER 464 | ||
Group 3, Section A (Global View) | ||
Social Entrepreneurship | ||
GEOG 424 | ||
Property and the Global Environment | ||
Global Pathways | ||
Comparative Health Systems | ||
International Business Operations | ||
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Liberal Arts | ||
Group 3, Section B (Diversity) | ||
Freedom's First Generation: African American Life and Work, from the Civil War to World War II | ||
Politics of Affirmative Action | ||
Racial and Ethnic Inequality in America | ||
Globalization and Its Implications | ||
Gender and International Development | ||
LER/WMNST 136 | ||
LER 201 | ||
LER/RHS 410 | ||
LER/WMNST 472 | ||
LER 475 | ||
Introduction to Rehabilitation and Human Services | ||
Group 3, Section C (History) | ||
HIST 151 | ||
American Business History | ||
History of Work in America | ||
Group 3, Section D (Technology) | ||
Information, People and Technology | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 3 credits in arts/humanities from department list | 3 | |
Select 3 credits in natural sciences from department list | 3 | |
Select 3 credits in social and behavioral sciences from department list | 3 |
Neuroscience Option (24-27 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
Students planning to apply to medical school should select this option and choose courses to meet the following minimal requirements for most medical schools:
- BIOL 110 and BIOL 230W or BIOL 240W
- CHEM 110, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 113, CHEM 210, CHEM 212, and CHEM 213
- PHYS 211 and PHYS 212, or PHYS 250 and PHYS 251.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
PSYCH 260 | Neurological Bases of Human Behavior (also counts in category a of COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR) | 3 |
Select 15 credits from groups A, B, C, D, and E, including at least 3 credits from each of four different groups: | 15 | |
A. Genetics | ||
Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
Genetics and Evolution of the Human Species | ||
Genetics | ||
B. Physiology | ||
Introduction to Human Physiology | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture | ||
Human Physiology | ||
C. Organic Chemistry | ||
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I | ||
Organic Chemistry I | ||
Organic Chemistry II | ||
D. Cell Biology | ||
Biology: Molecules and Cells | ||
Neurobiology | ||
Elementary Microbiology | ||
Introductory Microbiology | ||
Molecular and Cell Biology I | ||
E. Other Topics | ||
Biology of Sex | ||
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | ||
Biology of Aging | ||
Functional and Integrative Neuroscience | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits in natural sciences from department list | 6 | |
Select 3 credits in social and behavioral sciences from department list | 3 |
Quantitative Skills Option (24 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
Students may fulfill the requirements of the Quantitative Skills option by completing a minor in either Statistics or Computer Science and Engineering in lieu of the course requirements listed above. Students choosing this option are encouraged to consult with an adviser designated by the Department of Psychology to determine the suitability of particular courses given their quantitative backgrounds. Other courses with advanced quantitative content may be substituted in Group D with adviser's approval.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select a total of 15 credits from groups A, B, C, and D: | 15 | |
Group A | ||
Select at least 3 credits of the following: | ||
Elementary Linear Algebra | ||
Techniques of Calculus I | ||
Techniques of Calculus II | ||
Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | ||
Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | ||
Group B (optional) - Students may take only one of the courses in Group B for credit | ||
Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
Introduction to Programming | ||
Introduction to Programming Techniques | ||
Programming for Engineers with C++ | ||
Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
Group C, Section 1 - Students may take only one of the courses in Group C, Section 1 for credit | ||
Select 3 credits of the following: | ||
Elementary Probability | ||
Introduction to Probability Theory | ||
Introduction to Probability and Stochastic Processes for Engineering | ||
Group C, Section 2 | ||
Select at least 3 credits of the following: | ||
Elementary Mathematical Statistics | ||
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | ||
Stochastic Modeling | ||
Intermediate Applied Statistics | ||
Applied Regression Analysis | ||
Applied Nonparametric Statistics | ||
Group D | ||
Communication and Information Technology II | ||
Intermediate Programming | ||
Principles of Measurement | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 3 credits in arts/humanities from department list | 3 | |
Select 6 credits in natural sciences from department list | 6 |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Integrated B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations
Available at the following campuses: University Park
Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Program Learning Objectives
- Knowledge of concepts, theories, and findings: Demonstrate knowledge of major psychological concepts, theories, and empirical findings .
- Ability to apply concepts and theories to research and real life: Demonstrate the ability to apply psychological concepts and theories to research and real life situations.
- Demonstrate knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge about the history, values, and scientific foundations of the field of psychology.
- Use critical scientific approach to solve problems: Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- Critical thinking in application of science: Demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of information in the scientific literature to distinguish the scientific literature from other sources.
- Formulate and defend a scholarly opinion based on the literature: Demonstrate the ability to formulate and defend one’s own scholarly opinion based on reading, interpreting, and synthesizing psychological literature.
- Communicate results: Communicate effectively (in writing and/or orally) the results of a project or internship.
- Extract, summarize, and write using psychological research: Demonstrate the ability to effectively extract central points and summarize psychological research literature and to write in the format of psychological research.
- Translate psychological knowledge into everyday language: Demonstrate the ability to translate psychological knowledge into everyday language.
- Research methods and design: Differentiate among the research methods used in psychology and apply the designs in evaluation or development of a research study.
- Analyze data using stats, graphs, and tables: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative psychological data using statistics, graphs, and data tables.
- Knowledge/appreciation of diversity: Show evidence of knowledge and appreciation for cultural diversity and relativity in human experience and for the complexity of human behavior and interactions.
- Application of scientific and professional ethics: Demonstrate knowledge, and the application of, basic principles of scientific and professional ethics.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to ethical concerns and professionalism: Demonstrate sensitivity to ethical concerns and professionalism (including cultural considerations) in settings where applications of psychology and/or psychological research occur.
- Knowledge of professional options and training: Demonstrate knowledge of professional options and required training for careers in the major subfields of psychology.
- Identify career options: Demonstrate the ability to identify personally-relevant career options to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
World Campus
Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
All Options: Psychology, B.S. at University Park Campus and World Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 15, 30H, ESL 15, ENGL 137H, or CAS 137H‡ | 3 | CAS 100, ENGL 138T, or CAS 138T‡ | 3 |
PSYCH 100*# | 3 | PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 |
General Education Course (GQ)*‡#† | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
First-Year Seminar | 3 | General Education Course (GS)#* | 3 |
Option Course* | 3 | STAT 200 or PSYCH 200*# | 4 |
15 | 14.5 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 | PSYCH 105* | 3 |
General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
General Education Course (GQ)*‡† | 3 | PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 |
General Education Course (IL) | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 |
Option Supporting Course* | 3 | General Education Course (US) | 3 |
General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
15 | 16.5 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 | PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 |
PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 | PSYCH 301W or 300* | 4 |
General Education Course | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
Elective | 3 | Option Supporting Course* | 3 |
Option Course* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
15 | 16 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 | PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 |
General Education Course | 3 | PSYCH 490* | 3 |
ENGL 202A*‡ | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
General Education Course | 3 | Option Supporting Course* | 3 |
Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
Elective | 1 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Total Credits 123 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Notes:
- All incoming first-year students must take a First-Year Seminar (FYS) during Fall or Spring of their first year. Academic advisers can provide a list of FYS being offered and help the student enroll. Most FYS in the College of the Liberal Arts are worth 3 cr. and count as a General Humanities (GH) or General Social Sciences (GS) course. For this reason, the FYS is not listed separately on this eight-semester plan; most students will be able to fulfill the FYS requirement while also fulfilling a GH or GS requirement.
- The Neuroscience option is not available at World Campus.
All Options: Psychology, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
General Education Course (GWS)‡ | 3 | General Education Course (GWS)‡ | 3 |
PSYCH 100*# | 3 | PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 |
General Education Course (GQ)*‡#† | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
First-Year Seminar/General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GS)# | 3 |
Option Course* | 3 | STAT 200 or PSYCH 200 | 4 |
15 | 14.5 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 | General Education Course (US) | 3 |
General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
General Education Course (GQ)*‡† | 3 | PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 |
General Education Course (IL) | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 |
Option Supporting Course* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
15 | 16.5 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 2XX Level (Group A, B, C or Additional)* | 3 | PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 |
General Education Course | 3 | PSYCH 301W or 300 (WAC)* | 4 |
PSYCH 105* | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 | Option Supporting Course* | 3 |
Option Course* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
15 | 16 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 | PSYCH 4XX Level Course* | 3 |
General Education Course | 3 | PSYCH 490* | 3 |
ENGL 202A*‡ | 3 | Option Course* | 3 |
Elective | 3 | Option Supporting Course* | 3 |
Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
Elective | 1 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Total Credits 123 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
- Option coursework lists can be found at: https://psych.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/degrees-and-requirements/psychology-bachelor-of-science/.
- Option supporting coursework lists can be found at: https://psych.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/degrees-and-requirements/option-supporting-courses/
- The Neuroscience option is not available at World Campus. Also Neuroscience option students are required to take PSYCH 260/BBH 203 and it can be used as Psych 2XX level Group A or Additional Course choice.
Career Paths
Psychology students pursue a wide variety of careers. Many earn graduate degrees that qualify them for careers in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, social work, or other helping professions. Others work in health, business, research, school, or government settings. Many businesses seek psychology majors for their knowledge of human behavior, research methods, and data analysis.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Some psychology students pursue research-oriented doctoral degrees, entering Ph.D. programs in a variety of areas of psychology. These degrees prepare students for careers in academic, research, business, or government settings. Others pursue the practice-oriented Psy.D. degree. Masters degrees in counseling, school psychology, social work, counselor education, and other fields prepare students for a variety of practice settings. Some psychology students also prepare for medical school or related health-services degrees. Law school or MBA programs are also possibilities.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
125 Moore Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1811
ugpsychupwc@psu.edu
World Campus
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
125 Moore Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1811
ugpsychupwc@psu.edu