Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology and a Minor in Psychology. The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes the empirical study of human behavior and is structured around a comprehensive core curriculum that can lead to additional training in biological psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, cross-cultural psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and social psychology. It also provides excellent preparation for post-graduate study in a wide range of health professions and for careers in business and industry.
Department Honors
The Department of Psychology awards Honors in Psychology to certain of its outstanding students and provides the opportunity for advanced study under close faculty supervision.
Selection of students for honors designation is based on a student’s academic performance and recommendation by the faculty in the student’s major discipline. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 at UTSA and a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in Psychology at UTSA. The minimum grade point averages must be maintained for students to receive the approval of the department faculty. Students applying for Honors in Psychology are expected to enroll in the appropriate honors thesis course during their final two semesters. The completed thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty sponsor and another departmental faculty member.
Students interested in this program should contact their faculty advisors for additional information.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students interested in studying human behavior with a humanities and social science-oriented supporting curriculum may pursue a B.A. degree. The B.A. can successfully prepare students interested in graduate work in clinical, social, developmental, or cognitive psychology, or cognitive neuroscience, as well as other professional programs and jobs that stress a humanities and social science framework (e.g., counseling, social work, educational psychology, school psychology, business, personal management, law, behavioral management, health behaviors, introductory data management and data analytics, and other applied psychology programs).
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.
All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
The Psychology Department encourages students’ participation in the College for Health, Community and Policy Signature Experience by offering students a variety of opportunities to apply their ideas and knowledge to real-world settings. All Psychology majors enroll in Experimental Psychology and the accompanying laboratory. Experimental Psychology offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of research design and use these fundamentals to design an original research project which addresses many questions of applied interest. In addition, students can enroll in internships and independent study or Honors thesis projects as part of their program of study. Internships are arranged through the Department of Psychology Internship Coordinator and are designed to provide students with experiences at a wide variety of organizations and institutions in the San Antonio area. Independent study and Honors thesis projects are arranged through consultation with individual members of the Psychology faculty and are designed to provide students with an opportunity to further develop their research skills. These projects are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and usually involve work associated with the faculty member’s primary line of research.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Psychology must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students will need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053 is recommended to satisfy the core requirement in Mathematics. PSY 1013 should be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Gateway Courses
Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Psychology must successfully complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of "C-" or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change their major.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Psychology major courses | ||
| 1. Lower-division courses | ||
| a. Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| b. Select three of the following courses with at least one course from Group A and one from Group B: | 9 | |
| Group A (Select at least one of the following): | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Group B (Select at least one of the following): | ||
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Psychopathology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| c. Statistics for Psychology or approved substitute | ||
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology (Prerequisites: MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053; and PSY 1013. PSY 2073 must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-" before enrolling in PSY 3403 and PSY 3413, and should be completed during the freshman or sophomore year.) | 3 |
| 2. Upper-Division courses | ||
| a. Experimental Psychology | ||
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology (PSY 3403 must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-.") | 3 |
| PSY 3413 | Experimental Projects and Laboratory | 3 |
| b. Select 12 semester credit hours of upper-division courses in psychology. | 12 | |
| Group A (Select at least one of the following): | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Behavior Analysis and Learning | ||
| Psychology of Physical Activity | ||
| Psychopharmacology | ||
| Reason and Intuition | ||
| Memory | ||
| Physiological Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Health | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities | ||
| Group B (Select at least one of the following): | ||
| Social Psychology of Small Groups | ||
| Multicultural Psychology | ||
| Personality and Behavior | ||
| Motivation and Emotion | ||
| Industrial and Organizational Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Gender | ||
| Developmental Psychopathology | ||
| Psychology of Adulthood and Aging | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Psychology | ||
| Couple and Family Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology of the Self | ||
| Social Psychology of Prejudice | ||
| Relationships | ||
| Social Cognition | ||
| Infancy and Childhood | ||
| Stress and Coping | ||
| The following courses may be taken as electives, but will not be counted for this 12 credit hour requirement: | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Internship in Psychology | ||
| Internship in Psychology | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| B. Electives | 45 | |
| Select 45 semester credit hours of electives. In fulfillment of this requirement, majors are encouraged to take at least 9 semester credit hours of upper-division coursework in disciplines outside of Psychology that support the study of Psychology (e.g., biology, sociology, statistics, computer programming, philosophy, health-related fields). Majors who are interested in gaining experience in applied settings are encouraged to investigate options for Internship hours. Majors who plan to attend graduate school are encouraged to take at least 6 hours of upper-division Psychology courses in these free electives. To maximize learning, students are encouraged to take select courses spanning across the areas of cognition/learning, physiological/health, developmental, clinical, and social. Majors who intend to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or in other research areas are encouraged to gain research experience that may include Independent Study or Honors Thesis electives. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Psychology
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Psychology degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Psychology – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (core) or Algebra for Scientists and Engineers or Basic Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (core and major) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Select from lower division Group A or Group B. | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from lower division Group A or Group B. | 6 | |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3413 | Experimental Projects and Laboratory | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective (at least one from Group A) | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective (at least one from Group B) | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective (upper-division PSY recommended) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective (upper-division PSY recommended) | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Minor in Psychology
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses | ||
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (This course may be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.) | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology (must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-") | 3 |
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology (must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-") | 3 |
| B. Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Psychopathology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| C. Upper-division psychology courses | ||
| Select 6 additional upper-division credit hours of psychology courses. The following courses may be taken as electives, but will not be counted for this requirement: Independent Study, Internship in Psychology, or Honors Thesis. | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
To declare a Minor in Psychology, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.
Psychology (PSY) Courses
PSY 1013. Introduction to Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2301)
Introduction to the study of the mind and behavior in humans and other species with attention to awareness, sensation, perception, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, problem solving, personality, mental and behavioral development, abnormal behavior, and social behavior in group settings. Psychological, social, cultural, institutional, and biological determinants of behavior are considered, together with applications of basic principles based on individuals within a variety of cultural, civic, and public policy contexts. Scientific approaches to the explanation of psychological phenomena are examined critically, with emphasis on empirical research involving the application of the scientific method and quantitative research skills and results to everyday life situations and areas of social responsibility. Communication of empirical results to an appropriate audience is required, as is participation in illustrative research. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Student must be TSI complete in Reading. (Formerly PSY 2013. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 1013 and PSY 2013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2073. Statistics for Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053; and one psychology course.
The use of statistics in psychological research includes: elementary probability theory; descriptive statistics, including histograms, graphing, and measures of central tendency and dispersion; correlational techniques; binomial and normal distributions; and inferential statistics, including hypothesis testing, effect size estimates, and analysis of variance. (Formerly STA 2073. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 2073 and STA 2073.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2503. Lifespan Developmental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2314)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. This course covers development from conception to death. The course provides an introduction to classical and contemporary theories, methods, and current research in the field of lifespan developmental science. Additionally, this course may explore both the universal aspects of maturation and development, as well as aspects of development that vary across groups and individuals. Research and theory concerning how biological, cognitive, socioemotional, cultural, and historical forces impact development at each stage of the lifespan may be covered. Counts as a lower-division Group B course. (Formerly titled “Developmental Psychology.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2513. Introduction to Psychopathology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2320)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. Topics may include the dynamics of abnormal behavior with attention to description, causes, and treatment of major psychological disorders, including neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Counts as a lower division Group B course. (Formally titled “Abnormal Psychology.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2533. Social Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2319)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. Problems, methods, major theories, and results in the study of social interaction and interpersonal influence; self-identity, attitudes, role behavior, social perception, social influence, and behavior within groups. Counts as a lower division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2563. Cognitive Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. A survey of scientific theories and research in cognitive psychology. Topics include attention, memory, and problem-solving. Counts as a lower division Group A course. (Formerly PSY 3103. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3103 and PSY 2563.) Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2583. Biological Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. An introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include evolution, genetics, research methods in behavioral neuroscience, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, learning and memory, lifespan development, cognition, psychological disorders, and other complex behaviors. Counts as a lower division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3023. Social Psychology of Small Groups. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2533 and PSY 3413, or consent of instructor. Theory and modern research in the social psychology of small groups. Particular attention will be given to group formation, the nature of small group processes, and the influence of groups on behavior. Counts as an upper division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3053. Multicultural Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: ANT 1013, ANT 2053, or PSY 1013; and PSY 3403 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.
An examination of the role of culture in the development and validation of psychological theories. Critical discussion of the application of theories of human behavior developed in the United States and Western Europe to other cultural groups, including ethnic minority subgroups. Topics may include identity formation, cognitive and personality development, social and organizational behavior, intergroup relations, psychological assessment, and mental health. (Formerly titled "Cross-Cultural Psychology"). Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3073. Personality and Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Examination of the relationship of personality to behavior, behavioral tendencies, including thoughts and feelings. Topics include the theoretical foundation of personality psychology, an examination of research regarding personality’s influence on behavior, and the application of what psychologists know about personality. Counts as an upper Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3113. Motivation and Emotion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent. Topics may include examination of biological, physiological, learning, psychodynamic, cognitive, and purposive factors in the motivation of human behavior. Includes an examination of the nature and roles of emotion in explaining motivational processes. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3153. Sensation and Perception. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Survey of the processes by which the information available in the physical world is encoded and transformed to produce our perception of the world. Emphasis on the interaction between data-driven and conceptually-driven processes. Topics may include elementary sensory physiology, pattern recognition, illusions, physiological bases of perceptual dysfunction, and perceptual development. (Formerly PSY 2553. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3153 and PSY 2553.) Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3203. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3413 or equivalent, one of the following: PSY 2543 (Theories of Learning), PSY 2563, or PSY 2533, or consent of instructor. Applications of psychological theory and research techniques to issues surrounding work and employment. Topics may include issues in the selection, recruitment, and evaluation of employees, employee motivation and satisfaction, working in teams and collectives, and the influence of organizations on behavior. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3303. Psychology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of “C-“ or consent of instructor. This course examines social, psychological, and biological theories and research on sex differences and conceptions of gender. Topics often include the content and origins of gender roles, gender stereotypes, gender identity, and gender differences and similarities in behavior, psychological processes, interpersonal relationships, and health. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. (Formerly titled “Psychological Perspectives on Gender.”) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3403. Experimental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Two courses from the following: PSY 2503, PSY 2513, PSY 2533, PSY 2563, or PSY 2583; and PSY 2073 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of the instructor. This course is designed for students to familiarize themselves with representative experimental designs employed in psychological research, develop skills in executing research, learn the techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and apply findings from programs of research. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3413. Experimental Projects and Laboratory. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3403 (completed with a minimum grade of "C-").
Application of observational and experimental procedures to selected problems in the collection of psychological data and the evaluation of psychological theories. (Formerly titled "Experimental Psychology Laboratory.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3513. Developmental Psychopathology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 and either PSY 2503 or PSY 2513. Clinical findings and experimental research regarding childhood behavior problems, including hyperactivity, autism, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Additional topics may include family influences on development of psychopathology and various psychotherapeutic techniques. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. (Formerly titled "Psychopathology and Childhood.") Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3523. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2503 (or alternatively, PSY 2513 or PSY 2533) or consent of instructor. Descriptive and theoretical accounts of psychological developments from emerging adulthood through old age. Relevant research is reviewed in the areas of memory, intellect, mental and physical health, social development, personality, meaning, stress and coping, bereavement, and dying. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3543. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2513 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; or consent of instructor. An introduction to the scientist-practitioner viewpoint of clinical psychology, which balances research and practice. The basic tools of psychological assessment, psycho-diagnosis, and psychotherapy are addressed. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3553. Behavior Analysis and Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013 or equivalent; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or equivalent. An introduction to and survey of the principles, methods, theories, and applications of the experimental analysis of behavior. Emphasis on the implications of behavior theory and the experimental analysis of behavior in contemporary society. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3563. Couple and Family Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013, and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". This course will focus on psychological research on relationships, processes, and factors within couples and families. Demographic status and changes in American couples and families and how these changes relate to changes in racial/ethnic changes and diversity are considered. Psychological models of couples and families will be discussed. Understanding family structure, relationship processes, and factors that are related to the health and well-being of individual couples and family members that are related to successful and healthy couples and family relationships are discussed. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3603. Psychology of Physical Activity. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013, PSY 2563, or PSY 2583. This course focuses on the psychological antecedents and consequences of physical activity behavior. Emphasis will be placed on understanding concepts, principles, and theories and how these may be applied to research as well as the promotion and maintenance of physical activity across the lifespan. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3613. Psychopharmacology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. This course is an introduction to behavioral pharmacology. Topics will include fundamental neuroscience and pharmacology principles, and neurochemistry of neurotransmitter systems, with applications among central nervous system active medications used recreationally and/or pharmaceutically. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3623. Psychology of Adolescence. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013. This course will serve as a survey of the fundamental developmental changes that occur in adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Particular emphasis will be on the psychological and social changes that accompany and follow the physiological changes of puberty, the acquisition of new cognitive capacities, and the process of social redefinition. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3703. Reason and Intuition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". This course examines human reason and intuition from a variety of perspectives that cut across traditional areas of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental, biological, abnormal, applied). Major topics include conscious and unconscious cognition, judgment and decision-making, creativity, critical thinking and science, expertise, and moral reasoning. Some applications covered include economics, business, psychotherapy, the legal system, and thriving in the information age. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4003. History of Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor.
The development of major theoretical positions and research strategies in psychology from the ancient Greeks to the present, with emphasis on the development of scientific psychology since the late 19th century. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4013. Social Psychology of the Self. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2533 (or alternatively, PSY 2503 or PSY 2513) and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3413; or consent of instructor. A social psychological examination of current research on the self and identity as they occur in social interaction. Topics may include the structure of the self-concept and strategies for the preservation of self-esteem; the evaluation of the self through social comparison; the search for meaning and processes involved in understanding the self and identity; and individual differences in self-knowledge and self-presentational styles. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4103. Social Psychology of Prejudice. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2533 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". Consideration of social, psychological, cultural, and personality factors in prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. Involves an exploration of other types of prejudices. Coverage involves strategies and continuing research and applications for addressing and reducing prejudice. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4143. Memory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", and PSY 3413 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor. Models for the coding, storage, and retrieval of information in memory. Organization and structure of short-term, long-term, and semantic memory, and the role of verbalization and images in memory. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4183. Physiological Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2583 or BIO 1203 (formerly BIO 1404). Topics may include the biological and particularly neurophysiological bases of human behavior and cognition, the structure and organization of the nervous system, and the effect of the latter on perception, memory, learning, motivation, and emotion. (PSY 4183 is considered equivalent to BIO 4813, NDRB 4813, and NDRB 3613. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of these courses.) Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4193. Relationships. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2533, PSY 2503, or PSY 2513; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-". A consideration of the psychological processes that underlie the development and maintenance of social relationships. Emphasis on motivational and cognitive factors that mediate social interaction and communication. Special attention may be given to friendships, romantic relationships, successful marriages, and distressed relationships. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4213. Social Cognition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2533 or PSY 2563; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent; or consent of instructor. The study of how people perceive and construe social events, social situations, and the behavior of other people. Some emphasis is also placed on how social and cultural forces affect personal perception processes. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4253. Psychology of Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor. An examination of the interaction of psychological, social, and biological factors in physical illness. The symptoms/conditions covered may include stress, pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and obesity. The course is research-based but likely to include prevention and/or treatment strategies for health promotion. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4343. Cognitive Neuroscience. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 and PSY 3413; PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. Examines issues in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and the relations between cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Topics include the neural basis of perception, attention, memory, language, and executive function skills. Students will also study how these processes change during normal development and in various neurological disorders. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and use of the scientific method will be emphasized. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4363. Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3413; and PSY 2563 or PSY 2583. A survey of the science of intelligence and cognitive abilities. Topics may include intelligence tests and measures, theories of intelligence, intelligence and the brain, cognitive correlates of intelligence, genetics of intelligence, intelligence at school and work, environmental effects on intelligence, and group differences in intelligence. Counts as an upper-division Group A course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4503. Infancy and Childhood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3413. This course will cover development from conception through childhood. We will review seminal historical and contemporary theory, research, and methods relevant to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during childhood. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4603. Stress and Coping. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2503, PSY 2513, PSY 2533, or PSY 2583. This course examines the relationships between stress, physical and mental health, the stressors particular to modern life, and the use of stress management techniques to promote effective coping. Counts as an upper-division Group B course. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4853. Special Topics in Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. (Formerly PSY 4953. Credit may be earned for both PSY 4853 and PSY 4953 or, if repeated, provided that the topics vary across offerings, but not more than six semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree). Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.
PSY 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4933. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration.
Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4936. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration.
Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.
PSY 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Psychology; requirements for candidacy include the sponsorship of a faculty member and Psychology faculty approval of the student’s project proposal.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once for credit with advisor’s approval. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.