Psychology, BA
Investigate behavior through careful questions, research methods and competing explanations.
Ask how an explanation is supported.
Psychology introduces competing accounts of behavior and the methods used to examine them. You will study research design, cognition and interpretation while learning to separate a plausible account from evidence that supports it.
A supervised project or evidence synthesis gives you time to frame a manageable question, explain the method and discuss the limits of the result. Research records and ethical review are part of that preparation.
The degree in view
The BA requires 120 semester credits. The shared core connects your specialized study with writing, evidence, interpretation and public life. An adviser helps you choose electives that fit your interests without losing sight of the degree requirements.
Required courses
PSYC110Human Behavior
Introduce major psychological questions through selected studies, research methods and everyday applications. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
STAT150Introduction to Statistics
Summarize samples, explore variation and use elementary statistical inference in a reproducible analysis. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
BIOL110Biology of Living Systems
Investigate cells, populations and ecological interactions through integrated discussion and scheduled laboratory work. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
PSYC150Psychological Questions
Compare theoretical accounts of behavior and distinguish observations from explanations. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
PSYC220Research Design
Design a manageable study, define variables and consider sampling, consent and interpretive limits. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC150.
PSYC310Cognition & Experience
Examine attention, memory and interpretation through research readings and structured investigations. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC220.
PSYC410Psychology Research Seminar
Develop a supervised research proposal and revise its method, analysis and literature context. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC310.
PSYC490Psychology Capstone
Complete a supervised study or evidence synthesis with a methods appendix and research presentation. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC410.
A related-study pathway
One approved related-study pathway; the sample plan uses these six courses. Alternatives require an adviser-approved sequence with the same credit value.
An eight-semester example
The plan below completes prerequisites before the next sequenced course. Breadth electives come from outside the major division; free electives can support exploration or a coherent additional interest. Consult your adviser before changing a sequence.
| Semester | Courses and elective spaces | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 · Fall | WRIT101, COMM105, PSYC110, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 1 · Spring | PHIL110, HIST120, STAT150, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Fall | WRIT201, LIT130, BIOL110, PSYC150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Spring | ARTS105, QUAN105, PSYC220, HLTH150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Fall | SCIE105, CIVI120, PSYC310, EDST150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Spring | ETHI210, GLBL150, PSYC410, DATA150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Fall | HLTH220, EDST220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Spring | PSYC490, DATA220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
Work toward a capstone
A supervised research study or evidence synthesis with a methods record and scholarly presentation.
Your proposal sets the scope, method and expected form of the final work. Scheduled reviews give you an opportunity to respond to feedback before a public presentation or exhibition.
A person to plan with
Dr. Samira Ellis
Associate Professor, Psychology
Alder Hall, Room 136
Cognition, research design and everyday behavior.
Start an advising conversationConsider your next direction
The degree can support community and organizational roles, research or program support, graduate study in a related field. Career Studio can help you translate project work into a portfolio, a clear account of methods or the preparation for further study.
Explore Career Studio