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Bachelor of Science in Psychology (OLD requirements)

IMPORTANT – if you declared the Psychology major prior to July 2021, see note at the bottom of the page.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (OLD)

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires the completion of 17 units. These include:

  • Core Overview Courses (2 units): PSYC 101, PSYC 390.
  • Core Research Methods Courses (4 units): PSYC 202, 204, and two research courses (PSYC 410, 415, 430, one unit of 400 level Mentored Research [PSYC 405, 406, 407, 495, 496, 497]).
  • Domain Courses (4 units): At least one course per domain (Developmental PSYC 221, 321-329; Biological PSYC 231, 330-339; Cognitive PSYC 241, 341-349; Social-personality PSYC 251, 351-359), with two at the 200 level and two at the 300 level in different domains.
  • Math/Science Courses (4 units): Four math/science courses relevant to the field of psychology must be taken, with specified courses in the following areas:
    • Biology (BIOL 180, 190, 210, 225, 230, 260, 305, 315, 340, 390, 415, 420)
    • Chemistry (CHEM 111 or 117, 112 or 118, 221, 222, 340, 341, 342)
    • Computer science (CPSC 120, 170, 342)
    • Mathematics (MATH 111, 118, 119 or 121, 122, 131, 201, 321, 332, 342)
    • Physics (PHYS 102 or 103 or 201, 104 or 202, 390, 452)
    • Statistics (INQ 240 or STAT 210, STAT 220, 303, 304)
  • Electives (3 units): Any PSYC courses at any level, but only 1 Internship (PSYC 316, 317) and only 1 unit of Mentored Research (PSYC 306, 311, 312, 405, 406, 407, 495, 496, 497) can count as an elective for the major. HNRS/INQ260PY may count as an elective in the major.

chart of units that must be completed
     click here for a printable visual guide

Note on changes to the BS in psychology:

The psychology department has consolidated the BA and BS into one degree (a Bachelor of Science in Psychology). The new BS in Psychology has eliminated the STEM requirement as well as the requirement for a second Applied Methods course. Students who have already declared the Psychology BS can either continue with their current requirements (above) or, if they wish, they are welcome to switch to the new BS requirements. Please consult with your academic advisor if you would like to discuss this option.

Enrollment in Internship and Mentored Research

For enrollment in an Internship (PSYC 316/317), a written application must be submitted to the Director of the Internship Program and approved by the department faculty prior to registration. Contact the Internship Director for more information about the application process.  For enrollment in Mentored Research (Research Experience PSYC 106, Research Practicum PSYC 306, Independent Study (Literature Review) PSYC 311/312, Independent Study (Empirical Research) PSYC 405/406/407, or an Honors Project PSYC 495/496/497), a written application must be submitted to the department chairperson and approved by the department faculty prior to registration. Information about the application process for Internships and Mentored Research can be found under the Research and Internships section of the department website.

Click here for more information on Internships and Mentored Research