Psychology

Major

Minor

Viewing the world through a psychological lens helps us understand the forces that shape human behavior and mental life.

With Gettysburg College’s psychology degree program, you’ll learn to broaden your understanding of human behavior as you investigate psychological questions creatively and scientifically.

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Majors & Minors

Program Name	Program Type
Psychology	Major Bachelor of Arts
Psychology	Major Bachelor of Science
Neuroscience	Minor

Why study Psychology?

Along with learning about the multifaceted functions of the human brain and how they correspond to one another, studying psychology allows you to understand who you are as an individual. The Psychology Department’s psychology major and neuroscience minor incorporate fresh, evolving perspectives to each course that support you on a path to a career in psychology, such as becoming a psychologist, counselor, or therapist.

While many psychology students begin their careers in the field of psychology, some go on to work in health care, education, research, business, government, or marketing, with others continuing their pursuit toward a graduate degree in psychology and other graduate programs in health professions, business, law, and education. Ultimately, a psychology degree can translate to various professional industries that benefit from hiring individuals who have a concrete understanding of the human condition.

Why study Psychology at Gettysburg

Opportunities

Students discover how to ask questions that are meaningful to them, gather evidence, and test their hypotheses. Through these research opportunities, students acquire the enduring skills of problem solving, adaptability, and creativity skills that they can take with them beyond Gettysburg into graduate school or career settings.

At Gettysburg, student life opportunities are abundant. Psychology students may find themselves working together with the Psi Chi Honor Society or making lifelong connections on campus during their first year at Gettysburg.

Academics

Gettysburg’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology focuses on understanding and applying psychological science and prepares students for many graduate school and career options outside the academic laboratory, including clinical psychology Masters and Psy.D./Ph.D. programs, as well as applied degrees in counseling, education, social work, human resources, and industry. The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students who are seeking a more intensive study of laboratory-based psychology and natural science as they prepare for graduate study in psychological science, neuroscience, or some Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology.

Community of Experts and Professors

Gettysburg College connects students with faculty members who are passionate about involving students in their research and opening doors to explore ideas and engage in thought-provoking dialogue about psychology beyond the classroom. With its focus on the liberal arts and sciences, Gettysburg College’s faculty members and students work collaboratively to pursue research on topics they’re passionate about studying.

Students in the Psychology Department can participate in a variety of endeavors that take place both in and out of the classroom and laboratory. These can include:

Student Research
Honors Research and Honors Thesis
Internships
Study Abroad
Psi Chi Honor Society

These extended research, fieldwork and academic activities can result in a broader understanding of the study of psychology and the many opportunities it offers. Funding is available to support students' independent research and field experiences.

100 Level

This course will focus on the research literature in the area of Sport Psychology and apply this knowledge to tasks requiring performance i.e. music, dance, sport, theater. Students will be required to work in teams to consult with coaches or professors to identify specific target areas. These teams will then be responsible to find answers to these performance questions in empirical data presented in psychology literature. Each team will have a practical question, identified by the client, to answer through a review of scientific literature. The class will work together to create a meaningful summary document of relevant research in each of these identified areas. The team will then present the information to the client (coach/ professor) as a culminating project.

200 Level

Child and Adolescent Psychopathology provides a general introduction to psychological disorders seen in children and adolescents, specifically, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. Autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD), behavioral disorders (e.g., conduct disorders) and emotional disorders (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders). This course covers issues related to the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of specific disorders. Each disorder is also examined in the context of family, peer group, school, and community. Prerequisite: Psychology 101

400 Level

Advanced discussion of topics included in Psychology 236, as well as an in-depth treatment of brain development and the neurochemical basis of behavior. Prerequisites: Psychology 236 or 237 and 305; or permission of instructor. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

Psychology News

Gettysburg announces faculty promotions as 2026-2027 academic year begins

Sep 21, 2026

Every chair has a story: Class of 2027 inspires Gettysburg’s newest students

Sep 11, 2026

Marina Lomeli ’28 cultivates adaptability through neuroscience research at Gettysburg

Aug 07, 2026

Faculty Spotlight: Psychology Prof. Allison Yurasek

Jul 24, 2026

Frequently asked questions

I want to major in Psychology. What should I do next?

Attend an advertised psychology major information session to learn about the requirements of the major. You will be given an opportunity to declare your major at the end of the session. Many sessions are held each semester. These are advertised on the Student Digest and on posters. When you declare your major at one of these sessions, an advisor will be assigned. You will also learn how the major is structured and when you should try to complete the different courses.

The ideal time to declare a major is in late winter/early spring of your first year, so you can participate in our departmental pre-registration. Early in the spring semester, you will receive preregistration materials specially designed for psychology majors. These will allow you priority into psychology courses.

prof and student review computer brain scans

Can I minor in Psychology?

A minor in Psychology is not available. Psychology is a large major, and the faculty could not handle the demand for courses if a formal minor were offered. However, some students choose to take several psychology electives at the 200 level; this is called a “concentration.” While this would not be formally recognized on your transcript, you can note on your resume that you took a concentration in Psychology and point these courses out to employers or graduate schools. You can, however, minor in Neuroscience.

Should I complete a B.A. or a B.S. when I major in Psychology?

Psychology majors in the classes of 2028 and earlier will earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Starting with the class of 2029, psychology majors have the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Both degrees are designed to prepare students for graduate-level work in psychology and help to prepare students for a wide range of career options. Both degrees also have a strong research focus, with required courses in statistics, research methods, and advanced laboratory work in psychology.

Gettysburg’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology focuses on understanding and applying psychological science, and prepares students for many graduate school and career options outside the academic laboratory, including clinical psychology Masters and Psy.D./Ph.D. programs, as well as applied degrees in counseling, education, social work, human resources, and industry.

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for any student who is seeking a more intensive study of laboratory-based psychology along with greater breadth in the natural sciences. Students who plan to pursue graduate work in psychological science, neuroscience, or some Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology should especially consider the B.S. degree, although the degree is open to any student with a stronger interest in psychological and natural science.

What can I do with a major in Psychology?

Gettysburg's psychology majors find success both in graduate school and the employment market. Those who enter the work force immediately after graduation find doors open in business management, human resources, education, mental health, social services, and other areas.

Gettysburg College also has a solid track record of placing psychology students in graduate programs, often with fellowships to fund their continued education. We have students in graduate programs designed for careers in an academic setting where they will teach and do research in such areas as social, developmental, clinical, cognitive, and personality psychology. Other graduate programs aim to train students for careers in psychotherapy, counseling, school psychology, and social work as well as management psychology, employee selection and training, and organizational behavior. In addition, Gettysburg psychology students routinely gain admission to graduate programs in health professions, business, law, and education.

How do I reach my goal of becoming a therapist (clinical psychologist, counselor, etc.)?

Gettysburg's psychology major has a strong research focus. You may think that this has nothing to do with your goal of becoming a therapist. In fact, we believe that to understand and identify abnormal functioning one must also understand normal functioning, and it is from research that we find out about both normal and abnormal human behavior and mental processes.

Professors at Gettysburg structure their courses to model how research psychologists think: how we pose questions about human behavior (e.g., what motivates us?), how we attempt to answer the question (experimental design), how we analyze the results of our experiments (statistics), how we interpret our findings, and what the next step may be in answering these questions.

In order to achieve the goal of becoming a professional psychologist, you will need to do graduate work and you will be able to specialize in the area of psychology that most interests you.

Your undergraduate experience is intended to give you breadth of knowledge in the discipline, and the graduate work will give you depth of knowledge in a particular sub-discipline. Gettysburg has a strong tradition of placing their majors in excellent graduate programs, and it is because of the structure and content of the major that our students are good candidates for graduate-level work. When our students start their graduate programs, they often tell us that they are among the best prepared students in their classes.

What kinds of experience do graduate schools look for when admitting students?

Most graduate programs are interested in whether you are a good student and have some experience with research. Regardless of which type of program you are applying to, having helped a faculty member with a research project and/or having conducted an independent study such as honors research will be impressive. Clinical programs also look for contact with clinical populations. This can be achieved through summer jobs, internships, or type of employment following graduation. There is information on our department website about where you might find these opportunities, but we also encourage you to consult with your professors and The Center for Career Engagement.

To what graduate program should I apply?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. There are generally three career options for psychologists: clinical (therapist of some sort), experimental, and applied (industrial/organizational, ergonomics/human factors, or applied developmental). Of course, some of our majors continue their education in other areas (e.g., medical school, law school, business school, education). If you are interested in furthering your education in psychology but are not interested in working in a clinical setting, you should look for an experimental or applied graduate program.

Clinical. Many people think the only way to be a therapist is to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. This is only one option. It is the most competitive option and, for many students, it is unrealistic. However, there are graduate degrees such as Masters of Counseling or Masters of Social Work (MSW) that allow you to work in a clinical/counseling setting. Further, these degrees can be an appropriate stepping-stone to acceptance into Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology.
Experimental. These programs in each of the sub-disciplines of psychology (social, developmental, cognitive, etc.) generally prepare you for a career in higher education, although by no means do all graduates end up as college professors. We are successful in placing students in these graduate programs and often students receive fellowships to fund their education.
Applied. The focus of industrial and organizational psychology is on human resource research in employee selection, training, related aspects of individual differences, and organizational behavior. Ergonomics and human factors programs emphasize the demands of work activities on human capacities such as information processing, physiological stress, etc. Applied developmental psychologists usually work on teams with other professionals (such as doctors, social workers, and educators) to evaluate children who are developmentally delayed and to propose and monitor the effectiveness of intervention or treatment strategies. There are a number of accredited graduate programs in each of these areas.

Can I complete a Psychology major AND study off-campus for a semester?

Absolutely -- in fact, approximately 60% of psychology majors participate in a global education experience for one or more semesters during their four years at Gettysburg. You simply need to plan carefully for this experience. This is what is important to remember for studying abroad:

After completing Psychology 101, you need a minimum of 4 semesters on campus to complete 205, 305, and 2 capstone courses (you would also be taking the 200-level courses during these semesters).
Each of these courses (205, 305, and 2 capstone courses) must be taken in separate semesters. These courses are the essential elements of a psychology major at Gettysburg and thus cannot be transferred in from other institutions.
If you plan to have 4 semesters on campus for the psychology major and another semester (or two) free, then you should be able to study off-campus or spend a semester student teaching (there is a 9th semester option for student teaching as well). Your psychology advisor will help you plan these types of experiences while you complete the major.

What courses can I take at another institution or abroad that will count toward the major?

Gettysburg allows students to transfer in three courses from another institution – and that does not include the study abroad courses (your semester abroad will be counted just as a semester here in terms of course credit). In order for a course to count toward the 10 required courses for the major, the course must have an equivalent course in the Gettysburg curriculum. For example, if there is a course in Developmental Psychology at another institution (including the abroad institutions), because we have that course in our curriculum, taking it would count toward the four 200-level courses you need to take. However, if there's a course in Forensic Psychology that you might be interested in, by all means, take it, but understand that it will count toward the 32 courses needed for graduation but not the 10 needed for the psychology major.

As a psychology major you’ll learn how mental processes work and why humans behave as they do.

In this program, you’ll take an empirical approach to the field—one based on knowledge, observation,and analytical reasoning skills. You won’t be given simple answers. Instead, you’ll be given tools to investigate psychological questions creatively and scientifically, and you’ll conduct your own original research.

The Psychology major includes

Classes exploring the breadth of the field
Advanced laboratory classes
Independent research
Internships and community based learning
Seminars
Opportunities for student/faculty research collaboration

You’ll gain direct experience with the major research methods and theoretical frameworks of psychology while developing a scientific attitude and appreciation for the complexity of human behavior.

Psychology graduates are routinely accepted to the nation's leading MA/PhD programs—in fact, more than half go on to graduate school.

The Neuroscience minor

Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the relationship between the brain, the mind, and behavior. It is available as a minor at Gettysburg College. Oversight for the Neuroscience minor is provided jointly by the Biology and Psychology departments although any student can minor in Neuroscience.

With the minor, students have the opportunity to gain expertise in the various aspects of neuroscience while pursuing a major in Biology, Psychology or another course of study.

The interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience is reflected in the courses that comprise the minor. These include offerings in biology, chemistry, health sciences, philosophy, physics, and psychology.
The minor not only prepares students for graduate study in neuroscience, but provides tools for graduate work in other areas of biology and psychology, as well as medical school.

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Psychology Major for the Classes of 2027 and 2028

Nine Psych courses and one Natural Science course are required for the major.

Core Courses

Psych 101
Psych 205 passing grade required. Can only be taken once*
Psych 305 students who earn a grade lower than “C” are encouraged to repeat the course.

Four Additional Psychology Elective Courses

Two courses from Group A: Psych 215, 216, 236, 237, 238, and 240.
Two courses from Group B: Psych 214, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 230, and 242.

Two Advanced Laboratory Courses

One course from Group A: Psych 415, 416, 417, 436, or 438.
One course from Group B: Psych 414, 421, 427 or 428, or 430.
The advanced laboratory courses together are the capstone experience for Psychology majors.

One Natural Science Course

One laboratory course in the division of natural sciences from among those that satisfy the natural science with lab requirement.

Notes

Students may withdraw from Psych 205 and retake the class later.
In extenuating circumstances students who do not pass Psych 205 may petition the department to retake the course.

Psychology Major, Bachelor of Arts for the Classes of 2029 and beyond

Effective With the Class of 2029

Ten Psychology courses are required for the Psych, BA major.

Core Courses

Psych 101
Psych 205 passing grade required. Can only be taken once*
Psych 305 students who earn a grade lower than “C” are encouraged to repeat the course.
Psych 341

Four Additional Psychology Elective Courses

Two courses from Group A: Psych 215, 216, 236, 237, 238, and 240.
Two courses from Group B: Psych 214, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 230, and 242.

Two Advanced Courses

At least one of the two courses must have a lab. Choose from Psych 414, 415, 416, 421, 427, 428, 430, 436, and/ or 438.
Up to one course may be without a lab.
The advanced courses together are the capstone experience for Psychology majors.

Notes

* Students may withdraw from Psych 205 and retake the class later.
In extenuating circumstances students who do not pass Psych 205 may petition the department to retake the course.

Psychology Major, Bachelor of Science

Effective With the Class of 2028

Fourteen courses, ten in Psychology, are required for the Psych, BS major.

Core Courses

Psych 101
Psych 205 passing grade required. Can only be taken once*
Psych 305 students who earn a grade lower than “C” are encouraged to repeat the course.
Psych 341

Four Additional Psychology Elective Courses

Two courses from Group A: Psych 215, 216, 236, 237, 238, and 240.
Two courses from Group B: Psych 214, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 230, 232, and 242.

Four Science Courses

Two Natural Science with Laboratory course.
This is one additional Natural Science with Lab course beyond the one Natural Science with Lab course students must take for the general curriculum requirements.
Two courses at the 200-level or higher from the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Studies, Health Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
Except: DS 220, 245, 265, ES 225, 241, 242, 252, 270, 290, 292, 304, 319, 333, 334, 335, 390, 392, 400, HS 225, 232, 322, 323, 328.

Two Advanced Laboratory Courses

Choose two from Psych 414, 415, 416, 421, 427, 428, 430, 436, and/ or 438.
The advanced laboratory courses together are the capstone experience for Psychology majors.

Notes

* Students may withdraw from Psych 205 and retake the class later.
In extenuating circumstances students who do not pass Psych 205 may petition the department to retake the course.

Neuroscience Minor

Six courses are required for the minor.

Four Core Courses

Psychology 236
Psychology 238
Biology 225 and Biology 335 (if BIO 335 is taken in Spring, 2025 or before)
Biology 335 and Biology 336 (if BIO 335 is taken in Fall, 2025 or after)

Elective Courses

Two courses from the following: BIO 211, 212, 227, 251, 334, 340, 351, CHEM 203, 204, 334, HS 209, 311, PHIL 131, 221, PHY 240, PSYCH 215, 216, 237, 336, and/ or 338.

Notes

For Biology and Psychology majors: Courses taken with the major discipline (or which otherwise satisfy a major requirement) may not be used as electives toward the minor.
Any other majors may use any of the above elective courses towards the minor, with no restrictions.
Students graduating in the class of 2026 may take BIO 336 in place of BIO 225 as a core course. BIO 225 may then be taken as an elective.
Courses taken under the S/U grading option do not count toward the minor.

First Year Advising and Registration recommendations

The Psychology department offers a BA and a BS degree, plus a minor in Neuroscience.

Before you register

Students with AP Psychology scores of 4 or 5 may enroll in 200-level electives in the fall. If your score hasn't arrived yet, contact Ms. Emily Benson for temporary permission.
First-year students with AP/IB/transfer credit for PSYCH 101 may not take PSYC 205 until they have declared the major. Wait until sophomore year to take PSYC 205.
AP Statistics credit does not replace the PSYC 205 requirement. Psychology majors must still take it as an additional course.

Common first-year courses

All prospective majors

PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology — take in fall or spring

BS degree — natural science courses (first year recommended)

BIO 111 Intro Biology for Life Sciences (fall), BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms — (spring)
CHEM 107 Chemical Structure & Bonding, or ASTR 101 Solar System Astronomy also appropriate in the fall

Taking science courses in the first year is recommended but not Required: BS students may delay until sophomore year.

100 Level

Introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, including topics such as cognition, learning, development, personality, social behavior, and psychological disorders. The course emphasizes how psychologists collect, analyze, and apply data to understanding individuals and societal issues.

200 Level

Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods with applications in psychology. Laboratory work involves the use of a computer software package that allows for the application of statistical procedures. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Required of all majors in Psychology; open only to declared Psychology majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

During the course of a semester, a student commits to working the equivalent of three hours per week for 15 weeks under the direct mentorship of a faculty member while also being a peer-learning associate in a specific course. Mentored teaching does not count in the minimum requirements in a major or minor and is graded S/U. This course counts toward the 32-credit requirement for graduation and cannot be repeated. Prerequisite: PSYCH 101

Quarter credit internship graded S/U.

As the U.S. population ages, understanding adult development and aging is increasingly important. This course adopts a lifespan perspective, emphasizing that development continues throughout adulthood and into old age. We will examine changes in psychological processes such as social relationships, personality, cognition, and well-being across adulthood. The course also takes a positive aging perspective, challenging common stereotypes and highlighting aging as a healthy, natural, and meaningful part of the human experience. Prerequisite: PSYCH 101

Course will review some of the ways that psychological research is applied to the legal system, with a particular emphasis on the criminal justice system of the United States. The course will explore the psychological experiences and roles of individuals including eyewitnesses, victims, perpetrators, police officers, jurors, expert witnesses, and correctional officers. Prerequisite: PSYCH 101

An exploration of the field of cognitive neuroscience. Emphasis is on understanding the neural bases of higher mental functions such as memory, attention, emotion, and language. Major themes include the relationship between the mind and brain, localization of function, and the multi-methodological approach to cognitive neuroscience research. Students will be introduced to basic neuroanatomy, brain imaging, and research involving people with focal brain damage. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or permission of instructor.

Examination of how psychoactive compounds affect the brain, behavior, and cognition. The major neurochemical systems of the brain and how psychoactive compounds affect these systems are discussed at length. Topics include both recreational and psychotherapeutic agents. Methods used in psychopharmacology research are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 and 236, or permission of instructor.

Introduction to the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical bases of human behavior. Topics include the neurobiology of motivation, emotions, and psychopathology. Topics are discussed within comparative and evolutionary frameworks, with a particular emphasis on developing an ability to conceptualize psychological phenomena in biological terms. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or permission of instructor.

This class is an introduction to the fields of clinical/counseling psychology, especially the study and practice of psychotherapy. The course covers major approaches and ethical/professional issues in these fields, including their increasing emphasis on empirical validation and cultural context, with attention to evidence, theory, and history. The course includes exams, discussions, and projects where you will demonstrate your understanding of the assigned reading, video, and lecture material. Role-play and self-reflection are also essential components of this course, given that they are essential training and professional development tools in the clinical/counseling fields. Prerequisite: PSYCH 101.

Course will provide an introduction to how biological, psychological, and social factors influences health and illness prevention. The course broadly focuses on health beliefs and behavioral change. Sample topics include stress, nutrition, weight control, exercise, addiction, pain management, psychoimmunology, and healthcare accessibility. Prerequisite: PSYCH 101

A developmental approach to the study of adolescence and emerging adulthood. Theory, methodology, and research are presented in the areas of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development. This course will discuss research addressing the role of family, peers, schools, and culture in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Credit may not be granted for this course and Psychology 229.

This course provides an overview of development across the lifespan from the prenatal period to death. We will examine various theoretical currents in developmental psychology and explore the physical, cognitive, and social/emotional changes in each major developmental stage: prenatal, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Particular topics will be expanded upon to increase your understanding of current issues in development using empirical research. Prerequisite: Psych 101. This course is intended for students, primarily those majoring in Health Sciences, who plan to pursue a career in the health professions. Does not count toward the psychology major. Credit may not be granted for this course and Psychology 225 or Psychology 226.

Review of current psychological theory and research in social psychology. Topics include attitude and behavior change, conformity, attraction, stereotypes, helping behavior, aggression, and other aspects of social interaction. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

Introduction to cognitive psychology. Topics covered include perception, attention, memory, learning, forgetting, language comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving. Theories are presented concerning cognitive processes, and empirical evidence is considered that might challenge or support these theories. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

Explores phenomena of sensation and perception from the perspective of experimental psychology. Emphasis is on understanding the mechanisms and processes that underlie our experiences of the material world. Research projects explore special topics and areas of current research. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or Biology 101 or 111.

Introduction to contemporary research in personality in the context of major theoretical perspectives that have shaped the field, including psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, social-cognitive, biological, and trait models. Issues that arise in the conceptualization, assessment, and empirical study of personality are emphasized. Prerequisite: Psychology 101.

Introduction to psychopathology, with particular attention to conceptual, methodological, and ethical issues. Approaches to defining, assessing, and treating adult mental disorders are discussed and evaluated in light of current empirical evidence. Prerequisite: Psychology 101

Introduction to child psychology from conception to middle childhood. Theory, methodology and research are presented in the areas of physical, cognitive, perceptual, social, and emotional development. This course will discuss research addressing the role of context (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, culture, family, peers, schools, neighborhoods) in shaping development. Three class hours and two hours at a local day care center. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Credit may not be granted for this course and Psychology 229.

300 Level

Introduction to scientific method and experimental design. Emphasis is on the logical development of new ideas, kinds and sources of error in experimentation, methods of control, design and analysis of experiments, and scientific communication. Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Psychology 205 and two (200-level) psychology electives; or permission of the instructor. Students must have at least 2nd semester sophomore status, or have permission of the instructor.

Review of the historical development of experimental psychology. Emphases are on early foundations of major conceptual issues and on the cultural, scientific, and technological forces that set the course of modern psychological research. Prerequisite: Psychology 305.

400 Level

Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Design and execution of an empirical study involving the collection and analysis of data in relation to some psychological problem under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to present an acceptable research proposal no later than four weeks following the beginning of the semester or to withdraw from the course. Research culminates in a paper. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated, graded A-F.

Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor graded S/U

Students in the Honors Research Program take this course in their senior year. Course has two components: (a) a research project, similar to that described under Individualized Empirical Research, in which each student designs and executes an empirical study under the supervision of a staff member; and (b) an honors seminar in which honors students present and discuss their research projects. Students may elect to do their research project in either the fall or spring semester. Seminar meets both semesters, and all students participate in all of the seminar meetings. One course credit is given in the spring semester. Prerequisites: Participation in the Honors Research Program is by invitation of the department. Best consideration is given to students who have completed an advanced lab by the end of their junior year.

Designed to meet needs of the clearly superior student. During the senior year each participant engages in an original program of research under the direction of a thesis committee. In addition to completing a formal thesis, each student presents and discusses his or her research before the entire staff. Successful completion of the program entitles the student to receive credit for two courses that can be applied towards a psychology major. Prerequisite: By invitation of the department only.

Internship counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U.

Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

A minimum of 160 hours of on-the-job experience in a mental health, human service, human resource, or research position. Interns also complete a daily log of their job activities and write a review of related research literature. Students must be sponsored by a faculty member, and receive approval by the internship coordinator. Available during the fall or spring semesters or during the summer. Does not count in the minimum requirements for the major; graded S/U.

Summer Internship graded A-F, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office.

Summer Internship graded S/U, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office.

Half credit internship, graded S/U.

Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Tutorial opportunity to do intensive and critical reading and to write a term paper on a topic of special interest. Student is expected to become thoroughly familiar with reference books, microfilms, and scientific journals available for library research in the field of psychology. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated.

This capstone course is an advanced study exploring how psychological processes influence health, illness, and health behavior change. It is a required, capstone course for students in “Group B”. Students will critically examine major theories in health psychology, evaluate empirical research, and apply evidence-based behavior change techniques to real-world health challenges such as smoking cessation, physical activity, diet, stress, sleep, and adherence to medical treatment. Through discussion, research critiques, and applied design projects, students will develop the skills necessary to translate psychological theory into practical interventions that improve individual and population health. The laboratory associated with this course will provide the opportunity to design, execute and analyze original research. Prerequisites: PSYCH 205, PSYCH 305; and PSYCH 222 or PSYCH 230.

Intensive study of one or more areas of social and emotional development, utilizing observational and experimental methods. Emphasis is on the unique characteristics of research with children. Laboratory work is conducted in a preschool or child care center. Requires design, execution, and analysis of original research. Prerequisites: Psychology 223, or 225, or 226; and Psychology 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

Intensive study of one or more areas of cognitive and perceptual development. Emphasis is on the unique characteristics of research with children. Laboratory work is conducted in a preschool or day care center. Design, execution, and analysis of several research projects is required. Prerequisites: Psychology 223 or 225 or 226 and 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

Advanced study of topics in personality and abnormal psychology. Discussion focuses on current theories and methodological issues specific to the experimental study of individual differences. Laboratory work includes design, execution, and analysis of original experimental research. Prerequisites: Psychology 221 or 222 or 223, and 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

In-depth investigation of current topics in perception through review of empirical research and theory. Focus is on high-level vision, or odor/flavor perception, with an emphasis on social, cognitive, emotional, and evolutionary influences on the perceptual process. In laboratory, students design and conduct original research. Prerequisites: Psych 216 or Psych 238, and 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

In-depth examination of the theory of embodied cognition. Current empirical support for this theory is discussed, and we consider whether this may be a unifying perspective in psychology. Students design, conduct, analyze, and present an independent research project concerning a topic in advanced cognition. Prerequisites: Psychology 215 and 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

Advanced study of specific content areas in social psychology. Discussion focuses on current theories, experimental research, and methodological issues specific to social psychology. Laboratory work includes design, execution, and analysis of original experimental research. Prerequisite: Psych 214 or Psych 230, and 305.
Three class hours and three laboratory hours.

Seminar provides a foundation for counseling and peer support experiences. Students become familiar with the elements of effective helping relationships and apply this material in interviews they observe, conduct, and reflect upon. Focus is on examination and supervised practice of communication skills, with consideration of interpersonal, intrapersonal, sociocultural, and ethical/professional issues. Prerequisite: PSYCH 222, 223, or 230, or permission of instructor. Graded S/U, .25 credit.

Opportunity to work on a selected topic in a small group under the guidance of a faculty member. Not offered every year. Topic for a given semester is announced in advance. May be repeated. Open to junior and senior majors. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.