Psychology, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students are required to maintain a minimum Psychology GPA of 2.0 in order to retain a declared major. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 105) in order to take all other Psychology courses. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in Psychological Science I: Research Methods (PSYC 231) and Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications (PSYC 232) in order to progress in the program. Each course can only be repeated once.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Theory and Content of Psychology: Students should be familiar with the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology. (UG2)
- Methodology: Students should understand and be able to use major research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation. (UG3 & UG4)
- Critical Thinking, Logic, and Problem-Solving: Students should use and respect skeptical inquiry, critical thinking, and the scientific approach to understanding behavior. (UG3 & UG4)
- Information Competence, Technology, and Computers: Students should demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for multiple purposes. (UG10)
- Communication Skills: Students should be able to express themselves effectively in written and oral communication. (UG1)
- Application of Psychology: Students should have an understanding of applications of psychology to personal, social, and organizational issues. (UG5, UG8, UG9)
RELATED LINKS
CURRICULUM GUIDE
GPA REQUIREMENT
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
SUMMARY*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Computer Competency | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 36-40 | |
| Electives | 42 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
ROCK STUDIES 2 REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Computer Competency
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR | ||
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution: | ||
| Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts | ||
| Computer Concepts | ||
| Introduction to Computing and Programming | ||
| Technology for Wellness | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
- 18 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 18 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
- Students who do not meet minimum standards will be dismissed from the program. All dismissals are permanent.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (Grade of 'C' or higher required) 1 | ||
| Required Courses may only be repeated once. | ||
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 231 | Psychological Science I: Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 232 | Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Core Electives 1 | ||
| Select five of the following: | 15-17 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Learning | ||
or PSYC 475 | Behavior Modification | |
| Introduction to Psychological Testing | ||
| Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| History of Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Subtotal | 15-17 | |
| Psychology Electives 1 | ||
| Select four electives from the following: | 12-14 | |
| Total Hours | 36-40 | |
- 1
Courses count for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Psychology Electives1
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 205 | Environmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 208 | Personality | 3 |
| PSYC 233 | Sensation & Perception | 3 |
| PSYC 240 | Human Sexual Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 244 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 276 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 289 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 300 | Psychology of Women, Gender and Culture | 3 |
| PSYC 302 | Psychology of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 303 | Learning | 4 |
| PSYC 304 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 306 | Introduction to Psychological Testing | 3 |
| PSYC 310 | Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 311 | Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| PSYC 315 | Psychology of Sexual and Gender Diversity | 3 |
| PSYC 318 | Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence | 3 |
| PSYC 320 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 321 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 334 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 338 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 350 | Contemporary Topics in Psychological Science 2 | 1 |
| PSYC 360 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 364 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSYC 365 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| PSYC 375 | Psychopathology of Adulthood | 3 |
| PSYC 377 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 392 | Cross Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 415 | Multicultural Identity Development | 3 |
| PSYC 428 | Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSYC 430 | Research Practicum in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 435 | Resilience Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSYC 445 | Infant and Child Cognition | 3 |
| PSYC 449 | Seminar in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 450 & PSYC 485 | Field Placement Internship in Psychology and Seminar in Professional Psychology | 9 |
| PSYC 471 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYC 473 | Hormones and Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 475 | Behavior Modification | 3 |
| PSYC 476 | Clinical Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYC 477 | Developmental Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYC 490 | Independent Study | 3 |
- 1
Courses count for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Course may be repeated for a total of 2 credits
ELECTIVES
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LIBR 110 | Introduction to Library & Information Resources (Required) | 1 |
WRITING COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Writing in Psychology #1 | ||
| Writing in Psychology #2 | ||
| Writing in Psychology #3 | ||
| Writing in Psychology #4 | ||
CO-CURRICULAR AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International Study Programs
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership (Psi Chi, Psychology Club, Reflections Body Image Organization, Nu Rho Psi, Neuro Rocks)
- Service-learning classes
- Career education planning (Office of Career Education and Development)
- Internships
- Volunteering in local human services and mental health agencies
- Job shadowing Volunteering
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
PSYCHOLOGY - BA (6 70)
This program is effective as of Summer2023
Revised 09.28.2023
UCC 09.19.2023
RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| LIBR 110 | Introduction to Library & Information Resources | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 231 | Psychological Science I: Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC Core Elective #1 | 3 | |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Humanities OR Social Science OR Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC 232 | Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications | 3 |
| PSYC Core Elective #2 | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse Requirement - select one | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Modern Language #1 | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC Core Elective #3 | 3 | |
| Humanities OR Social Science OR Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Modern Language #2 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities OR Social Science OR Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC Core Elective #4 | 3 | |
| PSYC Elective #1 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Modern Language #3 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC Core Elective #5 | 3 | |
| PSYC Elective #2 | 3 | |
| PSYC Elective #3 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC Elective #4 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 120 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 6 70
Revised: 09.07.2023