Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Neuroscience / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Knowledge Base in Psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension in the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles are applied. a. UG 2: Apply critical thinking to argument and problem solving, b. UG 3: Develop Scientific Literacy
  2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods. a. UG 2: Apply critical thinking to argument and problem solving, b. UG 3: Develop Scientific Literacy, c. UG 4: Apply quantitative reasoning in appropriate contexts 
  3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. a. UG 9: Develop a worldview that acknowledges diversity and global independence
  4. Writing Competency: Students should demonstrate competence in writing skills. a. UG 1: Act as effective communicators
  5. Professional Development: Students should be able to express themselves effectively in written and oral communication. a. UG 5: Develop as a whole person, b. UG 7: Become civically engaged, c. UG 8: Act ethically

What are your options?

Pre-Physician Assistant SRU 3+2: Earn a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in five years rather than six. In the first three years, you complete your major courses and prerequisites for the SRU PA program. At the end of your second year, you apply for admission into the SRU PA program. If accepted, your first year in the SRU PA program meets the remaining requirements for your undergraduate degree. If not accepted, you continue to complete your undergraduate degree and can reapply to the program. The accelerated option is for incoming freshmen only.

Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU Traditional): Complete the requirements for your major and the prerequisites for the SRU PA program and apply to the SRU PA program in your senior year.

Related Links

Psychology - Pre-Physician Assistant, BS Program Page

 

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

  • Overall GPA: 3.25 or higher
  • Major GPA (only includes all major requirement courses): 3.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements41
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Writing Competency Requirements
Major Requirements56-57
Electives20

* 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

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Social Science Inquiry Requirement Waived
Physical & Natural Sciences Inquiry
CHEM 107
CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
BIOL 114Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab4
Subtotal14
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours41
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.

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.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

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

  • 28 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 28 major credits must be at the 300 level or above
Goal 1: Scientific Literacy & Foundations 1
Must earn a grade of 'C' or higher in PSYC 105, 231, 232.
Must earn a grade of 'B' or higher in PSYC 311.
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC 231Psychological Science I: Research Methods3
PSYC 232Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications3
PSYC 311Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience4
Subtotal13
Goal 2: Breadth of Knowledge & Making Connections 1
Psychology Core Courses
PSYC 244Developmental Psychology3
PSYC 276Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
Neuroscience Content Courses (select two)6
Sensation & Perception
Learning
Drugs and Behavior
Health Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Interdisciplinary Core Courses
BIOL 250Genetics with Lab4
CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I3
Subtotal19
Goal 3: Depth of Knowledge, Technical Expertise & Research 1
Neuroscience Content Courses (select three)9
Psychopharmacology
Hormones and Behavior
Clinical Neuroscience
Developmental Neuroscience
Research Capstone
PSYC 451Research Capstone Internship6
PSYC 451Research Capstone Internship6
Interdisciplinary Core Course
BIOL 210Medical Microbiology with Lab3
or BIOL 303 Behavioral Ecology/Lab
Subtotal24
Total Hours56
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.

Writing Competency Requirements

Writing in Psychology #1
Writing in Psychology #2
Writing in Psychology #3
Professional Competencies Paper

Additional Physician Assistant Prerequisite Courses

BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
CHEM 108General Chemistry II3
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab1
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
Total Hours15

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:

  1. International Study Programs
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership (Psi Chi, Psychology Club, Reflections Body Image Organization, Nu Rho Psi, Neuro Rocks)
  5. Service-learning classes
  6. Career education planning (Office of Career Education and Development)
  7. Internships
  8. Volunteering in local human services and mental health agencies
  9. Job shadowing

Physician Assistant Studies (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies)
Prerequisite Admission Requirements

For Application Requirements

Please refer to Slippery Rock University’s Physician Assistant Studies (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies) website for requirements: http://www.sru.edu/pa

Rock Studies 2

Prerequisite Courses - SRU Physician Assistant
BIOL 114Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab4
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 250Genetics with Lab4
BIOL 210Medical Microbiology with Lab3
or BIOL 330 Microbiology/Lab
CHEM 107
CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
CHEM 108
CHEM 112
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I3
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
Inferential Statistics Course 3
Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab
Elementary Statistics I
Total Hours39

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 - BS (6170)
Pre-PA SRU Traditional (PA) For Advising Purposes only
This program is effective as of Summer 2022
Revised 01.29.2024
UCC 01.31.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology 3
BIOL 114 Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 4
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
LIBR 110 Introduction to Library & Information Resources 1
STAT 152 Elementary Statistics I 3
 Hours15
Spring
PSYC 231 Psychological Science I: Research Methods 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
PSYC 232 Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications 3
PSYC 276 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology 3
CHEM 107
CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
Humanities Inquiry 3
Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours16
Spring
PSYC 311 Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience 4
CHEM 108
CHEM 112
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
PSYC 244 Developmental Psychology 3
Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) 3
 Hours14
Third Year
Fall
Goal 2: Neuroscience Content Course #1 3
CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I 3
BIOL 250 Genetics with Lab 4
Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
Goal 2: Neuroscience Content Course #2 3
Goal 3: Neuroscience Content Course #1 3
BIOL 210 Medical Microbiology with Lab 3
EXSC 250 Medical Terminology 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
PSYC 451 Research Capstone Internship 6
Goal 3: Neuroscience Content Course #2 3
BIOL 209 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
PSYC 451 Research Capstone Internship 6
Goal 3: Neuroscience Content Course #3 3
BIOL 309 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours16
 Total Hours**123
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: 6170/Traditional
Interest COde: PA
Revised 04.20.2023