Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Pre-Student Affairs (SRU) (3+2)
Psychology Pre-Student Affairs 3+2 is an accelerated program that prepares you to enter graduate school to become a Student Affairs in Higher Education professional. Careers in Student Affairs involve counseling-focused positions at colleges and universities, including mental health counseling as well as those in housing and residence life, career services, student activities, multicultural services, academic advising, and others.
Earn a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education in five years rather than six. This program is unique because it offers a strong basis in the biopsychosocial processes of human functioning. You will receive personal attention and gain insightful knowledge through activities both inside and outside of the classroom. Our goal is not only to prepare you for a future career, but also to enhance your personal, academic, and professional growth, so you can go on to promote the well-being of others.
At the end of your second year, you apply for admission to the SRU Student Affairs in Higher Education program. If accepted, your first year in the SRU Student Affairs in Higher Education 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 can be declared up to the semester where the student will earn 45 credits.
Psychology (BS) - 3+2 Pre-Student Affairs
3+2 Pre-Student Affairs program requirements:
- Students are required to maintain minimum Overall and Psychology GPAs of 3.0 in order to retain the major in Psychology. 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: 3.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Computer Competency | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 42-44 | |
| Electives | 36 | |
* 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. However, because this is a pre-professional program, credits taken during the 1st year of the graduate program are applied toward the undergraduate credit hours to meet the 120 credits required for your undergraduate degree.
This major can be declared until the semester during which the student will reach 45 credits.
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.
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
- 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
- Overall, 48 credit hours must be completed at the 300 or 400 level
- 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 |
| PSYC 244 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 276 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 375 | Psychopathology of Adulthood | 3 |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Applied Psychology Electives 1 | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Personality | ||
| Theories of Counseling | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Testing | ||
| Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Psychology | ||
| Behavior Modification | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Biobehavioral Elective 1 | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Sensation & Perception | ||
| Positive Psychology | ||
| Learning | ||
| Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Drugs and Behavior | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Psychopharmacology | ||
| Hormones and Behavior | ||
| Clinical Neuroscience | ||
| Subtotal | 6-8 | |
| Developmental Psychology Electives 1 | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Child and Adolescent Development | ||
| Psychology of Aging | ||
| Multicultural Identity Development | ||
| Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan | ||
| Resilience Across the Lifespan | ||
| Infant and Child Cognition | ||
| Developmental Neuroscience | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Diversity Elective 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Human Sexual Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Women, Gender and Culture | ||
| Psychology of Sexual and Gender Diversity | ||
| Cross Cultural Psychology | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Required Professional Competency 1 | ||
| PSYC 420 | Community Service Internship in Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYC 430 | Research Practicum in Psychology | |
| Total Hours | 42-44 | |
- 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.
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LIBR 110 | Introduction to Library & Information Resources (REQUIRED) | 1 |
| PSYC 350 | Contemporary Topics in Psychological Science (Course may be repeated for a total of 2 credits) | 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 - BS (6170)
Pre-Student Affairs 3+2 (617S)
This program is effective as of Summer 2023
Revised 09.28.2023
UCC 09.19.2023
Recommended Three-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| LIBR 110 | Introduction to Library & Information Resources | 1 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 231 | Psychological Science I: Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 276 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC 232 | Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications | 3 |
| PSYC 244 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC Elective #1 | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC Elective #2 | 3-4 | |
| PSYC Elective #3 | 3-4 | |
| PSYC Elective #4 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry or Free Elective (if all other courses are 3 credits) | 3 | |
| Hours | 18-20 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC 375 | Psychopathology of Adulthood | 3 |
| PSYC Elective #5 | 3 | |
| PSYC Elective #6 | 3 | |
| PSYC Elective #7 | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective (if needed) | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 420 or PSYC 430 |
Community Service Internship in Psychology or Research Practicum in Psychology |
3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours** | 101-103 | |
- 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
Concentration Code: 617S
Revised: 09.21.20