The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree
requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes
that are not yet effective.
WARNING: The following information reflects a degree requirement which expired as of Summer 2013. Please click the appropriate link under "Degree Programs" on the right side of this page to view the currently effective requirements for this program. If a link to this program does not appear, the program may no longer be available, or may be available under a different academic unit. You can find past requirements under the appropriate archived catalog.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in PSYCH, at least 15 hours of which must be in 300-400-level courses. Students must take at least 10 credit hours of psychology in residence at WSU and must maintain at least a C average in PSYCH courses. Students must have two years of one foreign language in high school or take one year in college of a modern foreign language before graduation. Beyond certain minimum requirements there is flexibility in the degree program, in accordance with the needs of the individual student. A student may certify as a BS major after completion of 30 semester hours, PSYCH 311 with a C- or better, and cumulative gpa of 2.5 or better.
For the BS degree in Psychology, the four learning goals are: (1) Students will understand basic research design and analysis; (2) Students will be able to describe societal influences on individual behavior, and they will display an understanding of the cultural relativism inherent in defining what is normal and abnormal behavior; (3) Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific studies; (4) Students will demonstrate proficiency in the written communication of psychological concepts.
First Year |
Biological Sciences [BSCI] with lab | 4 |
Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
PSYCH 105 [SSCI] | 3 |
Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
Quantitative Reasoning [QUAN] | 3 or 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Second Year |
Creative & Professional Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
Physical Sciences [PSCI] with lab | 4 |
PSYCH 311 | 4 |
Electives | 3 |
Creative & Professional Arts [ARTS],
Humanities [HUM], or Social Sciences [SSCI] | 3 |
PSYCH 312 [M] | 4 |
Electives | 7 |
Complete Writing Portfolio | |
Third Year |
Group I PSYCH Elective1 | 3 |
Group II PSYCH Elective1 | 3 |
Electives | 10 |
Group I PSYCH Elective1 | 3 |
Group II PSYCH Elective1 | 3 |
300-400-level Non-PSYCH Electives | 10 |
Fourth Year |
Group I PSYCH Elective1 | 3 |
Integrative Capstone [CAPS] | 3 |
PSYCH Elective2 | 3 |
300-400-level Non-PSYCH Electives | 7 |
Non-PSYCH Electives | 15 |
PSYCH Electives | 1-4 |
Footnotes
Recommended Courses:
One 3 hour course from PSYCH 445, 497, 498, 499. Psych electives will be chosen in consultation with advisor.
Numerous electives during the first two years mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, literature, history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology contribute substantially to the study of psychology. Again, consultation with a mentor advisor is recommended prior to selecting either PSYCH courses or supporting courses in other areas.
Students in the Honors Program and transfer students should ask about modifications in the above schedule of studies. Students interested in combining a psychology major with the certificate program in Helping Skills or Abnormal Child Psychology should inquire at the Department of Psychology.