Majoring in Psychology (New Curriculum)
Tyler CraigieMajoring in Psychology
Why a Degree in Psychology?
Many students enter college unsure of what their future major may be. Your first year is an excellent time to explore a number of different interests that may, or may not, evolve into a future career. Assuming that psychology is among your interest areas, enroll in Psych 105: Introductory Psychology during your first year to learn more about this diverse and exciting discipline. Psych 105 will give you a better idea of what psychology “is,” what psychologists “do,” and whether or not a degree in psychology is really something that interests you.
Bachelor of Science Degree
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Science degree for students wishing to major in psychology at the undergraduate level. This degree emphasizes both the experimental and applied aspects of the discipline. It provides fundamental training in its basic areas (i.e., physiology, learning, cognition, social, developmental, etc.) as well as extensive training in statistical analysis and scientific methodology. The degree is designed to prepare students for entry into the job market, immediately following graduation, in a wide variety of fields or admission to a graduate program in pursue of advanced post-baccalaureate training in counseling, clinical, and experimental psychology.
Students may use the Psychology Check Sheet for the B.S. to track their progress toward degree completion. This form is available online and in the Department of Psychology main office (JT 233).
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires a minimum of 35 credits in PSYCH, at least 15 of which must be in 300-400-level courses. Students must take at least 10 credits of psychology in residence at WSU and must maintain at least a C average in PSYCH courses.
Students must also complete the psych senior exit survey prior to graduating.
Academic advisors will assist students with requirements and course selection, but each student is ultimately responsibility for understanding and meeting the graduation requirements.
Admission to the Major Process
Students wishing to formally declare psychology as their major must complete a process called admission-to-the-major (formerly called certification).
A student may be admitted to the Psychology major after completion of 30 credits, PSYCH 311 with a C- or better, and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
If these requirements are met, the student may complete the admission to the major form. Students are encouraged to complete the admission to the major process as soon as these requirements are met.
Psychology as a Second Major or Second Degree
Students majoring in another degree, but wishing to graduate with Psychology as a second major, should follow the guidelines listed below:
- The student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and complete Psych 311 with a “C-” or better to apply for a Bachelor of Science as a second major.
- The student must complete a “Admission to the Major” form and indicate that they are seeking Psychology as a second major or degree. This can be done after the student is admitted to their first major.
- The student must complete an “Undergraduate and Professional Degree Application,” This can be done at least 2 semesters before graduation.
- The student must complete all of the requirements for the Department of Psychology, along with all of the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.
- The student’s transcript will indicate that they have a second degree upon completion of all requirements and 150 semester hours.
