Undergraduate training offered by the Department of Psychology serves several related purposes. For the science major and the liberal arts major, the study of psychology provides an opportunity to learn the scientific approach to the study of behavior which will include material helpful in increasing self-understanding and insight into the behavior of others. For students preparing for medicine, law, education, nursing, business, and other professions, psychology provides important basic knowledge useful in these vocations. For those planning to pursue graduate study in psychology, the undergraduate program establishes a sound foundation. Psychology-related employment for graduates with a bachelor’s degree has increased in recent years. Such employment, of course, depends on the personal characteristics of the individual, on the special qualifications and training of the individual, and particularly on job opportunity.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.

Psychology Mass Advising / Information Meeting

Attendance at one of the meetings is mandatory for all psychology majors. Students are expected to attend prior to their first advising appointment.

Prospective and current WSU students who are considering majoring or minoring in psychology should attend to learn about the major and opportunities within the field.  It is also helpful for individuals who are considering pursuing psychology as a second career and/or graduate studies. Meetings will cover psychology major requirements, information about graduate school, research experience, volunteer experience, career development, tips for success and much more. Attendance at one of the meetings is mandatory for all psychology majors. Students are encouraged to attend as soon as possible and should feel free to bring parents and/or interested friends. View the current schedule.

 

Program Requirements

Candidates must complete minimum of 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the Departmental major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.

Major Requirements 

• Attendance to at least one Psychology Information Meeting. 

  • Students are encouraged to attend in their first semester or as soon as possible to get the most out of the meeting content. Meetings will cover psychology program requirements, career development, graduate school admissions and applications, research experience, volunteer experience, resources, and tips for success. Students will complete a knowledge check at the end of the meeting to demonstrate proficiency. Visit the Psychology Advising page for available days and times.

• Students must complete a minimum of thirty-five credits of psychology courses. At least twenty credits of the required psychology courses must be earned at Wayne State University.

• A grade point average of 2.00 or higher for all Wayne State University psychology course work.

Core Psychology Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PSY 1010	Introductory Psychology (Preferred for Majors) 1	4
or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030	Elements of Psychology and Introductory Psychology Laboratory
PSY 2020	Research Methods In Psychology 2	4
PSY 2030	Statistical Methods in Psychology 3	4
PSY 3993	Laboratory in Experimental Psychology 4	2
Total Credits		14

¹

PSY 1010 consists of a 4 credit lecture and required 0 credit linked lab. Grade of C or higher is required for psychology majors.

²

PSY 2020 Prerequisites: PSY 1010 (or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030) with a grade of C or higher. Recommended completion of Basic Composition (ENG 1020) with a grade of C or higher prior to taking PSY 2020.

³

PSY 2030 Prerequisites: PSY 1010 or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030 with a grade of C or higher and BA 2300 or MAT 1000 or higher or STA 1020 or STA 2210 with a grade of C or higher or Math Placement into level or 3 or 4.

⁴

PSY 3993 Prerequisites: PSY 1010 (or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030), PSY 2020, PSY 2030, and Intermediate Composition (ENG 2390, 3010, 3020, or 3050) with a grade of C or better.

Foundation & Elective Psychology Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Three Foundation Courses
Choose 3 foundation courses from the following:		9-12
PSY 2100	Psychology and the Workplace
PSY 2400	Developmental Psychology
PSY 2600	Psychology of Social Behavior
PSY 3040	Psychology of Perception: Fundamental Processes
PSY 3060	Psychology of Learning and Memory: Fundamental Processes
PSY 3080	Cognitive Psychology: Fundamental Processes
PSY 3120	Brain and Behavior
PSY 3310	Introduction to Psychopathology
Four Psychology Electives
Choose 4 PSY courses (PSY 2000-6000 level) 1		12-16
Total Credits		21-28

¹

Students who opt for directed study or special projects courses may require additional psychology courses to reach the 12-credit minimum

Preparation for Psychology Graduate Programs

While individual psychology graduate programs have unique admission requirements, students who intend to pursue graduate programs are advised to select courses that are consistent with their intended area of study. Students interested in doctoral level programs are strongly encouraged to obtain undergraduate research experience.  Students are also encouraged to meet with their psychology academic advisors early on to develop a plan for their individual academic and career goals.