Psychology (B.S.)
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, has depended 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.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
The bachelor of science in psychology requires a minimum of 27 credits in the physical and life sciences and/or math courses. Students interested in pre-med or health science programs are encouraged to complete the B.S. degree as many of the prerequisite science courses overlap with the B.S. requirements. See a psychology academic advisor for a list of applicable courses.
Major Requirements
- Attendance to at least one Psychology Essentials 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. 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1010 | Introductory Psychology 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. A grade of C or higher is required for PSY 1010 or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030 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
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
Prerequisites: PSY 1010 (or PSY 1020 & PSY 1030), PSY 2020, PSY 2030, and Intermediate Composition (ENG 2390, 3010, 3020, or 3050) all with a grade of C or better.
Foundation & Elective Psychology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three Foundation Courses | ||
| Choose 3 foundation courses from the following: | 9-12 | |
| Psychology and the Workplace | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Social Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Perception: Fundamental Processes | ||
| Psychology of Learning and Memory: Fundamental Processes | ||
| Cognitive Psychology: Fundamental Processes | ||
| Brain and Behavior | ||
| Introduction to Psychopathology | ||
| Four Psychology Electives | ||
| Choose 4 additional psychology courses (PSY 2000-6000 level) | 12-16 | |
Preparation for Psychology Graduate Work
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.
Psychology Honors Program
Students with an overall grade point average of 3.3 and a Psychology grade point average of 3.5 are eligible for admission to the Department's Honors Program. Satisfactory completion of the Honors Program will lead to a degree 'With Psychology Honors' on the diploma. Students interested in the program should obtain detailed information from the Psychology Department Undergraduate Advising Office.
Honors Sections provide smaller classes, somewhat more advanced readings, and opportunities for independent work by students. Students must complete a minimum of eighteen credits in honors coursework, including: PSY 5020 (Honors Research in Psychology), PSY 4991 (three-credit Honors Directed Study), PSY 4998 (Senior Thesis), and one additional PSY course designated as honors through an honors section or honors option contract. Students must also complete an Honors Seminar from the HON 42xx series.