Psychology
The Psychology major is a comprehensive field of study that provides a strong foundation in the scientific principles of social and behavioral science. Students learn about research design, data analysis, and theory in order to understand how research, theory, and practice are related. This knowledge can be applied to various settings such as clinical, educational, and organizational psychology. Through coursework and research students gain an understanding of the development of psychological principles and their application to real-world situations.
Science-based Understanding
As a discipline, Psychology is a social and behavioral science, which means you will take courses in research design, data analysis, and theory. This background will help you approach the study of mind and behavior from a scientific perspective and help prepare you for graduate study in psychological science and related fields. You will also take courses in:
- Abnormal Psychology - the study of aberrant patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior.
- Cognitive Psychology - the study of mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember, and learn.
- Developmental Psychology - the study of the changes that people go through as they age.
- Biological Bases of Behavior - the study of behavior and mental processes that result from activities in the body's nervous system and other physiological systems.
Which program should I choose?
The Psychology program at The W provides two degree options: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Both programs offer the same major coursework, which includes the fundamental principles of psychology, research methods, and statistics. Our psychology major program, regardless of degree chosen, will provide an excellent foundation for graduate study in counseling or clinical psychology. Students will need advanced training to work in these fields.
- BA degree requires 4 semesters (4 courses) in a foreign language (the W offers Spanish, French, and Latin as options).
- BS degree requires 3 more classes in math or science above and beyond the Enlight Core General Education Core requirements.*
Regardless of the degree chosen, the program provides a comprehensive education in psychology.
*It is strongly suggested that students talk to the department pfsdept@muw.edu about which degree option would be best for them. For students interested in directly helping people when they earn their bachelor’s degree (e.g., social work, family services), explore our Family Science BS program.
Additional Opportunities
Minor is Psychology
Psychology is a fascinating area of study which gives an in-depth understanding of social and behavioral phenomena. Students are taught about research methodologies, data collection and analysis, and the link between research, theory, and practice.