The Psychology Undergraduate Major
Click here for information on the minor.
Psychology is a social and behavioral science that includes multiple disciplines. The course requirements for
the major in psychology are designed to provide students with a broad understanding and perspective as to the
major disciplines within the field, as well as familiarity with methods used by researchers in psychology to
advance scientific knowledge.
The 45 units of core requirements provide a strong foundation from which students may go on to graduate school
in psychology or a related discipline, or into jobs for which a degree in psychology provides a useful
background. For students who are going on to graduate school, it is recommended that beginning in their
junior year, students should begin to decide on the area of psychology or occupation within psychology they
wish to pursue in graduate studies.
In collaboration with their advisor, it is recommended that students
select electives or take additional courses that are important to your graduate plans. For example, for
students who are thinking of going on for a career in experimental or biological psychology, additional courses
related to these domains (for example, Psych 325: Biopsychology) would be useful. Students who plan to pursue
graduate training in clinical or counseling psychology should consider taking courses that deal with social
and mental health issues (for example, Psych 433 Stress & Wellness, Psych 473: Drug Use & Abuse). Students who
are interested in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O) should take courses such as Psych 404:
Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Psych 405: Human Factors & Environmental Design. Courses specific to
various fields of graduate training, such as school psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology
and others, can be recommended by faculty advisors.
Course Requirements for the Major
(For the former major, go here.)
Downloadable Forms
The Major Contract Form
One Page Course List
The Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Total Number of Psychology Units Required: 45
Lower Division Required (11 units) (recommended to take prior to upper division courses)
· Psych 104 - Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
· Psych 241 - Introductory Statistics (4 units)
· Psych 242 - Research Design (4 units)
Upper Division Required (34 units)
Core Content Areas (18 units required; 19 units if Lab course taken from this area) Lab courses are marked with an “L” after the course number and can
be taken from this section or the Breadth section.
Choose from the following:
· PSYC 311 - Human Development or
· PSYC 311L - Human Development with Lab
· PSYC 321 - Intro Behavioral Neuroscience
· PSYC 322 - Learning & Motivation
· PSYC 323 - Sensation & Perception
· PSYC 324 - Cognitive Psychology or
· PSYC 324L - Cognitive Psychology with Lab
· PSYC 335 - Social Psychology or
· PSYC 335L - Social Psychology with Lab
· PSYC 337 - Personality Theory & Research
· PSYC 438 - Dynamics of Abnormal Behavior
Breadth Requirements(12 units required; 13 units if Lab course is taken from this area) Lab courses are marked with an “L” after the course
number and can be taken from this section or the Core Content section. Course substitutions must be approved by advisor, Undergraduate Committee,
and Department Chair.
Choose from the following:
· PSYC 300 - Psychology of Women
· PSYC 301 - Psychology of Creativity
· PSYC 302 - Psychology of Prejudice
· PSYC 303 - Family Relations in Contemporary Society
· PSYC 309 - Thinking Consumer in Materialistic Society
· PSYC 320L - Behavior Analysis
· PSYC 325L - Adv Behavorial Neuroscience
· PSYC 336 - Social Influence & Persuasion
· PSYC 341 - Intermediate Statistics
· PSYC 345L - Psychological Testing and Measurement
· PSYC 400 - Health Psychology
· PSYC 403 - Social/Organizational Skills
· PSYC 404 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
· PSYC 405 - Environmental Psychology
· PSYC 406 - Forensic Psychology
· PSYC 412 - Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood
· PSYC 414 - Psychology of Adolescence and Young Adulthood
· PSYC 415 - Adult Development and Aging
· PSYC 418 - Developmental Psychopathology
· PSYC 433 - Stress and Wellness
· PSYC 435 - Applied Social Psychology
· PSYC 436 - Human Sexuality
· PSYC 437 - Sexual Diversity
· PSYC 454 - Interviewing & Counseling Techniques
· PSYC 457 - Group Dynamics & Procedures
· PSYC 473 - Substance Use & Abuse
· PSYC 474 - Community Psychology Experience
Note: Only 3 units from this section may be applied to Breadth requirement:
· PSYC 480 - Selected Topics in Psychology
· PSYC 482 - Field Study
· PSYC 495 - Research in Psychology
· PSYC 496 - Psychology Research Seminar
· PSYC 497 - Mentoring
· PSYC 499 - Independent Study
Capstone Experience (3 units)
Choose from the following:
· PSYC 480 - Selected Topics in Psychology
· PSYC 485 - Senior Seminar
· PSYC 486 - History & Systems of Psychology
· PSYC 487 - Evolutionary Psychology
· PSYC 495/499 - Taken as Senior Honors Thesis
· PSYC 541 - Advanced Statistical Techniques
· PSYC 600 - series Advanced Seminars (IA; course must be listed as meeting capstone requirement)
The Psychology Undergraduate Minor
Download the Minor Contract Form here as an Excel file.
Students who wish to obtain their BA degree with a Minor in Psychology are required to take 15 units of
Psychology courses, with 9 of these units from upper division courses. At least 3 units must be completed at Humboldt.
Introductory Phase (3 units)
· Psyc 104 - Introduction to Psychology
Core Areas (6 units)
Two courses from this area in the approved major courses.
Upper Division Breadth (6 units)
Two courses from this area in the approved major courses.
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