2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Psychology, BS


Banner Code:  LA-BS-PSYC

Web: psychology.gmu.edu

This program of study is offered by the Department of Psychology . The department also offers a BA in psychology  and coordinates the BS in neuroscience .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


In addition to satisfying university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students pursuing this degree must complete at least 38 credits in psychology and 35 credits in supporting courses.

See Notes at the end of this section for recommendations and restrictions.

Psychology courses (38 credits)


Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in these courses with a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in each one. 24 credits must be at the 300 and 400 level.

One introductory course (3 credits)


One or two courses in developmental psychology (3-6 credits) chosen from:


One core course (3 credits) in social psychology


Two courses (7 credits) in research methods


One psychology lab course (1 or 4 credits) chosen from:


The course chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be the same course used to fulfill the technical writing requirement below.

One core course (3 credits) in cognitive psychology


One or two courses in biopsychology (3 or 6 credits) chosen from:


Psychology electives


Students complete the 38 required credits with electives in psychology (PSYC). PSYC 465 is strongly recommended for all students who plan to attend graduate school in psychology. No more than 6 credits of D may be applied toward this requirement.

Suppporting courses (35-40 credits)


Four courses (14-16 credits) of natural science


Two required science courses (8 credits)

Two elective science courses (6-8 credits)

Students fill this requirement with any two courses in the natural sciences.

One course (3 credits) in humanities


Students can choose courses from PHIL (but not 173 or 376), RELI, ARTH, AVT, MUSI, DANC, THR.

Two courses (6 credits) in social and behavioral science


Students can choose courses from ANTH, ECON, GOVT, HIST, SOCI or any non-psychology course that has been approved to meet the university general education requirement in social and behavioral science. Courses in psychology may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

One additional course (3 credits) in humanities or social and behavioral science


Students choose an additional course from the lists under the requirements in humanities and social sciences above (and with the same restrictions).

Total: 73-78 credits


Notes


Students who have limited technology skills are encouraged to take IT 103.

PSYC 372 may be used in place of PSYC 375 only by students who receive PSYC 372 transfer credit from another institution.

Students who receive transfer credit for a research methods course must take PSYC 304, PSYC 309, or PSYC 323 unless the transfer courses has been approved as writing intensive.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete PSYC 300 and 301 by their junior year.  PSYC 300 is a prerequisite to several courses, and a background in research methods facilitates understanding empirical research discussed in all psychology courses.

Students who have a strong interest in biopsychology or cognitive neurscience are encouraged to take PSYC 375-376 rather than PSYC 372.

Any psychology course may be used to satisfy the 38-credit psychology requirement for the BS degree with the following restrictions:

  • A maximum of 6 credits of 327, 328, 421, and 422 may be applied to required psychology credits
  • A maximum of 6 credits of 260, 350, and 460 may be applied to required psychology credits
  • No more than 9 credits can be taken from the courses listed in the two bullets above without written permission of the department chair
  • PSYC 330 may not be taken for credit by psychology majors

Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in psychology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing PSYC 301, 304, 309, or 323.