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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

This chart provides an overview of typical progress through the psychology major. A detailed explanation of major requirements follows:

 

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Freshman &
Sophomore
Years

*Introduction to Psychology
*One psychology elective
*Behavioral Statistics

*Successful completion of these three courses is required for 
Advanced Standing in the major. See detailed explanation of Advanced Standing requirement below.

Recommended: One biology course, one sociology/anthropology course, one philosophy course,
possibly 1-2 upper-level psychology electives,
General Education requirements.

(Behavioral statistics is normally taken during the sophomore year. Experimental psychology may be taken in the Spring of sophomore year.)

Junior Year

Experimental Psychology
(can be taken sophomore spring)

Junior Seminar
Physiological Psychology

Recommended: Two or more upper-level psychology electives, remaining biology courses, remaining General Ed requirements

Senior Year

Senior Project
Senior Seminar

Senior Project
Senior Seminar

Remaining upper-level psychology electives, other requirements

In addition to meeting college-wide requirements, all psychology majors must take the following courses:

1.  Introduction to Psychology (PSY1530): Should be taken early in the program as it is a prerequisite for all upper level courses except independent studies, tutorials, and internships.  Grades of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam satisfy this requirement. 

2.  Behavioral Statistics (PSY2320): Covers both descriptive and inferential statistics, including t‑tests and analysis of variance.  This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Standing in Psychology, and thus a prerequisite for Experimental Psychology and Junior Seminar.  Ideally should be taken the semester before Experimental Psychology.

3.  Experimental Psychology (PSY3550): Lecture/Lab course in research methods; a lab section MUST be taken as part of the course.  Should be taken before Junior Seminar.  The prerequisite for this course is Advanced Standing in Psychology.  This course is a prerequisite for Senior Project.

4.  Physiological Psychology (PSY3660): Offered only in Spring, usually taken in the Junior year.

5.  Five elective courses in Psychology, at least four of which must be upper level (3000 level or above)

     A.        The following courses CANNOT be used to fulfill this requirement: independent studies, tutorials, internships, teaching assistantships, and PSY3850 Practicum in Child Development.

     B.    Purchase College Continuing Education courses with BPS 3000 level numbers CANNOT be counted as upper level electives for this requirement (but one can be used as the lower level elective).

     C.    PSY1530 Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for upper level electives; PSY2650 Child Development is also a prerequisite for some upper level courses in the area of developmental psychology.

     B.        Students interested in focusing in the area of Psychobiology must consult with their advisors regarding appropriate Biology electives and additional course requirements.

6.  Junior Seminar (PSY3890):  Guided production of a critical literature review of primary research on a topic in the instructor’s area of expertise.  The prerequisite for this course is Advanced Standing in Psychology; completion of Experimental Psychology is also highly recommended.  This course is a prerequisite for Senior Project.

7.  Senior Project (PSY4990):  A two‑semester research project conducted by the student under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.  The project is typically an empirical study, and in some cases is conducted at an off‑campus placement.  The student meets regularly in tutorial sessions with the sponsor and must submit a thesis at the conclusion of the project.  Grades of C or better in Experimental Psychology and Junior Seminar are prerequisites for senior project.

8.  Senior Seminar (PSY4880/4890): A one-credit course taken concurrently with Senior Project for two semesters in which seniors present their research projects to other seniors and to faculty in a weekly seminar.

9.  General Biology I (BIO1550) or General Biology II (BIO1560) or Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Anatomy & Physiology (BIO1510). Lab not required.  This course should be taken as early as possible in the program. 

10. One Anthropology or Sociology course.  Any anthropology or sociology course meets this requirement.  A lower level course is recommended. 

11.  One Philosophy course.  Any philosophy course meets this requirement.  A lower level course is recommended.    

Requirements for Advanced Standing

Psychology majors achieve Advanced Standing when they have completed Introduction to Psychology, Behavioral Statistics, and one Psychology elective (lower or upper level), with the following grades:

 

     a.  each course grade C+ or higher

          AND

     b.  the average of those three grades at least B‑ (2.7).

Advanced Standing is necessary in order to get permission to take Experimental Psychology or Junior Seminar.

Minimum Grade Standards for Psychology Majors

Students must earn a grade of at least C in all required Psychology courses and electives used to fulfill requirements other than Advanced Standing.  Students must earn a grade of at least C‑ in the required Biology course.  Students who do not meet these standards are required to retake or substitute courses as needed.  Students who earn less than a C in Experimental Psychology or Junior Seminar must petition the Psychology Board of Study for permission to retake that course.

PSYCHOLOGY  MINOR

Purpose:  To provide non‑majors with the opportunity to broaden their understanding through a selection of introductory and advanced courses covering a wide range of topics within the field.

Requirements:   Five courses in Psychology including Introduction to Psychology and 4 electives, at least two of which must be upper level courses.

As is the case for majors, independent studies, tutorials, internships, teaching assistantships, and PSY3850 Practicum in Child Development do not fulfill this requirement.  Purchase Continuing Education courses with BPS 3000 level numbers do not count as upper level courses for purposes of this requirement. 

Students must earn grades of C‑ or better in each course used to satisfy the minor requirements.  Please note that Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for all upper level courses in Psychology, and therefore should be taken early in the student's program of study.

Advising and Declaration of Minor:

     The student must choose a Psychology faculty member to assist in designing an appropriate program, and have that advisor sign the Application for a Program of Minor Study (available in the Natural Sciences Office).