Psychology is available as a major on the B.A. and B.S. degree and as a minor on the B.A. and B.S. degree.
Although the programs may be used to achieve a variety of objectives, they are designed with three primary goals in mind: (1) to provide majors with a strong background for graduate or professional training in psychology or related fields, (2) to educate intelligent consumers who can seek, evaluate and apply selected psychological services effectively, and (3) to provide fundamental information for a critical understanding of psychological knowledge and problems.
In addition to basic coursework, the programs the programs offer learning experiences that include research projects, individual career planning, special seminars, and supervised off-campus activities. Such courses, primarily for juniors and seniors, require approval from the students adviser or the instructor during the semester prior to the one in which the student intends to enroll. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic adviser at least once each semester to plan an appropriate selection of courses to meet their individual goals.
Individuals interested in a psychology major or planning out a course of study in psychology are highly encouraged to download and consult the Guide to Graduating with a Psychology Major, the checksheet for the required psychology courses, and the cheeksheet for required UCR courses.
The B. S. degree with a major in Psychology
The B.S. degree is recommended for students planning graduate work in
Psychology or a related field or who anticipate a career in a
psychology-related field. Requirements in Psychology: A minimum of 42 hours including either 10213, 10514, or 10524, plus 30503 and 40993. At least one course must be taken from each of the following five areas, plus at least one additional course from A,B,C, or D.
- Area A: 30463, 30483, 50513;
- Area B: 30433*, 30473*, 30414*
- Area C: 30453*, 30423*, 40433*
- Area D: 30443, 40493*, 30353 or 30343*
- Area E: 30363, 30373, 40463
[* = courses that require MATH10043 (Elementary Statistics) and PSYC30503 (Behavioral Research) as prerequisites]. A maximum of 6 hours of 40960 and/or 40970 may be applied to the 42 minimum required hours in psychology, but additional hours may be taken as psychology electives.
Suggested Plan for Completion of the B.S. Degree in Psychology:
- Year 1: Principles of Behavior or General Psychology, plus Elementary Statistics
- Year 2: Behavioral Research, plus courses in Areas A-E
- Year 3: Courses in Areas A-E, additional Psychology courses
- Year 4: Senior Seminar, Courses in Areas A-E, additional Psychology courses
Associated Requirements:
- Option 1: A second major of at least 24 hours
- Option 2: A minor in another field of at least 18 hours
- Option 3: The Combined Science Minor
The B.A. degree with a major in Psychology
This degree is suited for students who have a general interest in psychology but do not plan a career in psychology or a psychology-related field. It may prove suitable for a variety of career objectives not subsumed under the B.S. program.
Requirements in Psychology. A minimum of 30 hours including either 10213, 10514, or 10524 , plus 30503 and 40993. At least one course must be taken from each of the five areas listed in Areas A-E under the B.S. degree requirements. A maximum of 6 hours of 40960 and/or 40970 may be applied to the 30 minimum required hours in psychology, but additional hours may be taken as psychology electives.
Associated Requirements: Same as for B.S. degree.
The total number of hours required for the B.A. degree is 124.
Requirements for a minor in Psychology
A minor in psychology requires 18 hours in psychology, including either 10213, 10514, or 10524. A maximum of 3 hours of 40960 and/or 40970 may be applied to the minor in psychology.
Area of Specialization for Secondary Certification in Psychology. Required: 10213, 10514, or 10524, plus 30503. Also, select enough from the courses listed in Areas A-E under the B.S. degree requirements to make a total of at least 24 semester hours.
Requirements for a minor in Psychology
Outreach Program. The Outreach Program is designed to afford qualified students the opportunity to participate in psychology-related internships in local community settings. The program has two purposes:
- The major goal of the Outreach Program is to increase student awareness of professional psychology by allowing students to engage in activities similar to those of a counseling or clinical psychologist. Many psychology majors are interested in becoming helping professionals, and it is our belief that these students can make more informed decisions about their careers if they have experienced these professional activities first hand.
- A second goal of the outreach Program is to help students to build their resumes through professionally-related internship experiences. In this way they can not only include the field work experience on their resume, but they also have the opportunity to earn a letter of recommendation from an off-campus professional.
Honors in Psychology. A student wishing to complete Departmental Honors in Psychology must be enrolled in the Honors Program and complete 30003 and 40003. It is recommended that students enroll in 40003 for the fall semester of the senior year.
The department sponsors the TCU Chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology.
Pass/No Credit Option. Pass/No Credit is acceptable for courses in the major and minor, if any.