Psychology Programs & Degrees

• Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Certificate
• Psychology Bachelor Degree (B.A., B.S.)
• Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

The department will also consider proposals from students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree.

Summary of Fields of Study

Major: The psychology degree prepares students for graduate school and/or for a career in a wide variety of settings, including the human services and education. It also contributes to the overall understanding of behavior and to personal growth.

• Psychology Major Requirements (B.A., B.S.)
• Psychology Major Requirements - Human Services Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Typical Program of Study

Minor: A minor in psychology complements a wide range of other majors. An understanding of human behavior influences virtually every aspect of personal and professional life.

• Psychology Minor Requirements

Course Groupings

• Prerequisite Course
  • PSY 1010: A prerequisite for other psychology courses. It also meets the General Education requirements Social Sciences.
• Foundation Courses
  • PSY 2010, PSY 3010 and PSY 3015: Prepare students to become psychology majors. Non-majors, however, may take them out of interest, for the sake of personal growth, or to satisfy other requirements.
• Capstone Courses
  • PSY 4800, 4910, 4940 and 4950: Provide closure, consolidate learning and prepare students for life after graduation.
• Electives
  • Students can select courses from this grouping according to interest and career goals. They cover most of the specialty areas within the broad field of psychology.
• Upper versus Lower Division
  • Courses on the 1000 and 2000 level are considered lower division courses. Both the psychology major and minor restrict the number of credits that will count toward department requirements on this level. Course numbers in the 3000 and 4000 category constitute the upper division group. In general 4000 level courses require more background in psychology, and are more advanced, than 3000 level courses.

General Information about Psychology Programs

• Faculty members of the Psychology Department are available to assist students in developing education and career plans, in selecting courses that match their goals, and in obtaining answers to a wide range of questions. At minimum all psychology majors and minors need to meet with a faculty member to ensure they are on track for graduation.
• Students intending to major in psychology should take PSY 1010, 2010, and 3010/3015 in that order.
• Only psychology courses with a grade of "C-" or better will be counted toward the major or minor. Psychology 1010 is a prerequisite for all other psychology courses. It can be used for general education or elective credits but is not counted as part of a major or minor.
• Transfer students will need to consult with the psychology faculty concerning whether classes from other institutions fulfill the psychology requirements. Normally the faculty member who teaches the SUU course which most resembles the transfer course will make the judgment regarding the course’s transferability. In general, classes without a "PSY" prefix are not accepted for psychology credit.
• Course instructors have the sole authority to sign students into courses which are filled. Both the course instructor and the department chair must authorize students to take classes for which they lack the needed prerequisites.