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Planning Your Curriculum

Deciding Among Courses

The psychology major requires one of two courses in each of the physiological processes, social-developmental processes, learning processes, and individual processes groups to provide you with a broad foundation in the discipline. For those students considering graduate school in psychology, we recommend additional selections from these eight courses. Here are several suggestions for selecting among courses:

  • Read the course description in the catalog
  • Obtain more information about the course by visiting its professor
  • Ask other students about the content and reputation of the course
  • Consider your career goals and interests
  • Consult your psychology advisor

If you have a particular interest in psychology, then take an elective that will allow you to explore that interest. For example, you might want to take Industrial/Organizational Psychology if you are interested in combining a psychology and business career; Cognitive Psychology if you're interested in higher cognitive processes in human, or such graduate programs as Cognitive Science or Neuroscience.

If you presently have no specific career interest, then take a variety of courses to help you discover where your interests lie. Refer to Section XI: Careers in Psychology for a description of the subfields of psychology.

Choosing Free Electives

We have purposefully designed the psychology major with a large area for free electives. These 30 credits should be used first for your double majors, concentrations, and minors. Recall that the Psychology Department formally recommends that its students graduate with a concentration and/or a minor.

If you have remaining credits, then use them to create a well-rounded education. Let your GE free elective choices be guided by your interests and your advisor.

Curriculum Worksheet

You can use our department curriculum worksheet to help in your planning.