Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Requirements for Majors

The majority of Psychology majors choose the BA program; however the BS program may offer advantages for those students who intend to go on to graduate/professional school in such fields as neuroscience, medicine, allied health professions, or other sciences. The BS is also a good choice for those students who have already completed the math and science requirements listed below, and those who are generally successful in math and science courses. To determine whether the BA or the BS is the better option for you, we recommend that you meet a Psychology Faculty Advisor.

Required Courses for the BS in Psychology

Math and Science Courses:

Course NumberTitleCredits

Either of the following two Calculus course sequences: (8 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
MATH 20100Calculus I

4

MATH 21200Calculus II with Introduction to Multivariable Functions

4

MATH 20500Elements of Calculus

4

MATH 20900Elements of Calculus and Statistics

4

Four courses from the following (16 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIO 10100Biological Foundations I

4

BIO 10200Biological Foundations II

4

CHEM 10301General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 10401General Chemistry II

4

EAS 10600Earth Systems Science

4

EAS 22700Structural Geology

4

PHYS 20400General Physics II

4

PHYS 20700University Physics I

4

PHYS 20800University Physics II

4

Take the following courses (6 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENGL 21003Writing for the Sciences

3

SPCH 11100Foundations of Speech Communication

3

One of the following two: (3 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 10200Applications of Psychology in the Modern World

3

PSY 10101Psychology for Freshman Honors Students

3

Take the following courses (8 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 21500Applied Statistics

4

PSY 32100Experimental Psychology

4

Three "Gateway" Psychology courses (1 course from 3 of the 4 major areas of Psychology) (9 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits

Developmental Area

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 22600Introduction to Life-Span Development

3

OR

PSY 24600Introduction to Human Development: Infancy and Childhood

3

Social/Personality Area

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 24700Social Psychology

3

OR

PSY 24900Psychology of Personality

3

Cognitive Area

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 25300Cognitive Psychology: Thinking, Knowing and Remembering

3

Biological Area

Course NumberTitleCredits
PSY 25400Brain, Mind and Experience

3

Four Psychology Courses at the 30000-level or above (12 credits)

Majors must place into calculus (Math 20100 or Math 20500 or higher) or may be required to complete the prerequisite sequence through Math 19500.
Course NumberTitleCredits

Total Credit Hours: 59

Total Credit Hours Required for obtaining a B.S. degree: 120, at least 60 of which must be in the Liberal Arts and Sciences (RLA).

Grade Point Average Requirements

A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation. The GPA in the major is calculated from all courses in the major including the math and science courses, and that have been taken at City College or through ePermit, including all courses in excess of the minimum required for the degree.

General Education Requirements ("Pathways")

In general, students are required to complete 42 credits of General Education coursework, with some adjustments for transfer students. See the General Education Requirements ("Pathways") section of the Bulletin for more information.