Psychology, Bachelor of Arts

MSMU Psychology Major Mission Statement

The psychology major guides students through the scientific methods, theoretical approaches, and practical applications in the study of human behavior and mental processes. Grounded in the MSMU mission and liberal arts tradition, the Psychology department is committed to employing innovative and evidence-based teaching to empower individuals to become socially responsible global citizens. With exposure to the basic and applied fields of psychology, students develop, practice, and/or engage in: 

  • professional communication skills 
  • scientific inquiry and critical thinking 
  • ethically solving complex social problems in a diverse world
  • career exploration and preparation  
  • leadership development and service in the surrounding communities

Program Requirements for Psychology B.A.

It is recommended that psychology majors take MTH 10, MTH 50 or MTH 51 in preparation for PSY 40. In addition to fulfilling general education requirements, all psychology majors are required to take the following courses.

The psychology major guides students through the scie
ntific methods, theoretical
approaches, and practical applications in the stu
of human behavior and mental
processes. Grounded in the MSMU mission and liberal
arts tradition, the
Psychology department is committed to employing inn
ovative and evidence-
based teaching to empower individuals to become soc
ially responsible global
citizens. With exposure to the basic and applied fie
lds of psychology, students
develop, practice, and/or engage in:
professional communication skills
scientific inquiry and critical thinking
ethically solving complex social problems in a dive
rse world
career exploration and preparation
leadership development and service in the surroundin
g communities
 

Foundation Courses (9 units)

PSY 1Introduction to Psychology

3

PSY 125Basic Communication Skills

3

 

PSY 103Applied Psychology

3

or

PSY 187Careers in Psychology

3

Methods Courses (12 units)

PSY 40Basic Statistical Methods

3

PSY 106Basic Research Methods

3

PSY 106LBasic Research Methods Lab

3

Experiential Methods

Students must take 3 units from the following experiential methods courses:
PSY 111Applied Statistical Computing

3

PSY 155Psychological Testing

3

PSY 194Advanced Research Apprenticeship

0.0-3.0

PSY 167APsychological Methods Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Knowledge Base (15 units)

Students must take 3 units in each of the following Psychology knowledge base domains: Sociocultural, Cognitive, Developmental, Biological, and Mental/Physical Health.

Sociocultural (3 units):

PSY 145Social Psychology

3

PSY 159Social Psychology & Society

3

PSY 167BSociocultural Knowledge Base Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Cognitive (3 units):

PSY 161Cognitive Psychology

3

PSY 134Learning and Memory Processes

3

PSY 160Cognition and Perception

3

PSY 167CCognitive Knowledge Base Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Developmental (3 units):

PSY 12Lifespan/Human Development

3

PSY 102Issues in Human Development

3

PSY 13Child Development

3

PSY 15Global Lifespan Development

3

PSY 128Adulthood and Aging

3

PSY 167DDevelopmental Knowledge Base Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Biological (3 units):

PSY 52Biological Psychology

3

PSY 157Brain and Behavior

3

PSY 167EBiological Knowledge Base Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Mental/Physical Health (3 units):

PSY 168Abnormal Psychology

3

PSY 122Health Psychology

3

PSY 101Counseling Theories

3

PSY 132Personality Theory

3

PSY 156Personality and Adjustment

3

PSY 167FMental/Physical Health Knowledge Base Special Topics

1.0-3.0

Practice (3 units)

PSY 192Practicum

3

or

PSY 193Research Apprenticeship

0.0-3.0

Capstone (3 units)

PSY 190Workshop

1.0-3.0

or

PSY 195Capstone

3

Applied Electives (12 units)

Students must take 12 additional units of upper division psychology courses. Consult with  your advisor to discuss courses that fit your interests and goals. These applied courses cannot count towards other psychology requirements.
PSY 104Career Counseling

3

PSY 107Positive Psychology

3

PSY 110Gender Issues in Psychology

3

PSY 112Careers and Observation in Child Development Settings

3

PSY 113Learning in Children and Adolescents across Cultures

3

PSY 118Interventions for Children with Disabilities

3

PSY 119Alcohol and Substance Abuse

3

PSY 120Forensic Psychology

3

PSY 121Grief and Bereavement

3

PSY 127Immigrant Experience

3

PSY 129Motivation

3

PSY 138Managing Non-Profit Organizations

3

PSY 139Child Abuse and Family Violence

3

PSY 140Personality Disorders

3

PSY 144Psychology of Prejudice

3

PSY 148Industrial/Organizational Psychology

3

PSY 151Divorce and Remarriage

3

PSY 158Educational Psychology

3

PSY 165Medical Treatments of Mental Illness

3

PSY 167Special Topics in Psychology

1.0-3.0

PSY 172Developmental Psychopathology

3

PSY 175Human Sexuality

3

PSY 178Psychology and Film

3

PSY 182History and Systems of Psychology

3

PSY 185Psychology of Law

3

PSY 186Violence Against Women

3

PSY 188Crisis Intervention

3

Total Credit Hours: 54

Plus General Education requirements and electives totaling 124 semester units, including the Language requirement.

*PSY 190 or PSY 195 fulfills the capstone requirement for Psychology.