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Psychology Major Requirements

The major involves 36 credits in Psychology with requirements in specified areas of study and opportunities for electives in areas of special interest.  Psychology majors participate in two integrative capstone courses:   “Senior Integrative Project;” and “Psychology and Social Engagement,” which centers on a service learning project in the Pittsburgh community.  Both courses help students integrate their learning across the curriculum and prepare for work or graduate study following graduation.  A minimum of 24 credits in psychology must be taken at Duquesne University for the major.  Students must earn at least a grade of C in all courses required for the major.

 

B.A. Program in Psychology

Curriculum for Undergraduate Psychology Majors

As early in their studies as possible, and in the following order, students take:

  • Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101) (Prerequisite for all other Psychology courses, unless otherwise specified)
  • Orientation to the Psychology Major (PSYC 102) 1 credit (May be taken concurrently with PSYC 101)
  • Introduction to Psychology as Human Science (PSYC 203) (Prerequisite for PSYC 410, 411, 412, and 413)

As early in their studies as possible (to fulfill both the prerequisite for PSYC 221W and the College Core Math requirement), students select one of the following:

  • Fundamentals of Statistics (MATH 125)
  • Introduction to Biostatistics (MATH 225)

Early in their studies students take:

  • Brain, Behavior, and Cognition (PSYC 220)
  • Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 221W)  (Prerequisite: MATH 125 or MATH 225)

Students select at least two of the following:

  • Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (PSYC 225)
  • Psychology of Personality (PSYC 328W)
  • Social Psychology (PSYC 340W)
  • Psychological Disorders (PSYC 352W)

Students select at least one of the following:

  • Perspectives on Disability and Illness (PSYC 324)
  • Developmental Psychology: Aging and the Elderly (PSYC 427)
  • Psychology of Gender (PSYC 453)
  • Psychology of Social/Cultural Diversity (PSYC 454)
  • Psychology of Peace and Conflict (PSYC 455)

Students select three additional Psychology courses (from the courses listed above and/or elective courses)

Students take:

  • Psychology and Social Engagement: A Service-Learning Seminar (PSYC 480) (Prerequisite: Senior status)
  • Senior Integrative Project (PSYC 470) 2 credits (Prerequisite: Senior status)

For a B.A. in Psychology: Students complete at least 36 credits in Psychology plus Statistics (MATH 125) or Biostatistics (MATH 225), with a grade of C or above in all of these courses. A minimum of 24 credits in Psychology must be taken at Duquesne University. Unless otherwise specified, all Psychology courses are 3 credits.

Recommended Course: The Department recommends that students take Philosophical Roots of Psychology (PHIL 322) as their Philosophy requirement for the College Liberal Arts Core.


ADVISEMENT AND DECLARING A MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

Students who wish to declare Psychology as their major must meet with their academic advisor and complete the on-line "Major Declaration Form".  Academic advisors must approve registration, drop-add, cross-registration, etc.  The student meets with the advisor during every pre-registration and final registration period and at other times as needed during the year.  Students can also schedule a meeting with the Director of Undergraduate Programs (in Psychology) if they would like additional information about the Psychology Major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

Requirements for a minor are Psych 101, 203 and three other psychology courses.  A minimum of nine credits in psychology must be taken at Duquesne University for the minor.