Psychology Major - Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Admission requirements

(All colleges)

42 credits

PSY 331 recommendation

The department strongly recommends that all psychology students take the required course of PSY 331 Research Methods: Lecture and Laboratory (4 cr.) late in their sophomore year or early in their junior year. Once students have declared psychology as a major, they should plan on at least four semesters to complete the sequence of courses necessary for graduation with a psychology major. The four semester timeline does not include the time it takes to complete general education credits or credits necessary for a minor. We also recommend that students consider volunteer work and/or fieldwork as an important part of their psychological training. The psychology major provides solid training in the liberal arts and in research methods.

Enrollment in PSY 331 requires the following prerequisites: "C" or better in PSY 100 & STAT 145; 2.25 GPA in PSY 100, STAT 145, CST 110, & ENG 110, plus 30 credits. Students will not be able to progress in the major without this course.

Curriculum

Select required number of credits from the following five categories. Additional credits completed within a category, after the required credits are met, may be used as elective credits in category V. STAT 145 is required as part of the 42 credits.

I. Core courses11
PSY 100
General Psychology 1
PSY 331
Research Methods: Lecture and Laboratory
STAT 145
Elementary Statistics 1
II. Foundation courses9
Select three of the following:
PSY 204
Abnormal Psychology
PSY 212
Lifespan Development
PSY 230
Cognitive and Biological Foundations of Psychology
PSY 241
Social Psychology
III. Sociocultural awareness3
Select one of the following (more than one strongly recommended):
PSY 282
Cross-Cultural Psychology
PSY 283
Psychology of Culture and Race
PSY 285
Culture and Mental Health
PSY 318
Psychology of Women
PSY 319
Men and Masculinities
PSY 325
LGBTQ+ Youth Psychology
PSY 415
Multicultural Counseling
PSY 442
Racism and Oppression
PSY 443
Prejudice and Stigma
IV. Capstone/Experiential 4
Select four credits from any combination of the following:
PSY 308
Research Apprenticeship
PSY 387
Psych Hour Experience
PSY 405
Teaching Apprenticeship in Psychology
PSY 450
Internship in Psychology 2
PSY 461
History and Systems of Psychology
PSY 481
Individual Projects in Psychology
PSY 482
Honors Projects in Psychology 3
PSY 485
Appraising Psychology Seminar
PSY 487
Psychology Ambassadors
PSY 488
Research Capstone: Revise and Resubmit
PSY 489
Honors Seminar 3
PSY 495
Senior Seminar in Psychology
V. Electives 15
Select 15 credits from the following or from any remaining PSY credits listed above (at least 12 credits must be at the 300/400 level): 4, 5
PSY 200
Orientation to the Psychology Major
PSY 205
Effective Behavior
PSY 291
Contemporary Topics in Psychology: Beginner
PSY/PHL 301
Theory of Knowledge
PSY 302
Environmental Issues: Applied Psychology
PSY 305
Human Sexuality
PSY 307
Intimate Relationships
PSY 315
Behavior Modification
PSY 316
Child Abuse and Neglect
PSY 320
Human Motivation
PSY/PHL 333
Philosophy of Mind
PSY 334
Health Psychology
PSY 343
Group Dynamics
PSY 347
Empathic Listening Skills
PSY 350
The Practice of Art Therapy
PSY 356
Infancy and Childhood
PSY 357
Adolescence
PSY 358
Adulthood
PSY 359
Topics in Gerontology
PSY 360
Cross Cultural Human Development
PSY 370
Educational Psychology
PSY 376
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
PSY 377
Psychology and Law
PSY 391
Contemporary Topics in Psychology: Intermediate
PSY 403
Advanced Psychopathology
PSY 404
Counseling and Personality Theories
PSY 406
Positive Psychology
PSY 407
Children's Cognition
PSY 410
Advanced Developmental Psychology
PSY 413
Crisis Intervention
PSY 417
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
PSY 420
Advanced Research Methods
PSY 422
Death, Dying, and Bereavement
PSY 425
Understanding the Mental Health Counseling Profession
PSY 426
Addictive Behaviors
PSY 430
Cognitive Neuroscience
PSY 431
Consciousness
PSY 432
Learning and Memory
PSY 434
Clinical Neuropsychology
PSY 435
Cognitive Processes
PSY 436
Psychology of Language
PSY 439
Sensation and Perception
PSY 440
Psychopharmacology
PSY 441
Advanced Social Psychology
PSY 451
Psychological Measurement
PSY 458
Dementia
PSY 459
Genes and Behavior
PSY 468
Child Life Theory and Practice
PSY 469
Therapeutic Uses of Play
PSY 491
Contemporary Topics in Psychology: Advanced
RTH 420
Nature and Forest Therapy
Total Credits42
1

Psychology majors may double count only PSY 100 and STAT 145 as both general education and major credits.

2

PSY 450 requires arrangements with the Career Services Office and the psychology internship coordinator that must be initiated prior to the start of the semester.

3

PSY 482 and PSY 489 require admission to the Psychology Honors Program.

4

If not used to satisfy minimum requirements in category I - IV.

5

Psychology majors should consult with their advisor on which courses might be recommended based on their post-graduation plans.

All students must complete the general education, college core, major/minor, and university degree requirements in order to qualify for a degree. The easiest way to track all of these requirements is to refer to the Advisement Report (AR) found in the Student Information System (WINGS) Student Center. All enrolled students have access to the AR. 

College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH/VPA) Bachelor of Arts core requirements

The CASSH core provides opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge by taking courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and/or sciences beyond the requirements of general education. Students may select from courses offered by the full range of academic departments within the college according to their interests. The college core allows students to build their critical thinking, communication, problem solving, teamwork, and global competencies through in-depth exploration of topics of their choosing.

The following conditions apply to one or both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees:

  1. Students majoring in English (writing and rhetoric or literary and cultural studies emphases) or in the department of global cultures and languages must earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Education majors earn a Bachelor of Science degree; English major: medical professions emphasis majors may earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
  2. Students majoring in other CASSH programs may choose either a B.A. or a B.S. degree.
  3. Language courses at the 102-level or higher (CHI, FRE, GCL, GER, HCK, HMG, JPN, RUS, SPA, or SPE 214) used to fulfill a general education requirement may also be used to meet the B.A. and B.S. language requirements.
  4. At least one course in the degree must be a CASSH designated diversity course.
  5. All other courses used to meet the requirements below must be in addition to the minimum 41 credits required in the General Education Program.
  6. Applicable courses may be found on the CASSH B.A./B.S. Degree Option Course List or in the Advisement Report (AR) when the degree has been declared.

Courses used to fulfill general education requirements will not apply to core requirements, except for language courses as noted above.

Bachelor of Arts students declare one of the following tracks online via the CASSH website:

A. Language track
  1. Native speakers of English complete:
    Select one of the following:
    CHI 202
    		Chinese Language and Culture in Action II
    FRE 202
    		French Language and Cultures in Action II
    GCL 202
    		Intermediate Languages II
    GER 202
    		German Language and Cultures in Action II
    HCK 202
    		Hoocak Language and Culture IV
    HMG 204
    		Hmong Heritage Language: Intermediate
    HMG 304
    		Hmong Heritage Language: Advanced
    JPN 202
    		Intermediate Japanese II
    RUS 202
    		Russian Language and Cultures in Action II
    SPA 202
    		Spanish Language and Cultures in Action II
    or SPA 221
    		 Introduction to Spanish for the Health Professions
    Non-native speakers of English: provide English proficiency evidence acceptable for admission to UWL as a degree seeking student.
  2. Two additional courses outside the department of the student's major from two different categories selected from the following: humanities, social sciences, or fine arts.
B. Humanities track
  1. One global language course at the 102-level or higher (including SPE 214); and
  2. Two additional courses outside the department of the student's major from two different departments selected from the following: communication studies, English, history, philosophy, or race, gender, and sexuality studies (see the Advisement Report (AR) for a listing of the approved courses); and
  3. One additional course in social sciences or fine arts.
C. Fine arts track
  1. One global language course at the 102-level or higher (including SPE 214); and
  2. Two additional courses outside the department of the student's major from two different departments selected from the following: art, music, or theatre and dance; and
  3. One additional course in social sciences or humanities.
In addition to all other College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities core requirements, all students in CASSH must complete a second major, minor, or individualized option by satisfying one of the following:
  1. Complete a minor (or two certificates with at least 12 combined credits at the 300/400-level or a second major) outside of the student's major program, consisting of at least 18 credits; or
  2. Complete an emphasis, program or concentration of at least 18 credits outside the student's major program. General education courses may apply provided they are not being used to fulfill minimum general education requirements; or

  3. Complete an individualized option, consisting of 18 credits. At least 12 credits must be earned at the 300/400-level outside the major department. The remaining six credits may consist of:

    1. 100-level or higher courses outside the major (general education courses may apply provided they are not being used to fulfill minimum general education requirements); or

    2. 300/400-level courses inside the major department not being used to fulfill major requirements.

Baccalaureate degree requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees must accomplish the following:

  1. Fulfill the general education requirements.
  2. Complete at least one ethnic studies (diversity) course.
  3. Complete the courses prescribed by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for the degree desired in the respective school or college.
  4. Earn a minimum of 120 semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.1, 2
  5. At least 40 credits must be earned in 300/400 level courses. Transfer courses earned or transferred at the 300/400 level apply to this requirement.
  6. Complete major and minor requirements with at least a 2.00 GPA1, 2 in each major and minor (and concentration or emphasis, if selected).
  7. A minimum of 30 semester credits in residence at UWL is required for graduation. (See undergraduate resident requirement.)
  8. Submit an application for graduation via the "Submit Intent to Graduate" link in the WINGS Student Center as soon as the student has registered for his or her final semester or summer term in residence. December and winter intersession graduates should apply by May 1. May and summer graduates should apply by December 1.
1

Grade point average requirements for some programs will be considerably higher than 2.00. Re-entering students may be required to earn credits in excess of the 120 needed for graduation in any curriculum in order to replace credits earned in courses in which the content has changed substantially in recent years. Each case will be judged on its own merit.

2

The grade point average recorded at the time the degree is awarded will not be affected by future enrollment.

No degree will be awarded unless all requirements are fulfilled and recorded within 30 days after the official ending date of each term.

Below is a sample degree plan that can be used as a guide to identify courses required to fulfill the major and other requirements needed for degree completion. A student's actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Also, this sample plan assumes readiness for each course and/or major plan, and some courses may not be offered every term. Review the course descriptions or the class timetable for course offering information.

The sample degree plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UWL in the fall term. Students should use the Advisement Report (AR) in WINGS and work closely with their faculty advisor(s) and college dean’s office to ensure declaration and completion of all requirements in a timely manner.

General Education Program
The general education curriculum (Gen Ed) is the common educational experience for all undergraduates at UWL. Sample degree plans include Gen Ed placeholders to ensure completion of the general education requirements. Courses may be rearranged to fit the needs or recommendations of the student’s program of study. Gen Ed courses may be taken during winter term (January between the semesters) and summer to reduce the course load during regular terms (fall and spring). Students should consult with their advisor and/or the college academic services director in their college/school for assistance with course and schedule planning. Refer to the general education requirements for more specific details.

At least 40 credits of the 120 credits required must be earned at the 300/400-level. 

Note: New students and transfer students with less than 12 credits earned are required to take FYS 100 First-Year Seminar (3 cr.) during one of their first two semesters at UWL.

This sample degree plan does not establish a contractual agreement. It identifies the minimum requirements a student must successfully complete, to qualify for a degree, in a format intended to assist the student in planning their academic career. Actual degree plans may differ.

Year 1
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENG 110 (Gen Ed 1002 Written Literacy)3PSY 100 (Gen Ed 1009 Social and Behavioral Studies (PSY Cat I))23
Gen Ed 1013 Cultures of Our World/CASSH Core Language13-4CST 110 (Gen Ed 1003 Spoken Literacy)3
Gen Ed 1005 Ethnic Diversity3FYS 100 (Gen Ed 1001 First-Year Seminar)3
Gen Ed 1007 Arts and Aesthetics2STAT 145 (Gen Ed 1004 Quantitative Reasoning (PSY CAT I))24
Gen Ed 1011 Pasts That Define Us3Gen Ed 1007 Arts and Aesthetics2
 15 15
Year 2
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSY Cat II: Foundation Course3PSY Cat II: Foundation Course3
PSY Cat II: Foundation Course3PSY Cat III: Sociocultural Awareness3
Gen Ed 1008 Experiential Science4CASSH Core Course3
Minor Course3CASSH Core Course3
University Elective3Minor Course3
 16 15
Year 3
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSY 331 (PSY Cat I)34PSY Cat IV: Experiential/Capstone1-3
PSY Cat V: Electives (300/400-level)3PSY Cat V: Electives (300/400-level)3
Gen Ed 1010 Stories We Tell3Gen Ed 1006 Mind and Body3
Minor Course3CASSH Core Diversity Course3
University Elective3Minor Course3
 16 14
Year 4
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSY Cat V: Electives (300/400-level)3PSY Cat V: Electives (300/400-level)3
PSY Cat IV: Experiential/Capstone1-3PSY Cat V: Electives3
Gen Ed 1012 Planet That Sustains Us3CASSH Core Course3
Minor Course3Minor Course3
University Elective3University Elective3
 14 15
Total Credits: 120
1

CASSH Core Humanities and Fine Arts Tracks require 102+ level language. CASSH Core Language Track requires 202 level language. Students unprepared for 202 level will need to complete prerequisite course work.

2

Psychology majors may double count only PSY 100 and STAT 145 in both General Education and the major.

3

Enrollment in PSY 331 requires the following prerequisites: "C" or better in PSY 100 & STAT 145; 2.25 GPA in PSY 100, STAT 145, CST 110, & ENG 110, plus 30 credits. Students will not be able to progress in the major without this course.