Psychology Major

Students may choose to simply major in psychology without a particular specialization (by completing the Requirements for a Major in Psychology) or may choose to major in psychology with a specialization by completing the requirements for a concentration in Mental Health Services or an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Women's Studies. They may also choose to minor in Psychology or Human Development.

Requirements for a Major in Psychology

The Psychology major requires successful completion of 12 courses in Psychology. Four of these courses are specific core requirements; four are from specified areas and the remaining four are electives. At least three courses (nine credits) must be at a 300 and/or 400 level, and all three courses must be taken at Worcester State University.  The minimum of 37 credits must include the following four core courses:

Required Courses(28 credits)
PS-101General Psychology3
PS-275Psychological Statistics4
PS-276Research Methods3
PS-307Applied Research Methods3
Select one course each from four of the five different areas12
Developmental
Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Adolescence
Psychology of Aging
Social Psychology
Social Psychology
Applied Social Psychology
Personality and Abnormal Psychology
Theories of Personality
Psychological Testing and Measurement
PS-240Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
Learning and Cognition
Psychology of Learning
Cognitive Psychology
Biopsychosocial Processes
Sensation and Perception
Introduction to Health Psychology
Psychology electives(12 credits)
Electives - Choose four elective courses from any of the courses in psychology that are not required and are not counted under the four areas.12
Total Credits40

Students must obtain a C- or higher in all psychology courses that serve as prerequisites for other psychology courses.

Sample Timetable for Completion of Degree: Psychology

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
Semester OneCredits
LASCFirst-Year Seminar (FYS) 3
EN-101 College Writing I 3
PS-101 General Psychology 3
LASCLASC Elective (USW) 3
LASCLASC Elective (CON) 3
 Credits15
Semester Two
EN-102 College Writing II 3
PS-2XXPS Major Area 3
PS-2XXPS Major Area (Not PS-205) 3
LASCLASC Elective (QR) 3
LASCLASC Elective (TLC) 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Semester Three
PS-275 Psychological Statistics 4
PS-2XXPS Major Area 3
LASCLASC Elective (NSP) 4
LASCLASC Elective (GP) 3
LASCLASC Elective (USW) 3
 Credits17
Semester Four
PS-276 Research Methods 3
PS-2XXPS Major Area 3
PS-2XXPS Major Elective 3
LASCLASC Elective (NSP) 3
LASCLASC Elective (TLC) 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Semester Five
PS-307 Applied Research Methods 3
PS-3XXPS Major Area 3
PS-3XXPS Major Elective 3
LASCLASC Elective (HBS) 3
LASCLASC Elective (ICW) 3
 Credits15
Semester Six
PS-1XX+PS Major Elective 3
PS-1XX+PS Major Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
LASCLASC Elective (CA) 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Semester Seven
PS-4XXCapstone 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
 Credits15
Semester Eight
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
SELECTGeneral Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits122

Students are required to meet with their academic advisor to review their courses for the upcoming semester. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.  First-year and transfer students with 45 or fewer credits at the time of admission shall complete two academic programs (a major/major or major/minor) to qualify for graduation.  For more information, please view the MajorPlus section of this catalog.