COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program requires students to complete a structured curriculum that combines foundational coursework, advanced psychological study, and specialized electives. The program begins with required lower division courses totaling 13 units, which introduce students to the fundamental concepts and research foundations of psychology. These courses include Introductory Psychology, Human Development, Navigating Psychology: The Major and Careers, Methods of Psychology, and Introductory Statistics for Psychology. Together, these courses provide students with an understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and statistical analysis used in the study of human behavior. Students must complete certain courses, such as Methods of Psychology and Introductory Statistics for Psychology, with a minimum grade of C- or better to continue in the major.The upper division component of the program consists of 33 to 37 units and allows students to explore specialized areas within psychology. All students complete Cross-Cultural Psychology and Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research, which develop advanced research skills and emphasize the importance of cultural perspectives in psychological study. Students must also choose one advanced methods course, such as Advanced Methods and Statistics in Psychological Research, Psychological Testing and Measurement, or Qualitative Research in Psychology, to strengthen their research and analytical abilities.In addition, students select courses focusing on biological processes, including topics such as behavioral neuroscience, neuroscience, animal behavior, or drugs and behavior, which help explain the biological foundations of behavior. The program also requires students to complete four courses in the areas of cognitive and learning processes as well as individual and social processes. These courses may cover topics such as perception, motivation, cognitive psychology, personality theories, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and organizational psychology.To broaden their understanding of diverse populations, students must complete one human diversity course addressing topics such as multicultural psychology, aging, psychology of women, or gender identity. Students also take specialized topics courses and additional upper division psychology electives to further tailor their academic interests. In addition to major coursework, students must complete general education requirements that support communication, quantitative reasoning, scientific literacy, and social awareness, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.