COURSE CURRICULUM

The Psychology BS degree at the University of Southern Mississippi is structured as a 120-hour program that combines general education, core psychology training, and elective flexibility to build both academic foundation and professional preparation. Students begin with the General Education Curriculum, which includes written communication (ENG 101 and ENG 102), natural science courses with labs chosen from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or related fields, humanities courses such as philosophy, history, and religion, aesthetic values like art or music appreciation, and social and behavioral sciences where Psychology 110 is often included as an introductory requirement. Mathematics is also required, with options such as college algebra or quantitative reasoning depending on placement. Communication skills are further developed through a speaking-intensive course like public speaking, while research and critical thinking are emphasized through writing-intensive coursework in the major. The Psychology curriculum itself includes foundational courses such as General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience, ensuring students gain a broad understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and biological influences. Students also take specialized courses in statistics and research methods, which are essential for interpreting data and conducting scientific psychological research. A key requirement is the capstone senior seminar, which integrates knowledge gained throughout the degree. In addition, students must complete a set of psychology electives (27 hours), allowing them to focus on specific interests such as clinical psychology, mental health, or applied behavioral studies. Some programs also include orientation and career development courses that help students understand opportunities in psychology and prepare for graduate study or employment. Overall, the degree is designed to balance scientific training, research skills, and applied psychological knowledge, preparing students for careers in mental health, counseling, research, education, or further graduate-level study in psychology and related fields.