Psychology Program
Requirements and Courses
Dr. Kristin Lane, associate professor of psychology.

Requirements and Courses

The Psychology Program offers all students the opportunity to learn how the unique perspectives and empirical methods of psychology can illuminate human thought, emotions, and behavior. The language and analytical approaches of psychology have become a common basis for many professional endeavors, making students who concentrate in psychology well-equipped for graduate study in this field, as well as in a variety of related career pursuits.
Program Handbook: General Requirements Moderation Requirements Senior Project Requirements

Majoring in Psychology

Although the Psychology Program is housed in the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing, students decide at the time of Moderation whether they will pursue their degree in psychology from either the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing (SM&C) or the Division of Social Studies (SSt).
These divisional degrees are distinguished by two features: an SSt degree entails at least two courses in one or more related disciplines in the Social Studies Division (decided individually in consultation with the adviser); and the Senior Project for an SM&C degree must have an empirical focus, in which the student collects and analyzes data, or presents a detailed plan for doing so. The SSt Senior Project does not carry this requirement, though it may of course do this. An SSt degree may be particularly suited for those intending to pursue law, social work, or education; and an SM&C degree may be particularly suited for students intending to pursue a research degree in psychology, medicine, or the natural sciences.

Courses and Clusters

  • Coursework in Psychology
    In all courses, we strive to (1) introduce students to foundational content in psychology’s subfields (social, cognitive, developmental, and abnormal psychology as well as neuroscience); (2) take a multi-level approach to answering psychological questions; (3) engage students in integrative, critical thinking about the mechanisms underlying human thought and behavior; (4) educate students in the process of science as it applies to human behavior; (5) provide inclusive education for students of all backgrounds; (6) provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to engage in the above; and (7) prepare students to excel in their chosen place in an interdependent global society.
    View Course Catalogue
  • Note About the 200-Level Clusters
    At least one 200-level course must be completed from each of the following course clusters:
    • Cluster A: Abnormal Psychology (course numbers in the 210s).
    • Cluster B: Developmental and Social Psychology (course numbers in the 220s).
    • Cluster C: Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience (course numbers in the 230s).

Graduation Requirements

Psychology students must complete the following requirements to graduate: 
  • a total of four 200-level courses in psychology (excluding 201 and 202); 
  • one four-credit course in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics (this excludes AP or IB classes, as well as Biostatistics, and courses listed primarily in Mind, Brain and Behavior); 
  • two 300-level junior seminars following Moderation (to be completed before beginning the Senior Project; in cases where study abroad or similar conflict presents a challenge, the Program will consider petitions for alternate timelines);
  • the Psychology Senior Conference (PSY 405), a required colloquium in the first semester of the Senior Project to support student work;
  • and the Senior Project.
A Note on 300-Level Courses: No more than a single 300-level course may be taken per semester, and taking these 300-levels with two different faculty members is strongly encouraged.