Psychology, B.A.

Psychology is a basic and applied science, health profession, and undergraduate liberal arts major. The UNCW Psychology Department supports an outstanding undergraduate program with a shared set program goals and student learning outcomes and a strongly commitment to involving students in the research process. Students work closely with our outstanding faculty as junior colleagues to investigate a wide variety of topics including basic brain processes, drug effects, memory-improvement techniques, social cognitive factors underlying prejudice, ways to reduce school violence, and the evaluation of psychological treatments-to name but a few.

The department also actively involves students in service learning in a variety of ways. Undergraduate students have opportunities to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom in practicum experiences or community research projects. Psychology faculty and students are found in community settings which range from preschools to prisons. The graduates of our Bachelor of Arts program are prepared for further education in psychology and other professions and to take their place in the world of work. The study of psychology gives students the chance to use technology, learn to communicate, and be able to analyze ideas critically.

Computer Requirement:

To satisfy the computer requirement for the B.A. degree in Psychology a student must successfully complete PSY 355 .

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Psychology a student must successfully complete PSY 410 , PSY 412 , PSY 417 , PSY 423 , PSY 425 , PSY 459 , or PSY 464 .

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. degree in Psychology a student must successfully complete PSY 355 and PSY 410 , PSY 412 , PSY 417 , PSY 423 , PSY 425 , PSY 459 , or PSY 464 .

Requirements for a Major in Psychology for the B.A. Degree:

PSY 105 - General Psychology
PSY 106 - Psychology as a Science and Career
PSY 225 - Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
PSY 355 - Introduction to Experimental Psychology
15 additional hours in 300-400 level psychology courses. Three hours from the following courses may be counted towards the 15 hours of required psychology electives:
PSY 210 - Science and Pseudoscience
PSY 245 - Drugs and Behavior
PSY 257 - Evolutionary Psychology
PSY 265 - Human Sexual Behavior and
PSY 275 - Forensic Psychology

One course from each of the six content domains:

Developmental Psychology:

Personality and Social Psychology:

One capstone course chosen from

Total: 56 hours

Additional Information:

A grade of “C” or better is required in PSY 105. No more than one course with a grade of “D” can count toward the requirements for a major in psychology (including the biology and mathematics course requirements). There also must be a “C” (2.00) or better average on all courses counted towards the major. Additional requirements include completion of a biology course selected from BIO 105, BIO 140 (with laboratory), BIO 201, BIO 202, or BIO 240 (with laboratory) and a mathematics course selected from MAT 101 or higher (excluding MAT 141 and 142), STT 210, or STT 215.