Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology 2023-2024 Edition

Psychology Major Objectives

Psychological study is complemented by business knowledge through the completion of a minor in business administration. The combination of a solid background in theoretical and applied psychology plus exposure to core business courses prepares students for either entry-level careers or graduate study.

Students in the Psychology major will:

  • Improve your knowledge base in psychological concepts and principles.
  • Understand the methods and purpose of scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
  • Apply psychological principles ethically and socially responsibly in a diverse world.
  • Effectively communicate psychological principles and concepts.
  • Understand and engage in professional development.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology Degree Requirements:

 
Psychology Major Requirements:
Foundational Courses
Required Courses:
PSY 260Introduction to Psychology3
or PSY 263 Honors: Core Concepts in Psychology
PSY 376Research Methods in Psychology3
PSY 386Research Methods in Psychology II: Psychological Research and Statistics3
Capstone Course
PSY 490Senior Research Seminar3
or PSY 491 Senior Internship Seminar
Foundational Perspectives *
Students must take at least one course from each of the 5 Foundational Perspectives
Developmental Perspective
PSY 360Child and Adolescent Development3
PSY 361Adult Development and Aging3
Social and Cultural Perspective
PSY 465Cross-Cultural Psychology3
PSY 470Social Psychology3
PSY 473Community Psychology3
Cognition and Learning Perspective
PSY 373Cognitive Psychology3
PSY 377Educational Psychology3
PSY 486Judgement and Decision Making3
Biological Perspective
PSY 374Introduction to Neuroscience3
PSY 375Health Psychology3
PSY 483Drugs and Behavior3
Clinical Perspective
PSY 355Introduction to Psychopathology3
PSY 472Child Psychopathology3
PSY 480Counseling Theory and Practice3
Psychology Electives *
3 Psychology elective courses can be taken from any remaining courses in the Perspectives above or from any of the courses below.
PSY 353Psychology of Personality3
PSY 365Environmental Psychology3
PSY 371Applied Psychology3
PSY 372Positive Psychology3
PSY 378Industrial and Organization Psychology3
PSY 391Psychology Internship3
PSY/MGT 440The Design Thinking Process3
PSY 471Gender in Childhood3
PSY 481Exercise and Sport Psychology3
PSY 482Forensic Psychology3
PSY 484Psychological Testing and Assessment3
PSY 497Directed Study in Psychology3
*At least 3 courses from the Foundational Perspectives and the Electives must be taken at the 400 level.
Business Minor Requirement
Electives

A minimum of 36 credits is required for the major. 

A minimum 122 credit hours is required for the degree for graduation.

1

Modes of Thought requirements can be met by appropriate courses in the major.

2

Include one Lab Science. One science course must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.

Courses

PSY 260. Introduction to Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will address the major principles, theories and research methods used to understand mental processing and behavior. An extensive survey of topics on human behavior across a variety of contexts will be made, as well as the ethical history and implications of the field.

Fall 2023PSY 260A1354MWF11:00am - 11:50am(M. Maimon)
Fall 2023PSY 260AE1355M6:30pm - 9:10pm(J. Petrie)
Fall 2023PSY 260B1356MWF11:00am - 11:50am(K. Scaplen)
Fall 2023PSY 260C1357MWF12:00pm - 12:50pm(L. Amper)
Fall 2023PSY 260CE1358T6:30pm - 9:10pm(J. Petrie)
Fall 2023PSY 260D1359MWF1:00pm - 1:50pm(L. Amper)
Fall 2023PSY 260E1360TTh2:00pm - 3:15pm(D. Roderick)
Fall 2023PSY 260F1361TTh3:30pm - 4:45pm(D. Roderick)
Fall 2023PSY 260G1362TTh8:00am - 9:15am(B. Fleet)
Fall 2023PSY 260H1847MWF9:00am - 9:50am(J. Hart)
Fall 2023PSY 260I1848TTh9:30am - 10:45am(B. Fleet)
Fall 2023PSY 260K1866MW5:00pm - 6:15pm(R. Brancato)
Spring 2024PSY 260AE3269M6:30pm - 9:10pmTBD
Spring 2024PSY 260B3270TTh9:30am - 10:45amTBD
Spring 2024PSY 260C3271MWF10:00am - 10:50amTBD
Spring 2024PSY 260E3272MWF9:00am - 9:50amTBD
Spring 2024PSY 260F3273TTh2:00pm - 3:15pmTBD

PSY 263. Honors: Core Concepts in Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will address the major principles, theories and research methods used to understand mental processing and behavior. An extensive survey of topics on human behavior across a variety of contexts will be made, as well as the ethical history and implications of the field. Students will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the teaching of the course material. Students receiving credit for PSY 260, Introduction to Psychology, may not receive credit for this class.
Prerequisites: Honors Program.

Fall 2023PSY 263HN1363MF2:00pm - 3:15pm(R. Deluga)

PSY 353. Psychology of Personality. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will examine the major historical and contemporary approaches to understanding personality and its development. Cross-cultural and gender influences on personality will be incorporated. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of personality theory to themselves, case studies and/or historical figures.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 353A1364MW5:00pm - 6:15pm(M. Crowe)

PSY 355. Introduction to Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours.

As an introduction to the processes and treatment of psychopathology, this course emphasizes contemporary approaches to understanding the causes and treatments of various psychological and psychiatric disorders.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 355A1365MWF9:00am - 9:50am(L. Amper)
Fall 2023PSY 355B1366MWF10:00am - 10:50am(L. Amper)
Spring 2024PSY 355A3274TTh8:00am - 9:15amTBD

PSY 360. Child and Adolescent Development. 3 Credit Hours.

Human development is examined from the prenatal period through adolescence. Current research methods and relevant theories will be used to address the multiplicity of factors contributing to children's development.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 360A1367TTh11:00am - 12:15pm(A. Butler)
Fall 2023PSY 360B1368TTh12:30pm - 1:45pm(A. Butler)

PSY 361. Adult Development and Aging. 3 Credit Hours.

The nature of psychological and physical change as well as stability throughout adulthood will be examined. A special emphasis is placed on understanding the experiences of aging individuals in the context of an aging society.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Spring 2024PSY 361A3275TTh9:30am - 10:45amTBD
Spring 2024PSY 361B3276TTh11:00am - 12:15pmTBD

PSY 365. Environmental Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course uses an interdisciplinary perspective to investigate the role of the environment on behavior. Attributes of environmental settings which are associated with human performance and functioning will be analyzed.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 365A1369MWF10:00am - 10:50am(J. Hart)

PSY 371. Applied Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

In this overview course, the practical applications of psychological research to issues and problems facing the world will be addressed. Students will learn and be actively engaged in how psychological findings can be used in a large variety of contexts. These contexts include biomedical, educational, end user behavior, industrial/organizational, sports, legal system, physical surroundings, product design, aviation, animal training, paranormal phenomenon, elderly, and similar human factor environments.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Spring 2024PSY 371A3277TTh11:00am - 12:15pm(R. Deluga)

PSY 372. Positive Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course focuses on the current findings from positive psychology including (1) antecedents of subjective well being happiness from birth through death (2) optimal human functioning and human excellence across the life span, (3) development of positive individual traits including virtue, interpersonal strength, self-determination, wisdom, altruism, optimism, and integrity, and (4) the study of collective or societal wellbeing.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 372A1370TTh2:00pm - 3:15pm(R. Deluga)

PSY 373. Cognitive Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an overview of the primary areas within cognitive psychology. Topics include cognitive neuroscience, perception, attention, memory, language, mental imagery, categorization, decision-making and problem solving. Current, as well as classic theoretical perspectives and experiments, will be emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 373A1371TTh9:30am - 10:45am(H. Lacey)
Fall 2023PSY 373B1372TTh11:00am - 12:15pm(H. Lacey)

PSY 374. Introduction to Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an overview of the primary areas within Physiological Psychology. Topics include historical and methodological perspectives, neuronal anatomy and physiology, the structure and function of the nervous system ,sensory processing, motivation and emotion, physiological substrates of learning and memory, psycho-physiological bases of health and illness. Internet-based exercises will be assigned to enhance exposure to various topics beyond the text. Current as well as classic theoretical perspectives will be emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Spring 2024PSY 374A3278MWF10:00am - 10:50am(K. Scaplen)
Spring 2024PSY 374B3279MWF11:00am - 11:50am(K. Scaplen)

PSY 375. Health Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an overview of the primary areas within Health Psychology. These include an overview of the history of health psychology, methodological issues in health psychology research, the biopsychosocial model of health and illness, basic systems of the body, stress, illness, and coping, lifestyle enhancement and illness prevention, health promotion, dealing with chronic illness, proper utilization of the health care system, pain, life threatening health problems, and future issues for health psychology.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Fall 2023PSY 375A1660TTh8:00am - 9:15am(J. Trunzo)

PSY 376. Research Methods in Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to experimental methods in psychology. The goals of this course are for you to learn how research is planned, carried out, communicated, and critiqued. This course will focus on developing general psychological research skills, including knowledge of experimental design, statistics, report writing, and ethical standards of research. In addition this course will emphasize critical evaluation of scientific evidence. Mastery of the material covered should enable you to evaluate the adequacy of research findings reported by others, design research studies of their own, collect and analyze data, and write APA style research reports.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and MATH 201.

Fall 2023PSY 376A1373MWF10:00am - 10:50am(K. Scaplen)
Fall 2023PSY 376B1374MWF10:00am - 10:50am(M. Maimon)

PSY 377. Educational Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores psychological principles, theories and methodologies as they apply to issues of teaching and learning in diverse educational and community settings. Topics covered include theories of learning and motivation, developmental characteristics of learners, individual differences, teacher behavior, assessment, and socio-cultural influences on learning and schooling.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

PSY 378. Industrial and Organization Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology which focuses on human behavior in the workplace. I/O psychologists assist institutions in effectively hiring, managing, developing, and supporting employee careers. I/O psychologist efforts in aligning worker efforts with organizational needs contribute to the achievement of strategic goals. For employees, these goals include reduced turnover, increased productivity, enriched engagement, and enhanced subjective well-being.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

Spring 2024PSY 378A3281MF2:00pm - 3:15pm(R. Deluga)

PSY 386. Research Methods in Psychology II: Psychological Research and Statistics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is the second course in the required research methods sequence for psychology majors, focusing on the design, implementation, and analysis of psychological research. Psychology students are expected to be well-versed in the conduct and interpretation of psychological research in preparation for further study at the graduate level, the workplace, and in life. This course will focus on the major subjects of research design, implementation, and data analysis and interpretation.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and PSY 376 and sophomore standing.

Spring 2024PSY 386A3282MWF9:00am - 9:50am(K. Scaplen)
Spring 2024PSY 386B3283MWF9:00am - 9:50am(M. Maimon)

PSY 391. Psychology Internship. 3 Credit Hours.

Students engage in individually supervised work-study arrangements and learn to apply psychological theory and principles in a work environment (e.g., youth recreation center or mental health clinic). Students must work at least ten hours per week on the internship (120 hours minimum), meet periodically with a supervising faculty member, research literature related to the field of the internship, and prepare a substantive report on their internship experience and the studies involved. This course is limited to juniors and seniors and requires the approval of a supervising faculty member and the department chair.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263.

PSY 440. The Design Thinking Process. 3 Credit Hours.

In this hands-on course, you will have an opportunity to learn and apply the design thinking process while simultaneously developing an understanding of the psychological (cognitive, behavioral) principles that underlie innovative thinking, problem-solving, and gamification. This course builds explicitly upon the introduction to design thinking that you received during the IDEA program. We will learn how design thinkers embrace a “test and learn” and “build to think” philosophy toward innovation.
Prerequisites: IDEA 101 and PSY 260 and MGT 200 or IB 356 and junior standing and instructor approval.

PSY 465. Cross-Cultural Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course involves an in-depth examination of culture's role in socialization and behavior. The rationale and methodology of cross-cultural psychology are extensively addressed early in the semester. Thereafter, specific topics such as life transitions or cognitive styles are analyzed in a seminar format.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 465A3284TTh8:00am - 9:15amTBD

PSY 470. Social Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the factors impacting human relationships. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal attraction, attitude formation, social perception and cognition, altruism, aggression, small group behavior, and social identity and influence.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 470A3285MWF10:00am - 10:50am(M. Maimon)
Spring 2024PSY 470B3286MWF12:00pm - 12:50pm(M. Maimon)

PSY 471. Gender in Childhood. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course the meaning of gender and how it shapes children's experiences, perceptions, identities, and behavior will be addressed. The confluence of biology and socio-cultural factors on gender development will be considered. A variety of research approaches will be discussed as well as used by students.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and Junior standing.

Fall 2023PSY 471A1375T6:30pm - 9:10pm(R. Brancato)

PSY 472. Child Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will focus on major forms of atypical development in childhood and adolescence. Students will learn about the defining characteristics, possible causes, diagnosis, theoretical formulations, research evidence, and current approaches to intervention and prevention for child and adolescent disorders. These include behavioral disorders, mood disorders, developmental and learning problems, and problems related to physical and mental health. Psychopathology will be examined within the context of normal developmental processes and the larger systems in which children live.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and sophomore standing.

Spring 2024PSY 472A3287MWF9:00am - 9:50am(L. Amper)
Spring 2024PSY 472B3288MWF10:00am - 10:50am(L. Amper)

PSY 473. Community Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

Community Psychology is the study and application of psychological solutions to community-based social, mental health, and environmental problems. It goes beyond focusing on individuals and integrates social, cultural, political, environmental, economic, and international factors to promote positive change at multiple systemic levels. It emphasizes values, applied research, and action on promoting the welfare of the whole community, especially underserved populations. It concentrates on the strengths of people and communities rather than their deficits. It also emphasizes prevention, self-help, empowerment, cultural diversity, and changing local conditions through organizational, community, and societal-level action. Students will learn major theories and concepts, learn to apply them to their own communities and concerns, and evaluate the field’s potential implications for research, practice and policy.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

PSY 480. Counseling Theory and Practice. 3 Credit Hours.

This course reviews the major contemporary theories and techniques of counseling. Students have opportunities to observe counseling situations and to practice counseling techniques. Cross-cultural issues will be addressed.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 480A3289MWF12:00pm - 12:50pm(L. Amper)
Spring 2024PSY 480B3290MWF1:00pm - 1:50pm(L. Amper)

PSY 481. Exercise and Sport Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

Exercise and Sport Psychology is the field of study whereby the educational, research, and professional contributions of psychology are used to promote, enhance, and maintain exercise and sport behavior across the lifespan. The course will emphasize the practical applications of these principles.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Fall 2023PSY 481A1376MWF12:00pm - 12:50pm(R. Deluga)
Spring 2024PSY 481A3291MWF12:00pm - 12:50pm(R. Deluga)

PSY 482. Forensic Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to the field of forensic psychology. Its content coverage will include the examination of the current issues, theories, and interface between psychology and the legal system. Students will explore a range of topics including criminal profiling, the reliability of hypnosis, lie detection, eyewitness testimony, trial preparation and jury selection, the insanity defense, domestic violence and sexual abuse cases, and death penalty trials and appeals.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 482A3292W6:30pm - 9:10pmTBD

PSY 483. Drugs and Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an overview of the primary topics related to understanding drugs and their effects on human behavior. Topics include historical and methodological perspectives, basic principles of drug action, basic neurobiology, and the physiological and behavioral effects of drug use and abuse, including stimulants, depressants, narcotics, hallucinogens, designer drugs, inhalants, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. The course will also cover the psychopharmacology and behavioral effects of prescription psychiatric medications, including anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anxioloytics, mood stabilizers, and hypnotics (sleep agents). Additional readings and exercises will be assigned to enhance exposure to various topics beyond the text. Current as well as classic theoretical perspectives will be emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 483A3563TTh8:00am - 9:15am(J. Trunzo)

PSY 484. Psychological Testing and Assessment. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the goals and principles of psychological and educational assessment. Topics covered include the fundamentals of measurement theory and testing-related statistics; test construction and administration; and a review of the major types of psychological and educational tests. Contemporary issues in assessment such as bias, laws, and ethical concerns will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and MATH 201 and junior standing.

Fall 2023PSY 484A1378MWF11:00am - 11:50am(J. Hart)

PSY 486. Judgement and Decision Making. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will examine the research on human judgment and decision making, and will explore the influence of these proceses in real-life areas such as health decisions, financial decisions, legal judgment, political decisions, and personal relationship choices.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

Spring 2024PSY 486A3293TTh11:00am - 12:15pm(H. Lacey)
Spring 2024PSY 486B3294TTh12:30pm - 1:45pm(H. Lacey)

PSY 490. Senior Research Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students will integrate the knowledge they have accumulated in their first three years as an applied psychology major through the development and investigation of their own applied psychology hypothesis. In collaboration with the instructor and with their classmates, students will proceed through the stages of research from hypothesis development, to literature review, to proposing their research methods, to data collection, with the project culminating in written and oral presentations of their findings. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to influence their classmates' projects, and have them influence their project, as they discuss and evaluate each other's work. After completing the course, students will be qualified to evaluate others' research as well as conduct their own research, a skill crucial to many applied psychology careers.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263, PSY 371, PSY 376, Applied Psychology major, senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PSY 491. Senior Internship Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will serve to integrate and apply knowledge derived from prior coursework. This course has two major components: the field placement and the classroom seminar. The field placements are expected to be diverse and selected based on student interest and preparation. The seminar portion of the course will involve faculty lectures, class exercises, student-to-student discussions and written assignments based on assigned reading materials and field experiences.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263, PSY 371, PSY 376, Applied Psychology major, senior standing or permission of the instructor
Session Cycle: Fall
Yearly Cycle: Annual.

Fall 2023PSY 491A1379T8:00am - 9:15am(H. Lacey)

PSY 497. Directed Study in Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course involves independent and in-depth study of a specific topic in psychology. Students work on an individually supervised research project with a member of the psychology faculty. Instructor and department chair permission is required.
Prerequisites: PSY 260 or PSY 263 and junior standing.

PSY ST385. Special Topic: Head, Hand, and Hertford Programme in Leadership & Innovation. 3 Credit Hours.

Travel to Oxford to participate in the Head, Hand, and Hertford Programme at Hertford College. Students study in residence at historic Oxford for two weeks, where they will develop skills in leadership, communication, and innovation alongside Oxford students. Within a rigorous academic environment, this program is led by Hertford College Principal Tom Fletcher. Students participate in workshops taught mostly by Oxford faculty. Through an engaging one-of-kind cultural immersion program, students will build upon skills that they have learned at Bryant to take their leadership skills to the next level. With an enhanced global perspective, appreciation for sociohistorical context, and personal growth and character development, students will leave this course with the intellectual and practical skills of a truly innovative leader.