The psychology major exposes students to the breadth of psychology while giving them a choice in how to satisfy particular requirements, especially at the upper-level. Psychology majors are encouraged to use this freedom to participate in special opportunities within the major, such as directed research, or an internship; and to participate in a cross-disciplinary study program and take courses in related areas, such as neuroscience, educational studies, sociology, or biology.
Many students come to St. Mary’s interested in psychology, while others come to the major later from another discipline or as transfer students. Regardless of when you begin your study, you should proceed through the major in the same sequence. After introduction to psychology, take at least two 200-level content courses and the two-course sequence in statistics and writing & research methods. You can then complete the other two 200-level content courses and upper-level requirements in an order that fits your interests and schedule, although we strongly recommend that you take your two lab courses prior to your senior year, especially if you plan to execute a St. Mary’s Project for your capstone experience.
View our Degree Requirements Checklist
Suggested Sequence when Entering the Psychology Major as a First-Year Student
First Year
Fall:
Introduction (PSYC 101), other CORE requirements
Spring:
two 200-level content breadth courses, other CORE requirements
Sophomore
Fall:
Statistics (PSYC 301), one 200-level content breadth course, other CORE requirements, elective outside major
Spring:
Writing / Res. Methods (PSYC 303), one 200-level content breadth course, finish CORE requirements
Special Opportunities:
Junior
Fall:
psyc lab course, elective outside major, cross-disciplinary study
Spring: one psyc lab course, electives outside major, cross-disciplinary study
Special Opportunities:
internship (8-16 cr), directed research, peer tutor (intro, stats)
Senior
Fall:
SMP or ACE elective, 300/400-level psyc elective course, cross-disciplinary study
Spring:
SMP or ACE Senior Seminar, electives outside major, cross-disciplinary study
Special Opportunities:
internship as part of SMP, peer lab assistant
Entering Major as a Second-Semester Sophomore (having taken Introduction to Psychology)
Sophomore
Spring:
Statistics (PSYC 301), 200-level content breadth course, CORE requirements
Special Opportunities:
course-related field experience
Junior
Fall:
Writing/ Res. Methods (PSYC303), 200-level content breadth course, electives outside major
Spring:
two 200-level content breadth courses, one psyc lab course, elective outside major, cross-disciplinary study
Special Opportunities:
directed research, course-related field experience, peer tutor (intro, stats)
Senior
Fall:
SMP or ACE elective, one lab course, one 300/400-level psyc elective course, elective work outside major
Spring:
SMP or ACE Senior Seminar, elective work outside major, cross-disciplinary study
Special Opportunities:
internship as part of SMP, peer lab assistant
Entering Major as a Junior (having taken Introduction to Psychology)
Junior
Fall:
Statistics (PSYC 301), two 200-level content breadth courses, elective outside major
Spring:
Writing/Methods (PSYC303), one 200-level content breath course, one 300/400-level psyc course elective, course elective outside major
Special Opportunities:
directed research, course-related field experience
Senior
Fall:
SMP or ACE elective, one 200-level content breadth course, one psyc lab course, elective work outside major
Spring:
SMP or ACE Senior Seminar, one psyc lab course, elective work outside major,
Special Opportunities:
directed research, course-related field experience