Core Courses for the Psychology Major: 15-18 semester hours depending on the Math requirement

• MAT 1271 - College Algebra. Credits: 3

• or higher level math course, or ACT math score of 26 or higher

• PSY 1879G - Introductory Psychology. Credits: 3
• PSY 2610 - Statistical Methods of Psychology. Credits: 4
• PSY 2999 - Orientation to the Psychology Major. Credits: 1
• PSY 3805 - Research Methods and Experimental Design. Credits: 4

One of the following courses to meet the capstone requirement (See footnote 1) – 3 hours

• PSY 4250 - History and Systems. Credits: 3
• PSY 4260 - Crisis Intervention. Credits: 3
• PSY 4270 - Theories of Psychotherapy. Credits: 3
• PSY 4515 - Children with Exceptionalities. Credits: 3
• PSY 4590 - Psychology Seminar. Credits: 3
• PSY 4644 - Honors Thesis. Credits: 3
• PSY 4666 - Honors Seminar. Credits: 3
• PSY 4700 - Prejudice and Discrimination. Credits: 3

Group A. Abnormal/Social Group – 6 hours

At least two courses from

• PSY 3590 - Theories of Personality. Credits: 3
• PSY 3780 - Abnormal Psychology. Credits: 3
• PSY 3870 - Social Psychology. Credits: 3

Group B. Biopsychology Group – 3 hours

At least one course from

• PSY 3310 - Biological Psychology. Credits: 3
• PSY 3680 - Sensation and Perception. Credits: 3
• PSY 3820 - Cognitive Neuroscience. Credits: 3

Group C. Cognitive/Learning Group – 3 hours

At least one course from

• PSY 3620 - Psychology of Learning. Credits: 3
• PSY 3830 - Cognitive Processes. Credits: 3

Group D. Developmental Group – 3 hours

At least one course from

• PSY 3515 - Child Psychology. Credits: 3
• PSY 3521 - Psychology of Adolescence and Young Adulthood. Credits: 3
• PSY 3525 - Psychology of Maturity and Old Age. Credits: 3

Electives – 6 hours

Six semester hours from any Psychology Courses² except Psychology 4274 and 4275.

Footnotes:

¹ Capstone Requirement: Graduation with a major in psychology requires the completion of a capstone experience entailing four components:

1. Oral presentation of information about psychology

2. Engagement with original primary literature in psychology

3. Written communication of information about psychology

4. Critical and integrative thinking about psychology   

The capstone requirement must be met after the student has completed 90 semester hours and PSY 3805 - Research Methods and Experimental Design, with a grade of C or better.

The capstone requirement may also be met by completing individual components in other classes (e.g., PSY 4100), or by non-class activities. All activities outside of a capstone course must have the approval of the department chair.

² No more than 3 semester hours each of PSY 3900A-E or PSY 4100A-E may count toward this requirement.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses counting towards the Major.

(Major GPA based on all psychology courses taken at EIU)

Majors are required to complete the department’s exit evaluation at least 10 days prior to the closing date of the last term of graduation.