Psychology, BS (GPS)

Term One

• ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
• WSU Core - Additional Core (IW, MC) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4
• WSU CORE - Arts and Humanities Credit Hour(s): 3
• WSU CORE - Global Traditions - Western History Credit Hour(s): 3

•  

• If MPL <21, Register for DEV 0600, Foundations for Statistical Concepts (2 credits) and STT 1600, Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4
• If MPL =21, Register for STT 1600, Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

*Note DEV courses do not count toward 120 required credits.

Term Two

• STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4
• Math Requirement MTH 1280 (Can be waived if Math Placement Level score >=40). If waived, take a General Elective Credit Hour(s): 4
• ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

• or

• ENG 2110 - Research Writing and Argumentation: Education Credit Hour(s): 3

• or

• ENG 2120 - Research Writing and Argumentation: Health Sciences Credit Hour(s): 3

• or

• ENG 2130 - Research Writing and Argumentation: Sciences Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY Careers (Pick one of the Careers in Psychology courses) Credit Hour(s): 1
• WSU CORE - Global Traditions-Global Studies (IW,MC) Credit Hour(s): 3 **

Term Three

Students may take either the two course sequence PSY 3010 and PSY 3020, or students may take PSY 3030.  To take PSY 3030 the student must have performed well in prerequisites.  If you choose to take PSY 3030, do so this semester.

• PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
• PSY 3030 - Research Methods in Psychology I & II Credit Hour(s): 5
• WSU CORE - Social Science (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, Economics) Credit Hour(s): 3
• WSU CORE - Additional Core course (IW, MC) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #1 (Basic Processes) Credit Hour(s): 3

•  

• Join Psychology Club (see Undergrad Student Organizations below)

Term Four

If PSY 3030 was taken, then take a 3 credit Psychology Elective instead of PSY 3020.

• PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4
• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-4990 #1 Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #2 (Basic Processes) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #1 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #2 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Five

• WSU CORE - Natural Science #1 Credit Hour(s): 4
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #3 (Integration) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #4 (Integration) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #3 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-4990 #2 Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Six

• WSU CORE - Natural Science  #2 Credit Hour(s): 4
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #5 (Application) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-4990 #3 Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #4 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #5 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Seven

• PSY Capstone PSY 4000-Level #1 (IW) (Pick from PSY 4000, PSY 4100 - PSY 4990) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-4990 #3 Credit Hour(s): 2
• PSY 3X30 - PSY Advanced Methods (IW) (PSY 3130-PSY 3930) Credit Hour(s): 4
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level #6 (Basic, Integration, or Application) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #6 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Eight

• PSY Capstone - PSY 4000-Level #2 (IW) (Pick from PSY 4000, PSY 4100-PSY 4990) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4
• GE - General Elective #7 ( Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #8 ( Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Note(s):

• DEV 0270 - Required for MTH 1280 if Math Placement Level score is <25. DEV 0270 credits do not count toward 120 Total.
• DEV 0600 - Required for STT 1600 if Math Placement Level score is <21. DEV 0600 credits do not count toward 120 Total.

**Global Traditions (IW, MC) fulfills 3 requirements in the WSU Core: (1) Global Traditions, (2) Integrative Writing (IW), and (3) Multicultural Competence (MC)



***Admission to the BS Degree: Students must have at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA; at least a 2.25 GPA in all psychology courses with at least 2 psychology courses taken; and 20 semester hours of course work. (The 20 semester hours can include transfer credit hours.)

Program Description

Psychology involves the scientific investigation into the mental and physiological processes, as well as the social and situational factors underlying the behaviors of human and non-human animals. The knowledge obtained from these investigations contributes to new understanding and may be used to address important problems and challenges in society. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology students will learn about diverse topics in psychology and develop valuable skills applying psychological theory, communicating effectively, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting statistical information.

Concentrations in Psychology

The BS degree also offers students the opportunity to pursue 1 of 3 different concentrations in Psychology (GPA and credit hour requirements apply):

(1) Behavioral Neuroscience - Focuses on the connections between physiology, neurochemistry and psychological experiences

(2) Cognition and Perception: Focuses on human performance and effectiveness and applying those insights to product or system design and innovation

(3) Industrial Organization Psychology - Focuses on applying psychology to the workplace, examining issues related to personnel selection, productivity, etc.

Completing the BS Degree

General Electives: In order to meet the total number of credits (120), students may need additional “General Elective” credits. These credits can be based on ANY course (e.g., psychology, outside of psychology, etc.). Using this 4-year plan, this equals about 21 credits (or about 7 courses). Given this number of courses, BS students may want to consider pursuing a minor.

Pursuing a Minor: Students may pursue minors in African and African American studies, anthropology, art history, business, Chinese Studies, classical humanities, communication, criminal justice, economics, English, foreign languages, geography, history, international business, international studies, international trade, music, philosophy, political science, rehabilitation services, religion, Russian Studies, sexuality studies, sociology, urban affairs, and women’s studies. Contact the specific department for details.

Career Opportunities

How to think about your career and job opportunities with an undergraduate degree (BS) in psychology

An undergraduate education in psychology at Wright State provides a strong foundation in psychological theory, research, data management, and statistical analysis. It also provides the opportunity to develop valuable communication skills, both oral and written. With these insights and highly marketable skills, psychology majors have the flexibility to pursue jobs and careers in which these needs exist.

Where can you apply your undergraduate degree (BS) in psychology?

There are currently over 50 divisions recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), each associated with different topics areas. Consider applying what you’ll learn as a psychology major to one or more of these areas. Check out the APA website: http://www.apa.org/about/division/index.aspx for more information.

Graduate or Professional School

Some careers may require additional education beyond the undergraduate degree. Wright State offers a number of graduate programs (MA, MBA, MD, PsyD, or PhD) that may be of interest to you and your career goals. Talk with an academic advisor in the COSM Advising Office to find out if graduate or professional school can help you with your long-term career goals.

Campus Contact Information

For information, stop by the COSM Advising Office in 106 Oelman Hall or call us at 937-775-3180. 

You can also stop by the Department of Psychology office located in 355 Fawcett Hall or call 937-775-2391.

website:  HTTP://www.wright.edu/cosm/departments/psychology/undergraudate/index.html

Also check us out on facebook at: facebook.com/wsupsych

Additional Comments

Students are encouraged to join the Psychology Club, and, if they meet the eligibility criteria (Overall GPA 3.0, PSY GPA 3.0, 9 PSY hours, 45 total credits or 2nd semester sophomore status, and top 35% of class), Psi Chi - the National Honor Society in psychology. Joining these two organizations is a great way to learn more about psychology, to connect with other students, and to enrich your undergraduate experience. For more information stop by the Psychology Club or Psi Chi offices in rooms 349/351 Fawcett Hall or check out https://science-math.wright.edu/psychology/student-organizations