Psychology, BS (GPS)

Term One

• ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4
• WSU CORE - Natural Science # 1 Credit Hour(s): 4
• WSU CORE - Global Traditions - Western History Credit Hour(s): 3

•  

• MATH PLACEMENT - If ACT Math Score <27, and SAT Math score < 620, students must take Math Placement Test (MPT).

Term Two

Term Three

• STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4
• WSU CORE - Additional Core courses (IW, MC) Credit Hour(s): 3
• WSU CORE - Additional Core course Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Basic Processes #1) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Basic Processes #2) Credit Hour(s): 3

•  

• Join Psychology Club (see Undergrad Student Organizations below)

Term Four

• MTH 1280 - College Algebra 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 may be taken

•  

• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-2990 #1 Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Integration of Basic Processes #1) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #1 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Five

• PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4 (IW)
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Integration of Basic Processes #2) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Application of Basic Processes) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #2 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #3 (Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3

Term Six

• PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4 (IW)
• PSY CORE - PSY 3000-Level (Pick a course from Basic, Integration, or Application of Basic Processes) Credit Hour(s): 3
• PSY Elective - PSY 2000-3910 #2 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): 2

Term Seven

Term Eight

• PSY Capstone - PSY 4000-Level #2 (IW) Credit Hour(s): 3

•  

• PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4 or
• CS 1160 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credit Hour(s): 4

•  

• GE - General Elective #6 ( Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 3
• GE - General Elective #7 ( Pick a course from ANY subject) Credit Hour(s): 2
• GE - General Elective(s) If MTH 1260  was not taken, complete 4 credits *

Note(s):

*MPT score < 3 requires the completion of a Developmental Math Course (DEV 0950 ), MPT scores = 3 requires MTH 1260 (a prerequisite for STT 1600 ), MPT scores >= 4 exempts from MTH 1260 , MPT score >=5 or College Level Examination Program Math (CLEP) scores of 60 or greater will exempt students from having to take College Algebra (MTH 1280 ) prior to STT 160, but will require 4 additional General Elective credits.
**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 Psychology Undergraduate Program (PUP) 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 PUP Office in 342 Fawcett Hall or call us at 937-775-4155. You can also email us at: psychadv@psych.wright.edu or check out our website: http://www.wright.edu/cosm/departments/psychology/undergraduate/index.html. Also check us out on facebook at: facebook.com/wsupsych.

For additional career information, please visit Wright State University Career Services: http://www.wright.edu/careerservices

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 http://www.wright.edu/cosm/departments/psychology/undergraduate/studentclubs.html