Psychology Major & Minor
Psychology is the science concerned with the human mind and how thoughts, impulses, and habits translate into manifest behavior. It goes beyond mental health and explores issues including emotions, productivity, development, perception, happiness, motivation, and creativity.
The psychology major at Southern Virginia offers students the opportunity to explore the “mystery” within these important areas. Because psychology is so diverse in its focus and research, it also prepares students for a wide variety of careers. It helps students develop universally useful skills such as communication, critical thinking, and a proficiency for analyzing data. So if you’re curious about why we do the things that we do and are ready for a rewarding career, consider studying psychology at Southern Virginia.
Learning Objectives
The Learning Objectives for the psychology major at Southern Virginia are aligned with the American Psychological Association’s (APA) “Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major.” Graduates of the psychology program are expected to demonstrate the following:
- Fundamental knowledge of psychological concepts and principles.
- Understanding of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including research methods.
- Familiarity with ethical standards and socially responsible behaviors.
- Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Preparation for future employment and/or further education.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Alison Caldwell-Andrews
Major Requirements (36 credit hours)
Major Core (12 credit hours):
- MAT 221 Statistics (3)
- PSY 105 General Psychology (3)
- PSY 290 Research Methods (3)
- PSY 450 History and Systems (3)
Biological Bases of Behavior (take 3, 9 credit hours):
- PSY 330 Cognitive Psychology (3)
- PSY 333 Learning and Behavior (3)
- PSY 342 Sensation and Perception (3)
- PSY 350 Behavioral Neuroscience (3)
Social Bases of Behavior (take 3, 9 credit hours):
- PSY 230 Lifespan Development (3)
- PSY 320 Social Psychology (3)
- PSY 345 Abnormal Psychology (3)
- PSY 355 Theories of Personality (3)
Major Electives (take 2 of any other 300 or 400 level course, 6 credit hours):
- PSY 310 Cultural Psychology (3)
- PSY 320 Social Psychology (3)
- PSY 323 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
- PSY 325 Psychology of Leadership (3)
- PSY 327 Psychology of Humor (3)
- PSY 330 Cognitive Psychology (3)
- PSY 333 Learning and Behavior (3)
- PSY 335 Positive Psychology (3)
- PSY 340 Performance and Sports Psychology (3)
- PSY 342 Sensation and Perception (3)
- PSY 345 Abnormal Psychology (3)
- PSY 348 Psychology of Addiction (3)
- PSY 350 Behavioral Neuroscience (3)
- PSY 355 Theories of Personality (3)
- PSY 375R Topics in Psychology (var.)
- PSY 399R Internship/Practicum (var.)
- PSY 420 Psychopharmacology
- PSY 430 Experimental Methods (3)
- PSY 440 Counseling Psychology (3)
- PSY 475R Senior Topics in Psychology (var.)
- PSY 499 Internship/Practicum (var.)
Download the Psychology Major Checklist
Minor Requirements (15 credit hours)
Minor Core (6 credit hours):
- PSY 105 General Psychology (3)
- PSY 345 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Minor Electives (9 credit hours from among the following; 3 credits at most may be 200-level):
- MAT 221 Statistics (3)
- PSY 275R Topics in Psychology var.
- PSY 310 Cultural Psychology
- PSY 320 Social Psychology (3)
- PSY 323 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
- PSY 325 Psychology of Leadership (3)
- PSY 327 Psychology of Humor (3)
- PSY 330 Cognitive Psychology (3)
- PSY 333 Psychology of Learning (3)
- PSY 335 Positive Psychology (3)
- PSY 340 Performance and Sports Psychology (3)
- PSY 342 Sensation and Perception (3)
- PSY 348 Psychology of Addiction (3)
- PSY 350 Behavioral Neuroscience (3)
- PSY 355 Theories of Personality (3)
- PSY 375R Topics in Psychology (var.)
- PSY 399R Internship/Practicum (var.)
- PSY 420 Psychopharmacology
- PSY 430 Experimental Methods (3)
- PSY 440 Counseling Psychology (3)
- PSY 475R Senior Topics in Psychology (var.)
- PSY 499 Internship/Practicum (var.)