Undergraduate Program in Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology as well as a minor in Psychology to accompany other majors.
2020-2021 Catalog/Course Description of Psychology Major and Minor
BA in Psychology
The undergraduate Psychology curriculum at CSUB balances the structure of a common set of foundational courses needed by all Psychology majors with the flexibility that allows them to pursue their own special interests within the discipline.
As part of their preparation, students participate in a supervised applied experience in psychology , a feature unique to the Psychology major at CSUB. This applied experience may involve working in a psychology-related position in the community for pay or as a volunteer, serving as a teaching assistant, or getting involved as a research assistant.
Students also gain valuable experience in the science of psychology through a carefully planned sequence of research methods courses. This sequence culminates in an advanced laboratory course in a specialized area of the student’s choosing. Many students continue to pursue their research interests outside the classroom under the guidance of faculty research mentors.
The Psychology major at CSUB prepares students for a wide array of job opportunities in human services and business settings that require strong written and oral communication skills, critical thinking, interpersonal sensitivity and confidence, data analytic abilities, and information technology skills. The major also prepares students for advanced graduate work in Psychology.
Students should develop a plan of study and consult with their academic advisors frequently to stay on track toward graduation. See Advising in Psychology
Degree Requirements for the B.A. in Psychology
PSYC 1018, Explorations in Psychology
PSYC 2018, Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research,
PSYC 2020, Psychology as a Profession
PSYC 2030, Interpersonal and Group Process Skills
PSYC 3110, Scientific Inquiry
PSYC 4900, Senior Seminar OR
PSYC 4910, Senior Thesis
Two courses from Area A and Two from Area B
Area A
PSYC 2230, Biological Psychology
PSYC 3210, Principles of Learning
PSYC 3220, Sensation and Perception
PSYC 3240, Cognitive Psychology
Area B
PSYC 2250, Lifespan Development
PSYC 3250, Child Psychology
PSYC 3260, Social Psychology
PSYC 3270, Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 3280, Personality
One lab from PSYC 4210, 4220, 4230, 4240,
4250, 4260, 4270, or 4280
Area A: PSYC 2230, 3210, 3200, 3240
Area B: PSYC 2250, 3250, 3260, 3270, 3280
Choose one of the following:
PSYC 4810, Directed Research in Brain & Behavior
PSYC 4820, Directed Research in Applied Psychology
PSYC 4860, Internship in Applied Psychology
PSYC 4870, Cooperative Education
PSYC 4880, Directed Study in the Instruction of Psychology
#1: lower division, or CR/NC course
#2: upper division or lower division
#3: upper division
#4: upper division
Note: All prerequisite, major, and minor courses must be completed within the 10 years prior to graduation. Courses that are more than 10 years old must be recertified.
