BA in Psychological Sciences
Degree Program Description
The study of Psychology aims to understand the mind, behavior, and mental health. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences (BA) degree is for students interested in studying human behavior in preparation for either employment after completion of the undergraduate psychology degree, or in preparation for applied psychology and other related graduate programs (e.g., counseling, social work, management). Regardless of a student’s ultimate goals, our faculty members believe that students will be best served by completing a rigorous research-oriented program of study. Therefore, students should expect their instructors to take a scientific approach to the particular psychological content of each course. Psychological Sciences majors work in diverse fields such as community and social services, human resources, management and business, health care, student affairs and services, law enforcement, education, and scientific research.
Major Program Requirements
In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated. Students are reminded to check the Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions and prerequisite information.
Major Core Requirements
- The psychology major requires 30 credit hours in psychology coursework.
- All courses that count toward the psychology major requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Grades of D+ or below or U will not be accepted. This includes STAT 1200 or its equivalent (a required course for all psychology majors).
- Students must complete STAT 1200 and PSYCH 3010 as a prerequisite for PSYCH 3020. PSYCH 3020 is a prerequisite for the capstone lab. PSYCH 3020 may be taken concurrently with PSYCH 4976HW or PSYCH 4976W. PSYCH 3020 must be completed before PSYCH 4977HW or PSYCH 4977W. We make no other exceptions to the research methods sequence requirements.
- Students must complete at least two psychology courses (6 credit hours) numbered 4000 or above. The Psychology capstone lab may be used to meet this requirement.
- Students must complete at least one psychology course numbered 3000 or above that is designated Writing Intensive. A WI psychology capstone lab can meet this requirement.
- Students may use no more than 12 hours of Special Problems Courses, Special Readings Courses, or Internship Courses (PSYCH 2950, PSYCH 4940, PSYCH 4950 & PSYCH 4960) toward graduation. Within the 12 hours, no more than 9 hours may be Special Problems Courses. (i.e., psychology research credit hours). A student may complete either 6 hours of PSYCH 2950 and 3 hours of PSYCH 4950, or they may complete 3 hours of PSYCH 2950 and 6 hours of PSYCH 4950.
- Psych majors may have up to a total of 6 hours of PSYCH 4940. Internships are not required for the psychology major.
| Required Courses | ||
| PSYCH 1000 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 1000H | General Psychology - Honors | |
| STAT 1200 | Introductory Statistical Reasoning | 3 |
| or STAT 1300 | Elementary Statistics | |
| or STAT 1300H | Elementary Statistics - Honors | |
| or STAT 1400 | Elementary Statistics for Life Sciences | |
| or STAT 2500 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics I | |
| Research Methods Sequence | ||
| PSYCH 3010 | Research Methods in Psychology I | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3010H | Research Methods in Psychology I- Honors | |
| PSYCH 3020 | Research Methods in Psychology II | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3020H | Research Methods in Psychology II - Honors | |
| Capstone course (psychology lab course) | 3-6 | |
| PSYCH 4010W | Topics in Psychology Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4971W | Developmental Psychology Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4972W | Animal Learning Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4973W | Human Cognition Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4974W | Psychology of Art Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4975W | Social/Personality Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4977W | Independent Research Capstone II - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4977HW | Honors Research Capstone II - Honors/Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4978W | Clinical Psychology Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4980W | Human Relationships Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4987W | Cross-Cultural Psychology Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4988W | Medical Decision Making Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
| PSYCH 4991W | The Science of Mindfulness Capstone - Writing Intensive | 3 |
Distribution Areas
Psychology majors are required to complete 12 hours in distribution courses, 6 hours in each of 2 distribution areas. This ensures students will have exposure to a wide range of psychological theory and research. In addition, students choose two required additional Psychology courses (6 credit hours) to receive further education according to their interests. Although the distribution areas are presented below as distinct areas of study, a great deal of overlap exists among them. Students should understand the ways in which the various areas complement one another and gain the ability to integrate information learned in different areas.
Clinical/Social/Developmental Distribution
This distribution area studies the nature and causes of individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behavior in social situations. It analyzes the cultural and biological influences on age-related changes in cognition, emotion, and social behavior that take place throughout an individual’s lifespan. It focuses on scientific study of the causes of mental disorders as well as methods for assessing and alleviating mental health problems. It also is concerned with the study of mental health and wellness, including strategies for preventing the development of mental disorders. Courses in this distribution area include:
| PSYCH 2310 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 2311 | The Art and Science of Living | 3 |
| PSYCH 2320 | Introduction to Personality | 3 |
| PSYCH 2410 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 2410H | Developmental Psychology - Honors | |
| PSYCH 2411 | Stories and Selves | 3 |
| PSYCH 2510 | Survey of Psychopathology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 2510H | Survey of Psychopathology - Honors | |
| PSYCH 2511 | Military and Veterans Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 2520 | Introduction to Addiction Science | 3 |
| PSYCH 2810 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSYCH 2830 | Human-Companion Animal Interaction | 3 |
| PSYCH 3232 | Psychology of Trauma | 3 |
| PSYCH 3280 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| PSYCH 3310 | Intergroup Relations | 3 |
| PSYCH 3350 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 3351 | Positive Motivation | 3 |
| PSYCH 3370 | The Science of Mindfulness | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3370W | The Science of Mindfulness - Writing Intensive | |
| PSYCH 3420 | Cognitive Development in Childhood | 3 |
| PSYCH 3430 | Social Development in Childhood | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3430H | Social Development in Childhood - Honors | |
| PSYCH 3451 | Psychology of Gender | 3 |
| PSYCH 3510 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3510W | Introduction to Clinical Psychology - Writing Intensive | |
| PSYCH 3511 | Emotion Regulation and the Brain | 3 |
| PSYCH 3815 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 3830 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 3840 | Individual Differences | 3 |
| PSYCH 3880 | African American Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 4376 | Mental Health and Aging | 3 |
| PSYCH 4440 | Sex Differences | 3 |
| PSYCH 4441 | Psychology of Youths' Close Relationships | 3 |
| PSYCH 4530 | Research in Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSYCH 4540 | Emotional Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence | 3 |
| PSYCH 4560 | Schizophrenia | 3 |
| PSYCH 4561 | Psychosis and the Brain | 3 |
| PSYCH 4563 | Behavioral and Technology Addictions | 3 |
| PSYCH 4564 | Psychobiology of Sex and Gender | 3 |
| PSYCH 4570 | Pediatric Neuropsychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 4580 | Externalizing Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| PSYCH 4830 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
Note: Due to the overlap in course content, a student may receive credit for only one of the following three courses: PSYCH 2410 or PSYCH 2410H.
Note: Due to overlap in content, a student may not receive credit for both PSYCH 3350 AND ESC_PS 4200.
Cognitive/Neuroscience Distribution
This distribution area studies the mechanisms of the mind and how they are altered by experience. It also examines the biological basis of the behavior of humans and animals. Courses in this distribution area include:
| PSYCH 2017 | World of Neuroscience | 1 |
| PSYCH 2110 | Learning, Memory, and Cognition | 3 |
| PSYCH 2210 | Mind, Brain, and Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 2220 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 2810 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSYCH 2820 | Minds, Brains, and Machines | 3 |
| PSYCH 3110 | Theories of Learning | 3 |
| PSYCH 3130 | Decisions, Values and Choice | 3 |
| or PSYCH 3130H | Decisions, Values and Choice - Honors | |
| PSYCH 3140 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 3150 | Human Memory | 3 |
| PSYCH 3160 | Perception and Thought | 3 |
| PSYCH 3420 | Cognitive Development in Childhood | 3 |
| PSYCH 3511 | Emotion Regulation and the Brain | 3 |
| PSYCH 3830 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 3890 | Music and the Mind | 3 |
| PSYCH 4110 | Perception | 3 |
| PSYCH 4210 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 4240 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYCH 4376 | Mental Health and Aging | 3 |
| PSYCH 4564 | Psychobiology of Sex and Gender | 3 |
| PSYCH 4570 | Pediatric Neuropsychology | 3 |
Note: A student may not receive credit for PSYCH 2210 if it is completed after PSYCH 4210.
Psychology Electives (2000-level) 6 credit hours
Students must complete 6 credit hours of psychology elective courses numbered 2000 or above. Up to 3 credit hours may include special problems (e.g., PSYCH 2950 or PSYCH 4950), readings (e.g., PSYCH 4960) or internship (e.g.,PSYCH 4940). Capstone Labs may not be counted in this area.
Semester Plan
Below is a sample plan of study, semester by semester. A student's actual plan may vary based on course choices where options are available. Psychology majors are required to earn a C- or higher (no D+ or below) in all Psychology courses and STAT 1200.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSYCH 1000 | 3 | Psych Cognitive/Neuroscience Distribution Area | 3 |
| Behavioral Science, Arts and Science Diversity Requirement | 3 | Humanities from Arts and Science, 2000+ level | 3 |
| ENGLSH 1000 | 3 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 1000+ level | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| Missouri State Law Requirement: Social Science from Arts and Science | 3 | STAT 1200 (Math and Quantitative Reasoning) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Clinical/Social/Developmental Distribution Area | 3 | PSYCH 3010 | 3 |
| Biological or Physical Science Lab | 3 | Biological, Physical, or Mathematical Science | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement | 4 | Second Language Requirement | 4 |
| Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 1000+ level | 3 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 1000+ level | 3 |
| Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 1000+ level | 2 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSYCH 3020 | 3 | Psych Cognitive/Neuroscience Distribution Area | 3 |
| Psych Clinical/Social/Developmental Distribution Area | 3 | Psych Elective, 2000+ level | 3 |
| Biological, Physical, or Mathematical Science | 3 | First Writing Intensive | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement | 4 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 |
| Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 1000+ level | 1 | Social Science, 2000+ level | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Capstone, 4000+ level, Writing Intensive | 3 | Psych Elective, 4000+ level | 3 |
| Behavioral Science, 2000+ level | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 |
| Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 |
| Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 | Second major, minor, certificate, or elective, 3000+ level | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
Degree Audit
The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree.
MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.
Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.
Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.
For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.
Major and Career Exploration
The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.
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If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.
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If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major.
- If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.
- If you would like information about MU majors and degree programs, visit:
- the Degrees, Majors (Degree Programs), Emphasis Areas, Minors and Certificates page in the catalog,
- the MU Majors website.
For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.