The psychology major at Suffolk may be taken under either the B.A. or B.S. degree requirements. The 10 psychology courses required for the major are of five types: (1) core requirements (three courses); (2) distribution requirements (three courses); (3) electives (two courses); (4) an applied requirement (one course); and (5) a seminar requirement (one course). The major is designed to maximize both exposure to core disciplines within the field of psychology (core and distribution requirements) and individual student choice (elective courses). Students must complete at least 16 credits (4 courses) in residence at Suffolk University.

Psychology Major Course Checksheet:

Students who were freshmen or transfers in the Fall of 2007, click here.
Any student who matriculated before the Fall of 2007, click here.

The requirements for the psychology major are described below. Note that the first digit of the course number indicates the recommended year for a student to take the course (1 = freshman; 2 = sophomore; 3 = junior; 4 = senior). Five-level courses are upper-level courses that require approval by the instructor; they are appropriate for juniors and seniors. Please note that this coding system is provided only as a guideline Students should consult with their departmental academic advisor to determine optimal course scheduling.

Core Courses

• Psych 114 General Psychology
  
• Psych 215 Behavioral Statistics
  
• Psych 216 Research Methods and Experimental Design

Psych 114, General Psychology, is a prerequisite for most Psychology courses (see individual course descriptions for prerequisite information). It is generally recommended that psychology majors take this course in the first semester of the freshman year. The two-course methods sequence Behavioral Statistics and Research Methods and Experimental Design, should be completed during the sophomore year.

Distribution Requirements

Students select three distribution courses, at least one from Group A and one from Group B. Group A courses present a range of theoretical perspectives within the field of Psychology; each includes a substantive writing component. Group B courses present current research in specific experimental domains; each includes a substantive writing component, typically a research paper. Research Methods and Experimental Design (Psych 216) is a prerequisite for each of the Group B courses.

Group A

Psych 226 Theories of Personality
Psych 233 Child Development
Psych 241 Social Psychology

Group B
Psych 311 Sensation and Perception
Psych 312 Cognitive Neuroscience
Psych 313 Physiological Psychology

Electives

Students select two 300-level elective courses from the Group C list. These courses assume a knowledge base derived from the Core and Distribution requirements; they are recommended for juniors and seniors. In these courses students examine empirical research, develop critical thinking skills, and/or prepare for work in applied settings. Each has a required substantive writing component.

Group C
Psych 314 Learning and Reinforcement
Psych 317 Psychology of Addictions
Psych 321 Introduction to Counseling Skills
Psych 324 Psychology of Identity and the Self
Psych 325 Health Psychlogy
Psych 326 Abnormal Psychology
Psych 333 Adult Development and Aging
Psych 334 Adolescent Development
Psych 336 Developmental Psychopathology
Psych 341 Sociocultural Perspectives on Behavior and Experience
Psych 345 Teambuilding and Challenges in the Workplace
Psych 347 Cyberpsychology

Applied Course Requirement

Students have two options for completing the applied course requirement. Those students who intend to complete an internship should meet with their academic advisor for approval prior to the start of the semester.

Psych 346 Community Psychology (required community service)
Psych 350 Psychology Internship (required external placement)

Seminar Requirement

The seminar requirement should be completed during the senior year. Students take either Senior Seminar or the Honors Seminar (by invitation). Prerequisites include completion of departmental Core and Distribution requirements.

• Psych 408 Senior Seminar or Psych 428 Honors Seminar

In addition to these requirements for the major, the psychology department offers several additional 100 and 200-level courses as general electives open to all students. These courses do not have General Psychology as a prerequisite and may therefore be used by non-majors to satisfy Social Science Divisional or Cultural Diversity Requirements (as noted). Minors may select these courses for their minor electives (in addition to General Psychology and one 300-level course). Majors may select these courses as free electives that enrich their program requirements.

o Psych 106 Human Sexuality
o Psych 236 Psychology of the Family
o Psych 237 Psychology of Gender
o Psych 243 Industrial-Organizational Psychology
o Psych 245 Consumer Psychology

Research Options

The Psychology Department provides numerous directed research opportunities for students. Psychology 501, Directed Research in Psychology, may be completed for up to 6 credits over two semesters. In this course, students participate in ongoing research in collaboration with a department faculty member. Students should consult the department web site or the Faculty Research Interests brochure (available in the department office) for a full description of ongoing research projects. These research tutorials may involve library research, as well as many of the hands-on elements of research such as data collection, coding, data entry, and data analysis. Each course also includes a substantive written component.