Psychology Major/Minor/Suggested Timeline

Major (42 credits)

The major in psychology encourages students to explore a wide range of perspectives from the discipline in order to select areas for in-depth study. The department has identified a selection of different perspectives that are included in the introductory psychology course required of all majors. Students will also sample from clusters of courses with related perspectives.

Required courses for the Major in Psychology include:

• PSY 114. Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
• PSY 111 and 112.  Introduction to Psychology and Lab
• PSY 200. Statistical Methods in Psychology (4 credits)

One course in methodology: (Students are strongly encouraged to take both methods courses)

• PSY 252. Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology (4 credits)
• PSY 255. Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology (4 credits)

Three 300-level courses, at least two of which must be seminars (9 credits) (Ordinarily students will complete a methods course prior to enrolling in a seminar.)

• These 300-level courses, as well as PSY 200 and PSy 252 or 255, must be taken at Goucher and not in study abroad programs.

Cluster courses: Four courses selected from the following clusters as indicated:
Natural Science - 2 courses

• PSY 202. Human Learning and Memory (3 credits)
• PSY 233. Sensation and Perception (3 credits)
• PSY 235. Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 237. Physiological Psychology (3 credits)

Social Sciences - 1 course

• PSY 203. Human Motivation (3 credits)
• PSY 228. Positive Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 230. Social Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 244. Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

Relational/Humanistic - 1 course

• PSY 212. Existential, Humanistic, and Eastern Approaches to Personality (3 credits)
• PSY 215. Toward a New Psychology of Women (3 credits)
• PSY 226. Topics in Relational Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 283. Peace Within/Peace Without: Human Societal, Global Possibilities (3 credits)

Three Elective courses:

• Additional courses from the clusters or seminars may serve as electives, as well as any other courses in psychology. Students will select additional course work and experiences that support their individual development goals in collaboration with their advisors. Students are encouraged to both broaden and deepen their study by taking advantage of opportunities for independent study and research, internships, study abroad, inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional course work, and senior level capstone experiences, such as seminars and theses.

Minor (21 credits)

Students are encouraged to develop minors in psychology that complement their majors.

Required Courses for the Minor in Psychology include:

• PSY 111 or 114 and at least 18 additional credits, including one 300-level seminar.

Suggested Timeline

• This is a recommended sequence of courses.  However, it is possible to start the psychology major later (e.g., in the sophomore year) and still graduate in 4 years.
• It is recommended that the introductory lab and lecture be taken simultaneously.  If not, the lab should be completed as early as possible after the lecture.
• Statistical methods (Psy 200) is required for research methods (PSY 252 and 255).
• One of the research methods classes (PSY 252 or 255) and the appropriate 200-level courses are required before taking a 300-level course.
• For course names and descriptions, please see Course Descriptions.
• Please follow the prerequisites listed above for the individual course.