Psychology Major (BS)

Chair: Michael Brown, Ph.D.
Office Location: 334 Tolentine Hall
Telephone: 610-519-4722
[Website]

About

Psychology is the basic and applied science of mind and behavior. Psychologists use the methods of both natural and social science to advance our knowledge and understanding of thought, emotion, and behavior in humans and other organisms. Psychologists also apply this knowledge to improve the conditions of individuals and society. The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers two majors in psychology, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a Psychology major and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a Psychology major.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

To declare either major students must have completed PSY 1000 or PSY 1001, or have AP credit for PSY 1000. In addition, they must have a C+ or higher in PSY 1000 or PSY 1001, or have an overall minimum GPA of 3.00.

Required Major Courses (53 credits)

Program Notes:

  • Courses taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis cannot be used to satisfy requirements for the major, except for PSY 2100: Seminar in Professional Development.
Course
Title
Credits
Psychology Foundation Courses for B.S.  +
9
Psychology Electives for B.S.  +
6
Sub-Total Credits
53-54

Core Curriculum Requirements (27 credits)

Psychology BS Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr)
  • Social Sciences (6 cr)
  • Natural Science (8 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
27

Free Elective Requirement (42 credits)

Students with a Psychology BS primary major have forty-two (42) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 53 credits
  • Core Credits: 27 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 42 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Psychology BS as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
53

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Science

Curriculum Guide

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