Psychology Major

Requirements for the Major in Psychology

1. Introduction to the major. Provides a broad introduction to methods and perspectives of psycchological science: PSYC 051 PO - Psychological Approaches to the Study of People ; A score of 4 or 5 on the AP or 6 or 7 on the IB exam in psychology may be substituted for PSYC 051 PO .
2. Research design and statistical methods in psychology (two courses):
   
   1. PSYC 157 PO - Research Design and Methodology in Psychology with Lab 
   2. PSYC 158 PO - Introductory Statistics for Psychology 
3. Two laboratory courses from PSYC 143 PO - Neuropsychology with Lab ; PSYC 160 PO - Cognitive Psychology with Lab ; PSYC 162 PO - Memory and Language with Lab . With approval of advisor PSYC 133 PO  or CSCI 030 PO  can be used as a subsitute for one of the laboratory courses.
4. Culture, ethnicity and psychology requirement. One course from among the following: PSYC 084 CH - Psychology of the Chicano/a ; PSYC 150 AF - Psychology of the Black Experience ; PSYC 151 CH - The Psychology of Multicultural Education ; PSYC 153 AA - Asian American Psychology 
5. Electives. Three courses,  PSYC 176 PO - The Psychology of Health and Medicine ; PSYC 108 PO - Child Development ; or PSYC 123 PO - Language Development ; PSYC 140 PO - The Social Brain ; PSYC 131 PO - Abnormal Psychology ; PSYC 154 PO - Social Psychology ; or PSYC 156 PO - Industrial/Organizational Psychology . With the approval of the department chair, appropriate courses from other psychology departments in The Claremont Colleges may be used to meet elective requirements. The electives are intended to ensure a breadth of knowledge and prevent premature specialization.
6. Advanced Seminar. One advanced seminar from the 180 series. The advanced seminar is designed to provide depth in theory and methodology. Students are encouraged to take a seminar by the end of the junior year.
7. Senior Exercise:
   
   1. PSYC 190 PO - Senior Seminar Psychology: History, Science and Applications -An integrative course taken in the fall of senior year
   2. PSYC 191 PO - Senior Thesis 
8. Further recommendations for majors:
   
   1. develop a program of research and conduct independent or collaborative research
   2. seek out field placements and work experience in clinical and applied settings
   3. plan your schedule so that you can take advantage of study abroad opportunities
   4. take core courses as early as possible
   5. take more than three electives
   6. sample psychology courses elsewhere at The Claremont Colleges
   7. take the advanced seminar in the junior year in the planned area of the senior thesis
   8. take more than one advanced seminar
   9. take additional courses in mathematics, biology and other scientific fields. Students should consult with their advisor for the most appropriate course selection.

All courses for the major must be taken for a letter grade.