Program Description

The BS in Psychology is designed for students that are passionate about integrating psychology and natural sciences with the goal of pursuing careers or graduate programs such as but not limited to clinical psychology, behavioral or cognitive neuroscience, and animal behavior. The BS program also prepares students for further study or employment in fields such as behavioral neurobiology, health psychology, and behavioral medicine.

The Animal Behavior track, through a biological and psychological perspective on behavior, is designed for students interested in jobs or graduate programs researching animal behavior.

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

• If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
• If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
• You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.

Psychology: Animal Behavior Track (BS)

92 Credits Minimum, Including 36 Upper Division (UD)

Suggested Course Sequence

This suggested course sequence is a potential plan for how to complete the major within four years. Please consult with your faculty advisor for guidance and regularly review your degree status check in Banner to make sure you are on track with all of your degree requirements.

First Year

• Begin or resume elementary foreign language, if competency requirement is not complete.
• Unless you are exempt, take the Math Placement Test at least three academic quarters before you intend to register for Statistics.
• Transfer students should take PSY 1200 Psychology as Vocation the first quarter they are able to register.
• Choose a B. S. track: Animal Behavior, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, or Psychological Science.
• Apply to major in Banner.
• Attend New Major Orientation upon admission to the major.

Second Year

• Create a three-year plan and meet with your faculty advisor for review.

Third Year

• Psychology majors apply to graduate after 105 credits.
• Majors must apply to graduate before registering for an Advanced Research Methods (ARM) course.

Fourth Year

• Create a final-year plan and meet with your faculty advisor for review.