The Psychology Program | Academic Requirements and Concentrations
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The Psychology Program:
Academic Requirements and Concentrations

In addition to meeting general degree requirements, all psychology majors must meet the following requirements:

1. PSY 1530/Introduction to Psychology
2. PSY 2320/Behavioral Statistics
3. PSY 3550/Experimental Psychology*
4. PSY 3660/Physiological Psychology
5. Five electives in psychology (at least four upper-level)
   The following do not fulfill the electives requirement: independent studies, tutorials, internships, teaching assistantships, and PSY 3850/Practicum in Child Development. BPS 3000-level courses, offered by the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education, cannot be counted as upper-level electives (but one can be counted as the lower-level elective). Students may petition their academic advisor to have one upper-level psychology elective replaced by an upper-level elective in the liberal arts and sciences that is programmatically relevant.
6. One of the following biology courses:
   BIO 1550/General Biology I
   BIO 1560/General Biology II
   BIO 1510/Human Anatomy and Physiology I
7. One course in philosophy
8. One course in anthropology or sociology
9. PSY 3890/Psychology Junior Seminar*
10. PSY 4880 and 4890/Psychology Senior Seminar I and II
11. PSY 4990/Senior Project

*Prerequisite: Advanced standing

For additional information:
Overview of typical progress through the psychology major
Detailed explanation of requirements for the psychology major

Advanced Standing and Minimum Grade Requirements
Advanced standing is a prerequisite for PSY 3550/Experimental Psychology and PSY 3890/Psychology Junior Seminar. Psychology majors achieve advanced standing when they have completed three courses—PSY 1530/Introduction to Psychology, PSY 2320/Behavioral Statistics, and one psychology elective (lower or upper level)—with the following grades:

1. a grade of C+ or higher in each course, and
2. an average grade of B- (2.7) or higher in the three courses

Once advanced standing is achieved, psychology majors must earn:

1. a grade of C or higher in all required psychology courses and electives used to fulfill requirements other than advanced standing, and
2. a grade of C- or higher in the biology course

Students who do not meet these standards are required to retake or substitute courses as needed. Students who earn less than a C in PSY 3550/Experimental Psychology or PSY 3890/Psychology Junior Seminar must petition the Psychology Board of Study for permission to retake the course.

Transfer Students
The Psychology Program is carefully structured to prepare students to carry out their senior projects, and all students must complete a four-semester sequence of required courses after achieving advanced standing. Students who plan to transfer to Purchase College from another college should familiarize themselves with the degree requirements and the requirements for advanced standing and should meet with a member of the psychology faculty as early as possible during the application process.

Concentration in Psychobiology
Students interested in this concentration must consult with their advisors regarding appropriate biology electives and additional course requirements.

Concentration in Developmental Psychology
Students interested in this concentration should contact Dr. Peggy De Cooke or Dr. Karen Singer-Freeman for information.

Updated July 25, 2008