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Psychology
ODU's Psychology program focuses on the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Degrees offered:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Minor in Psychology
Students explore psychological, biological and environmental influences on behavior as these relate to human development, motivation, thinking and memory, learning, personality, social relationships, psychological disorders and counseling.

Lab experiences allow students to acquire a deeper understanding of psychological principles and research methods. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain experience in applied and research settings.

Psychology graduates work in a variety of areas related to mental health and social services. Businesses employ psychology graduates in human resources, marketing, public relations and sales positions.

Psychology majors may also choose to continue their studies in graduate school.
  • Sample 4-Year Plan for Psychology Majors
    The course plan below is a sample plan for your major; it does not and should not replace meeting with your Academic Advisor to map out the best course plan that suits your individual academic goals and placement upon initial registration.

    Classes listed may not necessarily be offered during a particular term. 

    Year 1
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    ENG 110 ENG 111
    CORE 179 BIO 105 or 107
    MTH 140
    		 SOC
    PSY 100 PHL
    HST Required Elective (1)
    Year 2
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    CORE 279 PSY 332
    PSY 232 Foreign Language 111
    Foreign Language 110
    		 THL
    Art/Music/Theatre
    		 Required Elective (2)
    Elective Elective
    Year 3
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    CORE 379 THL
    PSY 350 Required Elective (4)
    PHL Social/Behavioral Science
    Required Elective (3) Elective
    Elective Elective
    Year 4
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    LIT PSY 479
    Required Elective (5)  Elective
    Elective
    		 Elective
    Elective
    		 Elective
    Elective
    		 Elective
    Required Elective (1) – Choose one of the following courses:
    • PSY 220, PSY 221, or PSY 222
    Required Elective (2) – Choose one of the following courses not taken:
    • PSY 212, PSY 220, PSY 221, PSY 222, PSY 255, PSY 379A
    Required Elective (3) – Choose one of the following courses:
    • PSY 237, PSY 352, PSY 354, PSY 451
    Required Elective (4) – Choose one of the following courses not taken:
    • PSY 234, PSY 236, PSY 335, PSY348E, PSY 433, PSY 434
    Required Elective (5) – Choose one of the following courses not taken:
    • PSY 433 or PSY 434
    Faculty Advisors should help students pick Emphasis Electives and Minors based on career path. Other electives should be towards minor or graduate school prerequisites (meet with Advisor) and all students need 120 credits (15 credits per semester) to graduate in 4 years.

Course Requirements

  • B.A. in Psychology
    Students must complete the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in addition to the major requirements listed below.
    Psychology Core Courses Credits
    PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3*
    PSY 232 Research Methods & Statistics I 3*
    PSY 332 Research Methods & Statistics II 3*
    PSY 350 Psychology of Personality 3*
    PSY 479 CORE: Current Issues in Psychology 3*
    Human Development Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following:   
    PSY 220 Human Development: Childhood & Adolescence 3*
    PSY 221 Human Development: Adolescence 3*
    PSY 222 Human Development: Adulthood & Aging 3*
    Learning Cognition Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following:   
    PSY 433 Learning & Motivation 3*
    PSY 434 Cognitive Processes 3*
    Area Studies

    Social & Developmental Psychology Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following not selected above:
    		  
    PSY 212 Social Psychology 3*
    PSY 220 Human Development: Childhood & Adolescence 3*
    PSY 221 Human Development: Adolescence 3*
    PSY 222 Human Development: Adulthood & Aging 3*
    PSY 255 Human Sexuality 3*
    PSY 379A CORE: Psychology of Women 3*
    Clinical/Counseling & Applied Psychology Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following:   
    PSY 237 Applied Cognitive Psychology 3*
    PSY 352 Psychological Testing 3*
    PSY 354 Psychopathology 3*
    PSY 451 Counseling Theory & Process 3*
    Natural Science Psychology Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following not selected above:   
    PSY 234 Animal Behavior 3*
    PSY 236 Biopsychology 3*
    PSY 335 Health Psychology 3*
    PSY 348B History & Systems in Psychology 3*
    PSY 433 Learning & Motivation 3*
    PSY 434 Cognitive Processes 3*
    Required Correlatives

    Courses Credits
    Select one course from the following:  
    BIO 105 Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology 3
    BIO 107 Principles of Biology 4
    MTH 140 Introduction to Statistics 3
    Any course from the Sociology offerings 3-4
    Total Credits Required 39-40
    * Used to calculate the Major GPA
  • Minor in Psychology
    Courses Credits
    PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3
    PSY Electives (15 credits) 15
    Total Credits Required 18