Psychology Major, B.A.

The major in psychology covers aspects of human and non-human animal behavior ranging from the firing of a single neuron to the death and dying process. Psychology can prepare students for various entry-level jobs in social services, mental health, management, or almost any area that requires a broad liberal arts education. The psychology major can also be the basis for admission to graduate or professional training in psychology, social work, business, medicine, and law, for example. The possibilities can include many other areas and can be enhanced by the selection of elective courses and participation in complementary experiences.

Opportunities exist for internships, and, in the past, students have worked with hospitalized children, with adolescents and adults in outpatient treatment facilities and community mental health agencies, as well as in a variety business settings. Previous settings include: the National Institute of Mental Health, the Johns Hopkins University Hospital, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the White House, Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center, the Maryland School for the Deaf, the Jefferson School, and the Frederick County Hotline. Students are also encouraged to participate in research with faculty.

Requirements for the Major

Psychology majors must complete 12 courses (a minimum of 38 credits) in psychology, including at least 7 (23 credits) at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 12 credits in psychology must be taken at Hood. (If a major’s psychology GPA drops to between 1.75 - 1.99, the student will be placed on provisional status and will have one semester to bring their GPA up to the minimum 2.0 needed. If a major’s psychology GPA drops below 1.75, the student will be dropped from the major, reverting to an "undeclared" major status.)

Foundation Requirements

PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	3.0
PSY 211	Elementary Statistics	3.0
PSY 312	Research Methods I	4.0
PSY 315	Research Methods II	4.0
Total Credit Hours:		14.0

PSY 101, PSY 211, and PSY 312 must be completed with a grade of C- or better to count in the major and to fulfill the prerequisite for higher-level courses.

Statistics courses completed in another discipline will fulfill the requirement but will not count toward the 38-credit minimum in psychology courses.

Students are encouraged to begin the research methods sequence as early as feasible to acquire a basis for later complementary experiences.

Major Requirements

PSY 205	Social Psychology	3.0
PSY 239	Developmental Psychology	3.0
PSY 300	Cognitive Psychology	3.0
	or
PSY 301	Human Memory	3.0
PSY 401	Theories of Personality	3.0
	or
PSY 431	Abnormal Psychology	3.0
PSY 409	Learning and Memory	3.0
	or
PSY 456	Behavior Modification	3.0
PSY 400	Neuropsychology	3.0
	or
PSY 418	Physiological Psychology	3.0
PSY 441	History of Psychology	3.0
	One additional PSY elective	3.0
Total Credit Hours:		24.0

Additional requirements and considerations:

1. All majors must take the ETS's Major Specific Test in their senior year.

2. All majors are encouraged to complete at least one experiential learning experience along with their major in psychology.  Complementary experiences include, but are not limited to:

• a research assistantship (requires faculty approval)
• an internship (requires departmental approval)
• an Honors Project (requires departmental selection)
• a foreign language proficiency or study abroad (see College catalog)
• a teaching assistantship (requires faculty selection)
• an independent study (requires faculty approval)
• a double major or minor(s) (see Undergraduate Majors and Undergraduate Minors)
• pursuit of a 4PLUS program

Students should consult with their advisor about which experiential learning experiences are best for them depending on their long-term goals and short-term plans after graduation. Students considering applying to graduate school are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor, who can advise and edit personal statements and CVs prior to their submission, at the beginning of their junior year.