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Psychology Major, B.A.

The major in psychology covers aspects of human and 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 number of 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.

Requirements for the Major

Psychology majors must complete a minimum of 38 credits in psychology, including at least 23 credits at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 12 credits in psychology must be taken at Hood.

Foundation Requirements

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3.0
PSY 211Elementary Statistics

3.0
PSY 312Research Methods I

4.0
PSY 315Research 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.

Major Requirements

PSY 205Social Psychology

3.0
PSY 239Developmental Psychology

3.0
 
PSY 300Cognitive Psychology

3.0
or
PSY 301Human Memory

3.0
 
PSY 401Theories of Personality

3.0
or
PSY 431Abnormal Psychology

3.0
 
PSY 409Learning and Memory

3.0
or
PSY 456Behavior Modification

3.0
 
PSY 400Neuropsychology

3.0
or
PSY 418Physiological Psychology

3.0
 
PSY 441History of Psychology

3.0
One additional 3-credit 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)

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. Juniors and seniors considering applying to graduate school are strongly encouraged to meet with their adviser, who can advise and edit personal statements and CVs prior to their submission.