The science of psychology explores the nature and causes of behavior, feelings, and thoughts, as well as effective ways to maintain psychological and social health. Modern psychology constantly changes as discoveries reveal new understandings, new research possibilities, and new applications to the human condition.
涩里番's location in an urban area provides students with opportunities to gain field experiences in mental health clinics, social-service agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, and in the business world. An internship coordinator is available to ensure a match between preparation, abilities, and interests of the student and the demands of the field experience. Research assistantships, and less formal opportunities to work with psychology faculty on research projects are available to interested and qualified students
Find out more about this program鈥檚 mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
The BA in Psychology provides you an excellent background for additional studies in areas such as counseling, teaching, medicine, nursing, and law. It also prepares you for employment in many additional areas such as business, pastoral ministry, and social service, as well as other areas of work where interpersonal understanding and skills are needed.
- A minimum 62 credits are required for this major, including 36 upper-division credits.
- A minimum 30 credits are required for the minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
- In this major, you will study the science of psychology, which explores the nature and causes of behavior, feelings, and thoughts, as well as effective ways to nurture psychological and social health.
The BS in Psychology combines behavioral and natural sciences. It is particularly relevant if you have interests in the more experimental and laboratory side of psychology.
- A minimum 88 credits are required for this major, including 50 upper-division credits.
- The BS program also prepares you for further study or employment in fields such as behavioral neurobiology, health psychology, and behavioral medicine.
Minimum requirements for admission to this minor include:
- This minor requires a minimum 30 credits, including 15 upper-division credits.
- Successfully complete PSY 1180 鈥淕eneral Psychology,鈥� earning a minimum grade of 鈥淐-鈥�.
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from all institutions, and a minimum combined GPA of 2.7 in all PSY courses.
Attainment of these minimums does not guarantee admission to the minor as the total number of admitted students is limited by capacity.
Apply to the major or minor
The Psychology Department admits students to its major on the basis of academic achievement and vocational congruence.
are reviewed and accepted during the first two weeks of Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters.
You must complete the major or minor requirements in effect when you are admitted to the major or minor.
Current SPU student鈥檚 admission to major
Your formal application and admission to a major is required prior to enrollment in PSY 2360 鈥淚ntroduction to Statistics鈥� and most upper-division PSY courses. Admission is selective and based upon prior academic performance. To meet the minimum requirements for admission to the major, you must:
- Successfully complete PSY 1180 鈥淕eneral Psychology,鈥� PSY 1200 鈥淧sychology as Vocation,鈥� and at least one other PSY course, earning a minimum grade of 鈥淐-鈥� in each course.
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from all institutions and a minimum combined GPA of 2.7 in all psychology courses.
- To apply to this major, you must demonstrate vocational congruence determined by performance in PSY 1200 and the vocational statement on the application to the major.
Attainment of these minimums does not guarantee admission to the major as the total number of admitted students is limited by capacity.
Transfer students
The Psychology program does not permit direct admission to the major. Prior to applying to the major, you must take PSY 1200 and meet the minimum requirements for admission.
Meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee for admission to the major as the total number of admitted students is limited by capacity.
Current SPU student admission to the minor
To , you must:
- Have attained at least a sophomore standing.
- Successfully complete PSY 1180 鈥淕eneral Psychology,鈥� PSY 1200 鈥淧sychology as Vocation,鈥� and at least one other PSY course, earning a minimum grade of 鈥淐-鈥� in each course.
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from all institutions and a minimum combined GPA of 2.7 in all psychology courses.
New admit orientation
Newly admitted students will be welcomed to the Psychology Department at a mandatory Orientation Luncheon.
Orientation will provide you with valuable information on the Psychology program and offer practical tips on succeeding in psychology. Upon admission to the major or minor, you will be informed of event details by email.