The curriculum in psychology provides a flexible program for the psychology major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Alternatively, students can earn a minor in psychology or take advantage of the numerous course offerings that are open to all students. The department provides a variety of experiences to give students an understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of behavior. The scientific method is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students with a major or minor in psychology are encouraged to obtain first-hand experience with both the creation of new knowledge (research) and the application of that knowledge in community and treatment settings. There are many opportunities for students to gain firsthand research experience by working with individual faculty members in a variety of laboratory, clinical, and field research settings. In addition, numerous community and treatment facilities provide settings for students to observe and participate in the application of psychological principles to the solution of individual and social problems.
In addition to providing a major field of study as part of a liberal arts and science education, the B.S. degree in psychology prepares students for graduate study in psychology. The degree also provides a strong intellectual foundation for a variety of careers in areas such as teaching, counseling, social work, human factors engineering, community planning, sales, management, personnel administration, ministry, law, politics, and various health professions, including psychiatry, nursing, medicine, optometry, public health, and physical and occupational therapy. For information on preparation for these careers, see the Psychology Department Undergraduate website, http://www.uab.edu/cas/psychology/undergraduate
Psychology is an evolving discipline, and after a period of time the material taught in a psychology course is no longer current. For this reason, the Department of Psychology reserves the right to deny credit toward its major and minors for Elementary Statistical Methods (PY 216) and upper level (300 and above) courses completed more than 12 years prior to graduation.
The Department of Psychology offers programs of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in three areas of psychology: medical clinical psychology (co-sponsored by the School of Medicine), behavioral neuroscience, and lifespan developmental psychology. Although the Master of Science (M.S.) degree is awarded as an intermediate degree in some Ph.D. programs, a terminal M.S. degree program is not offered. Individuals interested in the graduate program should contact the Department of Psychology or the UAB Graduate School.
To qualify for a B.S. degree in psychology, students must complete a minimum of 38 semester hours of courses in psychology and 6 semester hours of coursework in biology, chemistry, or physics, as listed below.
Biology (BY) 1 Chemistry (CH) 1 Physics (PH) 1BY 111 , BY 112 , CH 100 and PH 100 may not be taken to satisfy this requirement. Most biology, chemistry, and physics courses that satisfy the Blazer Core Curriculum (Thinking Broadly Scientific Inquiry) will also satisfy this requirement of the major. BY 101/102 or CH 105/106 are recommended. Students should consult with the psychology advisor about this requirement.
Completing PY 101 or PY 201 and PY 212 will also satisfy 6 hours in Core Curriculum (Thinking Broadly: Humans and Their Societies).
PY 396 Teaching Practicum in Psychology , PY 397 Community-Based Practicum in Psychology and PY 398 Research Practicum in Psychology may not be used to fulfill more than three hours of this requirement. Courses at the 400-level may be substituted for 300-level courses.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the major. A minimum of 9 semester hours required for the major in 400-level courses must be taken at UAB.
A minor is recommended but not required for this degree.
Students must take general electives to reach the 120 semester hour graduation requirement.
Students are encouraged to assist with ongoing research projects and/or obtain experience with the application of psychology in teaching or community settings. Academic credit may be earned for these experiences. Students may apply a maximum of 3 semester hours of PY 398 (research), and/or PY 396 (teaching), and/or PY 397 (community) to their major and minor requirements. Students preparing to attend graduate school in psychology are strongly encouraged to participate in the Psychology Honors Program, get involved faculty research projects, and develop a strong background in natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science.
Psychology majors may be required to complete a general psychology examination at the time they declare psychology as their major, as well as a second examination upon completion of the course requirements for a B.S. degree in psychology. Although these examinations may be required for graduation, they are intended for program assessment purposes only. Performance on these examinations will not affect students’ grade point averages, nor will they be a factor in determining whether students qualify for the baccalaureate degree.
Psychology majors have two full-time academic advisors available. Please contact CAS Advising, Heritage Hall Building, (205) 934-6135.