This degree offers a broad background in psychology to students pursuing a second major or minor in any discipline, including arts, humanities, and social sciences. With additional psychology credits totaling at least 40, but no more than 48 hours, this degree can serve as a stand-alone major with no second major or minor. In addition to the required courses listed below, students are encouraged to take advantage of laboratory research opportunities or field experiences relevant to their areas of interest.
Foundations
B.A. students in psychology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing students to global cultures and traditions.
Psychology Courses
| Core Courses: | 12 credits | |
| PSY 102 | Introductory Professional Development in Psychology | 1.5 credits |
| PSY 110 | General Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 credits |
| PSY 202 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 302 | Advanced Professional Development in Psychology | 1.5 credits |
| PSY 493 | Senior Seminar | 0 credits |
| Experimental Psychology | 3 credits | |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| PSY 245 | Physiological Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 250 | Principles and Applications of Learning | 3 credits |
| PSY 345 | Sensation and Perception | 3 credits |
| PSY 350 | Human Cognition | 3 credits |
| PSY 355 | Environmental Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 475 | Human Neuropsychology | |
| Personality/Social Psychology | 3 credits | |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| PSY 125 | Social Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 315 | Life Span Development | 3 credits |
| PSY 330 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 credits |
| PSY 332 | Psychology of Adulthood and Aging | 3 credits |
| PSY 335 | Psychology of Personality | 3 credits |
| Clinical/Applied Psychology | 3 credits | |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| PSY 235 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 260 | Psychotherapy and Counseling | 3 credits |
| PSY 270 | Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 445 | Community and Health Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 465 | Psychology and Law | 3 credits |
| PSY 470 | Testing and Measurement | 3 credits |
| Experimental Course with Laboratory | 3-4 credits | |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| PSY 245/246 | Physiological Psychology Laboratory in Physiological Psychology |
3 credits 1 credit |
| PSY 250/251 | Principles and Applications of Learning Laboratory in Principles and Applications of Learning |
3 credits 1 credit |
| PSY 345/346 | Sensation and Perception Laboratory in Sensation and Perception |
3 credits 1 credit |
| PSY 350/351 | Human Cognition Laboratory in Human Cognition |
3 credits 1 credit |
| PSY 355/356 | Environmental Psychology Laboratory in Environmental Psychology |
3 credits 1 credit |
| PSY 370 | Laboratory in Experimental Design & Analysis | 3 credits |
| PSY 475/476 | Human Neuropsychology Laboratory in Human Neuropsychology |
3 credits 1 credit |
| Capstone Experience (recommended) | 1-3 credits | |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| PSY 360 | History and Systems of Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 485 | Psychology Practicum: Field Experience | 1-3 credits |
| PSY 495 | Independent Research in Psychology | 1-3 credits |
| PSY 496 | Independent Study in Psychology | 1-3 credits |
| PSY 499 | Psychology Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Electives | 2-3 credits | |
| Total | At least 27 credits | |
Early-Entry M.A. Program
Well-qualified students may apply for early entry into the Valparaiso University M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and complete up to twelve credits of graduate coursework toward the degree during their senior year. More about the Bachelors/Masters early-entry option »
Pre-Medical Arts Program
A major in psychology is an appropriate preparation for admission into professional schools and programs in medicine, dentistry, hospital administration, medical technology, optometry, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, public health, veterinary medicine, and other allied health fields. More about Pre-Medical Arts Programs »
Learning through Experience
Psychology students have a rich variety of opportunities for hands-on learning, through laboratory research, internships and co-op placements, outreach work in the local community, and mentoring fellow students. More about Experiential Learning »