[ Psychology ]

Major in Psychology

Elmhurst's comprehensive undergraduate program presents both the theories, research, and principles of psychology and the application and evaluation of theories.

Learning is active and personal. Classes are small: between eight and 30 students. Students engage in classroom projects and presentations that apply psychological theory to describe, explain, predict, and modify behavior. They participate in field work, pursue their own research interests, and work closely with Elmhurst's dynamic faculty.

Requirements for the Major
Nine course credits are required for a major in psychology. A grade of C or better is necessary to satisfy major or minor requirements. All students must take one 400-level lab course and one 400-level psychology course at Elmhurst College. All 400-level lab courses require that the student has already taken Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology or received permission of the instructor. To earn the bachelor of science degree, students take an additional two courses in mathematics.

Courses must be selected according to the following guidelines:
A. Required Courses
PSY 210 General Psychology
PSY 355 Statistics for Scientific Research (or MTH 345)
PSY 356 Research Methods in Psychology

B. Developmental Content Courses: one course required
PSY 315 Lifespan Development (recommended for non-majors)
PSY 317 Child Development
PSY 318 Adolescent Development
PSY 319 Adult Development and Aging

C. Content Courses at the 300/400 level: two courses required
PSY 303 Social Psychology
PSY 312 Personality Theory and Research
PSY 313 Mind, Brain and Behavior
PSY 327 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 348 Health Psychology
PSY 421 History of Psychology
PSY 424 Physiological Psychology

D. Lab Courses: one course required
PSY 411 Theories of Learning
PSY 423 Sensation and Perception
PSY 430 Cognitive Processes
PSY 435 Experimental Psychology Laboratory

E. Applied Courses: one course required
PSY 326 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PSY 328 Clinical and Counseling Psychology
PSY 422 Psychological Testing

F. Electives
Following the guidelines will result in the selection of eight courses. One additional elective course should be chosen either from categories B through E, or from among the following special purpose courses for a total of four semester hours.
PSY 249/349/449 Research Mentorship
PSY 311 Educational Psychology
PSY 329 Adult Learning and Portfolio Development
PSY 320/420 Current Applications in Psychology
PSY 436 Psychology Research Seminar (Half course)
PSY 492 Readings in Psychology (Half to one course) usually taken prior to PSY 493
PSY 493 Independent Research in Psychology (Half to two courses)

January Term courses do not usually count towards the psychology major or minor.

Additional course offerings do not count toward the major:
PSY 220/320 Psychology Studies Abroad
PSY 228 Women in America
PSY 268 Field Experience in Psychology
PSY 440 Teaching Psychology in Secondary Schools