Psychology | Bachelor of Science: Psychology
The Psychology Department offers flexibility by allowing students to choose either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science route. Although the core coursework is the same for both, there are some slight differences.
Whether you pursue a BA or BS, you'll also need to complete FHSU's General Education requirements (34 hours).
Students also have the flexibility to complete the BA or BS degree in Psychology online via FHSU Online. GetEducated.com recently named the online undergraduate degree a "Best Buy."
Program Summary
- We recommend the BS option for students who intend to go to graduate school.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | 34 | |
| BS Math and Science | 13 | |
| Psychology Major Requirements | 36 | |
| Open Electives 1 | 37 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Open electives are the credit hours required to reach a minimum of 120 total hours and 45 upper-level hours. The number listed assumes all courses are completed at FHSU as listed. This number may vary if students transfer courses, or have individual substitutions allowed. Students should speak with their advisor if either situation applies to determine if the number will vary, and to ensure they enroll in a minimum of 45 upper-level hours.
Students entering within 1 year of high school graduation will take UNIV 101 Freshman Seminar and may apply that hour in the open elective category.
Program Requirements
General Education
All undergraduate degrees require completion of the Kansas Systemwide General Education.
Courses identified with GE on this page may satisfy a general education requirement in addition to the identified degree requirement. Students who apply a degree requirement to satisfy a general education requirement will typically add an equal number of hours to the the university elective category. This flexibility may allow you to complete a minor or certificate within the 120 hour degree. Transfer students and students majoring in programs with approved exceptions are especially encouraged to select these courses in completing General Education requirements to maximize the likelihood of completing the degree with 120 credit hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | 34-35 | |
BS Science and Mathematics Requirement
A candidate for the BS in Psychology must complete 20 hours of course work in Natural Science and/or Mathematics. Counting the 7 hours required in the general education curriculum this means a student will need to complete 13 additional hours of Math or Sciences.
Psychology Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Major Core | ||
| PSY 100 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Psychology As a Discipline and Profession | 1 |
| PSY 201 | The Science of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 480 | Applied Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| PSY 498 | Experimental Psychology Laboratory | 4 |
| PSY 668 | Neuropsychology | 3 |
| Breadth: Choose 1 course from each area | ||
| Social Cognitive Content Area | ||
| PSY 340 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| or PSY 334 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | |
| or PSY 425 | Personality | |
| Developmental Content Area | ||
| PSY 400 | Child and Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| or PSY 415 | Adolescence | |
| or PSY 420 | Psychology of Aging | |
| Applied Mental Health Content Area | ||
| PSY 310 | Introduction to Therapeutic Skills | 3 |
| or PSY 300 | Abnormal Psychology | |
| or PSY 355 | Drugs and Behavior | |
| Psychology Emphasis | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 9 | |
| Option A: Applied Mental Health | ||
Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Therapeutic Skills | ||
| Drugs and Behavior | ||
| Forensic Psychology | ||
| Criminal Psychology | ||
| Case Management in a Mental Health Setting | ||
| Sport Psychology | ||
| Behavioral Addictions | ||
| Eating Disorders | ||
| Behavior Therapy 3 | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Option B: Social Cognitive | ||
Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Industrial Psychology | ||
| Elements of Learning | ||
| Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Evolutionary Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships | ||
| Personality | ||
| Perception | ||
| Judgement and Decision Making 3 | ||
| Current Issues in Psychology | ||
| Option Developmental Cultural | ||
Select 9 credits of the following: | ||
| Psychology of Human Sexuality | ||
| Child and Developmental Psychology | ||
| Social and Emotional Development | ||
| Adolescence | ||
| Psychology of Aging 3 | ||
| Current Issues in Psychology | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
With a grade greater than or equal to D.
- 2
With a grade greater than or equal to D.
- 3
With a grade greater than or equal to D.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All bachelor degrees require: | ||
| GPA of 2.0 on FHSU courses & 2.0 on all coursework (Higher program requirements prevail over the 2.0 when set) | ||
| A minimum of 30 hours earned from FHSU with a grade of D, C, B, or A | ||
| Successful completion of an upper division Writing and Information Literacy course (Most majors contain a course designated) | ||
| A minimum of 45 hours of recognized upper division credit | ||
| A minimum of 120 hours of recognized college credit | ||
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSY 100 | General Psychology (suggested Gen Ed) | 3 |
| MATH 101 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| COMM 100 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 101 | Psychology As a Discipline and Profession | 1 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Personal and Professional Development | 3 | |
| PSY 340 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| SGE070 - Institutionally Designated Area: Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY 201 | The Science of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 300 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area | 3 | |
| SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area | 3 | |
| SGE040 - Natural Physical Science Discipline Area | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 400 | Child and Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 310 | Introduction to Therapeutic Skills | 3 |
| SGE060 - Arts Humanities Discipline Area | 3 | |
| SGE050 - Social Behavioral Sciences Discipline Area | 3 | |
| Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY 355 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 357 | Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 480 | Applied Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| Science Requirement | 4 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY 498 | Experimental Psychology Laboratory | 4 |
| Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 668 | Neuropsychology | 3 |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.