All new psychology students are admitted into the BA in Psychology degree program. The BS is still available, but students must meet with an advisor to discuss the merits of this degree plan before switching to this degree program.
The BS degree is a regimented degree plan for students who wish to develop a focused set of skills in research focused scientific and methodological training. The BS degree program, offered by the Department of Psychology , has more course requirements than the BA (i.e., fewer electives). Students should seek early and frequent advice from departmental advisors.
A carefully prepared multi-year program of study will ensure an appropriate sequencing of required courses (e.g., BIOL 21 or BIOL 65 is a prerequisite for PSYC 30 , STAT 95 is a prerequisite for PSYC 100W , PSYC 100W is a prerequisite for PSYC 120 , PSYC 120 is a prerequisite for PSYC 121A -PSYC 121E , and PSYC 120 is also a pre- or co-prerequisite for PSYC 190 /PSYC 195 ). Use the advisor’s expertise for GE, SJSU Studies, and American Institutions course selection and to ensure a strong foundation for future coursework. Seeking advising is especially important for those in the honors program or those planning to go on to research-oriented graduate programs in psychology. The two and four-year planners give additional guidance in designing a particular program of study including suggestions about the order in which to take classes even if they are not governed by official prerequisite requirements. All these materials as well as the requirements for Departmental Honors (BA or BS Psychology) are available from www.sjsu.edu/psych or the department office.
There are no minimum grade requirements for coursework in the major other than a C- or better for the lower division statistics requirement and an overall 2.0 average across the courses in the major (i.e., a D- can “count” towards meeting psychology requirements even if it does not count towards General Education requirements).
Summary of Degree Units
| University Graduation Requirements |
35 |
| Major Preparation |
12-18 |
| Major Requirements |
55 |
| University Electives |
12-18 |
| Total |
120 |
University Requirements for Graduation
Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements section of the Policies and Procedures .
Program Roadmaps
The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.
General Education/American Institution Requirements
Courses that meet General Education/American Institution requirements are noted with area designation for required area. For legend please see General Education Attributes .
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