Psychology (B.A., B.S.)

Departmental Requirements (25-26 hours)

• PSYC 101 - General Psychology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• PSYC 371 - Statistics in Psychological Research (C)

•  

• PSYC 275 - Understanding Social Science Research

• Or

• PSYC 373 - Research Methods in Experimental Psychology (C)

•  

• Foundations (Choose four courses from the following, one course must be with lab) 13-14 cr hrs:

• PSYC 241 - Introduction to Social Psychology
• PSYC 301 - Sensation and Perception (C) *
• PSYC 301L - Sensation & Perception Laboratory (C)
• PSYC 302 - Principles of Learning and Memory *
• PSYC 302L - Principles of Learning and Memory Laboratory
• PSYC 321 - Human Development: Lifespan (C)
• PSYC 406 - Cognitive Psychology (C)
• PSYC 411 - Physiological Psychology (C)
• PSYC 461 - Theories of Personality (C)

• Note: Must select at least one course including a lab as designated with an *

                 

• Diversity: Choose one (3 cr.):

• PSYC 321 Human Development: Lifespan (C) 3cr
• PSYC 366 - Understanding the Sexes
• PSYC 423 - Research in Aging
• PSYC 443 - Social Psychology of Prejudice
• PSYC 446 - Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
• PSYC 456 - Introduction to Disaster Psychology
• PSYC 460 - Psychological Perspectives on Diversity

• Note: PSYC 321 may count as either a foundation or diversity but not both

PSYC Electives for non-specialization (8-9 hours)

Any non-required USD psychology course (with a PSYC prefix) will count as a PSYC elective, except for the following. PSYC 359 does not count toward the Psychology Major. 

B.A. and B.S. Distribution Requirements:

The following PSYC courses count toward the B.A. and B.S. distribution requirements:

Area of Specialization within the Psychology Major: Disaster Response

Double Major (Psychology and Sociology)

Note: Students double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology may use PSYC 241/SOC 241 Social Psychology in both majors and may use either statistics course, SOC 309 Social Science Statistics or PSYC 371 Statistics in Psychological Research, and either methods course, SOC 410 Methods of Social Research or PSYC 373 Research Methods in Experimental Psychology (NOT PSYC 275), to fulfill requirements for both majors.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan. 

• Psychology, B.A. 4-year plan guide  
• Community College for Sioux Falls Psychology, B.A. 4-year plan guide   
• Psychology, B.S. 4-year plan guide  
• Community College for Sioux Falls Psychology, B.S. 4-year plan guide   

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology. Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains. Describe applications of psychology.
2. Demonstrate competency in psychological information literacy; research methods and statistical results; critical evaluation of conclusions drawn from scientific inquiry.
3. Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. Build and enhance socio-culturally aware interpersonal relationships. Adopt values that build community at local, national and global levels
4. Psychology majors will demonstrate effective writing for different purposes; Demonstrate effective presentations skills; Interact effectively with others.
5. Apply psychological content and skills to career goals, exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation, enhance teamwork capacity and develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
6. Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments, and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.
7. Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
8. Students will be able to demonstrate cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
9. Students will design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to answer an open-ended question or achieve a desired goal.
10. Students will intentionally engage with diversity in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions leading to opportunities for equal access to participation in educational and community programs for all members of society.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization