Catalog Year: 2022-2023
Banner Code: LA-BS-PSYC
Students study behavior as it relates to health and well-being, child and adolescent development, education, social situations, the workplace, and the use of technology. Due to Mason’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. the department is especially active in research that informs public policy and national defense. Students who graduate from this program go on to work in a wide range of fields and positions, including human resources, data analysis, user interface design, and social media and marketing.
The BS in Psychology focuses on math and science within the psychology field.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Highly-qualified students may apply to graduate with honors in the major. To be eligible for admission, psychology majors must have completed at least 50 credits and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum GPA of 3.40 in psychology courses.
If accepted, students must take a sequence of three courses, which culminates in the successful completion and presentation of an independent honors thesis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 490 | Psychology Honors I | 3 |
| PSYC 491 | Psychology Honors II | 3 |
| PSYC 492 | RS: Psychology Honors III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
To graduate with honors, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in their honors courses and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum GPA of 3.40 in psychology courses.
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Students may choose to complete a concentration in clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, human factors and applied cognition, or work and organizational psychology. Courses required for a concentration may simultaneously satisfy other degree requirements. The concentrations in forensic psychology, human factors and applied cognition, and work and organizational psychology meet the applied psychology requirement.
Students who have limited technology skills are encouraged to take IT 104 Introduction to Computing (Mason Core).
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in these courses with a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in each one. Courses taken to fulfill these requirements may simultaneously satisfy a concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course | ||
| PSYC 100 | Basic Concepts in Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Foundational Courses | ||
| PSYC 231 | Social Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 317 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| Select one option from the following: | 3-6 | |
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Option 1:
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| Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
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Option 2:
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Select two from the following:
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| Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Psychological Factors in Aging | ||
| Research Methods Courses 1 | ||
| PSYC 300 | Statistics in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 301 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| Psychology Lab Course | ||
| Select one course from the following: 2 | 1-4 | |
| Principles of Learning | ||
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing | ||
| Psychological Tests and Measurements | ||
| Biopsychology Laboratory | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Select one from the following: 3 | 3-6 | |
| Biopsychology | ||
| Brain and Sensory Processes and Brain and Behavior |
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| Professional Development | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Psychology: College to Career | ||
| Psychology in the Community | ||
| Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Clinical Practicum in Psychology 4 | ||
| Psychology Honors II | ||
| RS: Psychology Honors III | ||
| Special Topics (with Undergraduate Associate Chair approval) | ||
| Total Credits | 27-36 | |
| 1 |
Students are strongly encouraged to complete PSYC 300 Statistics in Psychology and PSYC 301 Research Methods in Psychology by their junior year. PSYC 300 Statistics in Psychology is a prerequisite to several courses, and a background in research methods facilitates understanding empirical research discussed in all psychology courses. |
| 2 |
The course chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be the same course used to fulfill the technical writing requirement below. PSYC 320 may count for both the Psychology Lab and the Applied Psychology requirements. |
| 3 |
Students who have a strong interest in biopsychology or cognitive neuroscience are encouraged to take PSYC 375 Brain and Sensory Processes/PSYC 376 Brain and Behavior rather than PSYC 372 Biopsychology. Only students who receive transfer credit for PSYC 372 Biopsychology may use it in place of PSYC 375 Brain and Sensory Processes as the prerequisite for PSYC 376 Brain and Behavior. Students taking PSYC 372 Biopsychology at Mason may not use it in place of PSYC 375 Brain and Sensory Processes. |
| 4 |
PSYC 427 Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) and PSYC 430 Clinical Practicum in Psychology may count for both the Professional Development and the Applied Psychology requirements. |
Alternatively, students may earn a concentration in forensic psychology, human factors and applied cognition, or work and organizational psychology to satisfy this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students pursuing the BS without concentration complete two courses from the following with a minimum grade of C- in each: | 6-7 | |
| Psychological Tests and Measurements 1 | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Industrial and Organizational Psychology | ||
| Human Factors Psychology | ||
| Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Mental Illness and Criminal Justice | ||
| Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Clinical Practicum in Psychology 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
| 1 |
PSYC 320 Psychological Tests and Measurements may count for both the Applied Psychology and the Psychology Lab requirements or for both the Applied Psychology and the Technical Writing requirements. |
| 2 |
PSYC 427 Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) and PSYC 430 Clinical Practicum in Psychology may count for both the Applied Psychology and the Professional Development requirements. |
Students pursuing the BS with concentration in forensic psychology take 15 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on forensic psychology may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 100 | Basic Concepts in Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 380 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 381 | Mental Illness and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Psychology of Crime Victims | ||
| Forensic Psychology: Science and Pseudoscience | ||
| Criminal Behavior: Psychological and Neurological Aspects | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Psychology 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 1 |
Requires Undergraduate Associate Chair approval. |
Students pursuing the BS with concentration in human factors and applied cognition take 12-13 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on human factors or applied cognition may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 317 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Human Factors Psychology | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing | ||
| Industrial and Organizational Psychology | ||
| Biopsychology | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology 1 | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
| Cognitive Engineering: Cognitive Science Applied to Human Factors 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 12-13 | |
| 1 |
Must be taken with a human factors and applied cognition faculty member. |
| 2 |
Note course prerequisite of PSYC 317 Cognitive Psychology. |
| 3 |
Only with Undergraduate Associate Chair approval. |
Students pursuing the BS with concentration take 12-13 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on I/O psychology may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute the honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Psychology Course | ||
| PSYC 333 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 9-10 | |
| Psychological Tests and Measurements | ||
| Psychology of Creativity and Innovation | ||
| Personnel Training and Development: A Psychological Perspective | ||
| The Psychology of Working in Groups and Teams | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Total Credits | 12-13 | |
| 1 |
Only when topic is Occupational Health Psychology or Work and Family with prior written approval. |
Students pursuing the BS with this concentration take 12 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on clinical psychology may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 321 | Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 325 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Select at least two psychology electives from the following | 6 | |
| Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Social Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Behavior Modification | ||
| Personality Theory | ||
| Therapeutic Communication Skills | ||
| Behavior Disorders of Childhood | ||
| Science of Well Being | ||
| Group Psychotherapy Techniques | ||
| Clinical Practicum in Psychology | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Pioneering Ideas in Psychology | ||
| 1 |
Only when topic is related to clinical psychology approved by the psychology department. |
This concentration focuses on laboratory experience in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and more in-depth courses of interest that will broaden the students' knowledge in understanding brain and behavior.
Students pursuing the BS with this concentration take 15 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on cognitive and behavioral neuroscience may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| PSYC 373 | Biopsychology Laboratory | 2 |
| PSYC 304 | Principles of Learning | 4 |
| Select a minimum of 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology 1 | ||
| Biological Bases of Alzheimer's Disease | ||
| Current Topics in Brain and Behavior 2 | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 1 |
With permission of a CBN faculty member. |
| 2 |
With approval of the undergraduate associate chair when the topic is Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory, Drugs and the Brain, or Brain in Books and Film. |
| 3 |
With approval of the undergraduate associate chair when the topic is Music and the Brain, Neuronal Aspects of Cognitive Development, Animal Cognition, or Psychology of Stress and Health. |
The concentration in developmental psychology may be of interest to students who are planning to attend graduate school in developmental psychology or a related field, such as human development and family studies, school psychology, or clinical child psychology. Students who are considering a career in school psychology or education may also find this concentration advantageous.
Students pursuing the BS with this concentration take 12 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on developmental psychology may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 211 | Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 313 | Child Development | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Behavior Disorders of Childhood | ||
| Psychological Factors in Aging | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology 1 | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| 1 |
Only when content is developmental, with prior written approval. |
Students pursuing the BS with concentration in educational psychology take 13 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on educational psychology may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 312 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 320 | Psychological Tests and Measurements | 4 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Principles of Learning | ||
| Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Behavior Modification | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology 1 | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
| 1 |
Educational content only, with department approval. |
Students pursuing the BS with concentration in health psychology take 12 credits. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
Students who successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III) with an honors thesis/project focused on health or well-being may, with approval of their thesis committees and the associate chair for undergraduate studies, substitute their honors work for one course in the concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 417 | Science of Well Being | 3 |
| Select three from the following: | 9 | |
| Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Clinical Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychological Fitness | ||
| Special Topics 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| 1 |
Only when topic is related to health and well-being and approved by the psychology department. |
Students complete the 39 required credits with electives in psychology (PSYC) with the following restrictions.
PSYC 465 Pioneering Ideas in Psychology is strongly recommended for all students who plan to attend graduate school in psychology.
If an approved psychology course is used to meet the technical writing requirement, it may also be applied as a psychology elective.
These courses broaden the requirements to include humanities and strengthen the science, quantitative and writing components of the degree. Students who successfully complete the Honors College curriculum are required to complete only the quantitative reasoning and natural science support requirements described below. All other supporting requirements are considered met by successful completion of the Honors College curriculum.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Writing | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Professional and Technical Writing | ||
| Principles of Learning | ||
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing | ||
| Psychological Tests and Measurements | ||
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Successful completion of the psychology honors program: 2
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| Natural Science | ||
| Choose one of the following sequences: | 8 | |
| Introductory Biology I-Survey of Biodiversity and Ecology (Mason Core) and Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (Mason Core) and Introductory Biology II Laboratory (Mason Core) |
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| Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (Mason Core) and Cell Structure and Function |
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| Two elective courses in the natural sciences. 3 | 6-8 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6-8 | |
| Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Calculus with Business Applications (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Probability (Mason Core) | ||
| Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Honors) (Mason Core) | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
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STAT 105T
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Intro Statistics - Transfer (Mason Core) | |
| Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| PHIL | ||
| RELI | ||
| ARTH | ||
| AVT | ||
| MUSI | ||
| DANC | ||
| THR | ||
| Social and Behavioral Science | ||
| Select two courses from the following: 4 | 6 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Any non-psychology course that has been approved to meet the Mason Core requirement in social and behavioral science | ||
| One Additional Course in Humanities or Social and Behavioral Science 5 | 3 | |
| 1 |
The psychology classes in this list may also be applied as a psychology elective. PSYC 320 may count for both the Technical Writing and the Applied Psychology requirements. |
| 2 |
PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III |
| 3 |
Students fill the additional science requirement with any two courses in the natural sciences including any EVPP, NEUR, ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, and PHYS courses, and any course from the list of approved Mason Core science courses. |
| 4 |
Courses in psychology may not be used to fulfill this requirement. |
| 5 |
Select an additional course from the lists under the requirements in humanities and social sciences above (and with the same restrictions). |
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in psychology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing PSYC 301 Research Methods in Psychology, PSYC 304 Principles of Learning, or PSYC 309 Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing. Students who receive transfer credit for a research methods course must take PSYC 304 Principles of Learning, or PSYC 309 Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing unless the transfer course has been approved as writing intensive.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Western Civilization/World History | 3 | |
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communications (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
| Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
| Synthesis/Capstone 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
| 1 |
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core. |
| 2 |
Minimum 3 credits required. |