The Psychology curriculum provides a strong background to pursue careers in psychology, business, education, or health-related fields. The curriculum emphasizes the principles and applications of psychological knowledge, both as a natural science and as a social science. The BA in Psychology requires courses in four core areas within the discipline as well as elective psychology courses.
requirements for the Major
A BA in Psychology consists of a minimum of 30 credits in psychology plus related coursework in biological science, mathematics, and statistics. At least 18 of the 30 credits must be taken at UF, and at least 24 of the 30 credits must be at the 3000-level or above. Courses used toward the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.
The course listing below does not represent an ordered sequence. More detailed Psychology Bachelor of Arts curriculum course scheduling information is available on the department’s webpage.
Required Major Coursework
Course List Code Title Credits Introductory Level PSY 2012General Psychology3 Laboratory Course PSY 3213LLaboratory Methods in Psychology3 Psychology BA Foundation Level Core Select at least one course from each of the four foundation areas:12 Comparative Psychology Sensory Processes Physiological Psychology Developmental Psychology Principles of Behavior Analysis Cognitive Psychology Abnormal Psychology Psychology of Personality Social Psychology Additional Psychology Major Electives12 Total Major Credits30 Related Coursework STA 2023Introduction to Statistics 1 (required; prerequisite for some 4000-level psychology courses)3 Select one to achieve proficiency through precalculus:4-5 Algebra and Trigonometry (or higher course) Trigonometryand Precalculus Algebra BSC 2005Biological Sciences3 Total Related Credits10-11 Total Credits80-82
Students who wish to transfer courses in psychology toward the major must see an advisor in the department for approval.
Recommended Coursework
In addition to regularly scheduled courses, the department offers six individual work courses. Students can earn up to a maximum combined total of nine credits for IW coursework in their undergraduate careers.
Course List Code Title Credits Research PCO 4911Undergraduate Research in Psychology of Health Disparities3 PSY 4905Individual Work1-3 PSY 4911Undergraduate Research in Psychology3 PSY 4970Senior Thesis1-3 Teaching PSY 4940Introduction to Teaching in Psychology3 Community Work PSY 4949Internship in Psychology1-3
In each case, a psychology faculty member must supervise the student’s work. In cases where the student is working with (being supervised by) a faculty member or professional that is not in Department of Psychology, then a psychology faculty member must sign on as a sponsor. Students can earn up to a maximum combined total of six credits for individual work coursework in their undergraduate careers. More Info
Research
Research in Psychology means asking questions about behavior, designing and running experiments and collecting data regarding those questions, analyzing and interpreting the results, and communicating these results to colleagues. Developing research skills is encouraged, especially if students anticipate graduate school in psychology or in other professional areas.
SONA: Research Participation Requirement
One of the Psychology Department’s goals is to familiarize students with the research process in psychology. Toward meeting this goal, students enrolled in PSY 2012, CLP 2001, and any 3000-level psychology course must participate in experimental research studies (Option 1) or critically analyze scientific research articles (Option 2). This is done through a system called SONA. Specific requirements are posted in the course CANVAS and syllabus.
Advising Note
The SONA requirement is an important factor to consider when planning each semester. It’s recommended that students take no more than two psychology courses requiring research participation each semester.
