The bachelor of science degree (B.S.) in psychology requires three nonpsychology courses that are related to psychology. This part of the degree requirement is designed to provide majors with an opportunity for an introduction to disciplines and fields associated with psychology that are not currently a major focus of the department’s research or curricular programs.

The careful selection of courses outside the department can be useful in sampling and exploring varied career options, but are not a substitute for a full curriculum of specialized or background courses that produces a skilled practitioner in the field. Consult with your academic adviser or search our Web site to learn more about graduate programs that can provide you with the necessary training and credentials in your field of interest.

Ways to fulfill this requirement

While pursuing your B.S. degree in psychology, you may select three approved courses from other departments or colleges that are related to each other. Click here to see the groups of courses that have been pre-approved to fulfill the PRC requirement.

These courses have been organized into broad cluster areas that represent fields of study associated with psychology, background disciplines (e.g. natural sciences and math) or identified programs within the general field of psychology.

1) The clusters, already approved by the department's Undergraduate Committee, can help you focus your psychology-related course (PRC) selection if you are interested in one of these areas or fields. As a result, there is no need to petition if you select from among the courses listed within any particular cluster. See below for these clusters.

2) As an alternative, you may decide to select any combination of three courses from among the entire listing, or select other courses not listed to design a cluster that meets your particular need or interest. In either case, if you develop your own unique cluster, you should first consult with your academic adviser about your choices and then submit a petition to the psychology department's Undergraduate Committee (see below) for official approva,l so that your courses become identified by the college as fulfilling this requirement.

3) Finally, in most cases, minors in areas associated with psychology can be used to fulfill this requirement. Consult with an adviser about this option; do not assume that your minor will automatically fulfill the requirement.

PRC petition

If you develop your own cluster or use a minor for this requirement, you must complete a PRC petition, available in the main psychology office, 125 Nightingale. The completed petition, which must include the signature of a psychology adviser or faculty sponsor, is to be submitted to the psychology Undergraduate Committee for final approval. You will be notified shortly thereafter about the committee's decision.

Course restrictions

If a course is used to fulfill a College of Arts and Sciences core requirement, that course cannot also be used to fulfill a PRC requirement; no double counting is permitted. Some of the course clusters listed below have specialized prerequisites or require special permission from the department or college that offers the course. If you encounter any restrictions to enrollment, consult with the psychology head adviser about the problem in order to seek alternatives or options.

Continue reading about the undergraduate program:

• General Information About the Curriculum

• Psychology Major Requirements

• Psychology Dual Majors

• Psychology Minor Requirements

• Education Program for Psychology Majors

• Psychology-Related Course Requirements for B.S. Degree

• Forensic Psychology | pdf | Word |

• Premed Curriculum (will open new window)

• Experiential Education

• Academic Opportunities

• Honors Project Guidelines

• Extracurricular Opportunities

• People to Contact