Introduction

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Using studies of humans and animals, psychologists seek to explain the behaviors and mental life of individuals in addition to developing methods for promoting their psychological well-being.

The undergraduate psychology curriculum explores such topics as how brain function determines behavior; how we see, hear and learn; what constitutes abnormal personality; how people develop emotionally and cognitively; and how individuals work in groups. Through laboratory practice and experimentation, individual research projects and small-group seminars, the program encourages critical evaluation of psychology’s accomplishments and its future.

Non Freshmen and Transfer students are offered the option of a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. The BA degree is intended for students who wish to pursue a broad liberal arts education that explores the humanities, the social sciences and, to a lesser extent, the natural sciences. It has a language requirement. The BS degree places greater emphasis on psychology courses, has no language requirement, and is usually recommended for students who are considering graduate school training in psychology, a related field, or health professions (e.g., medical school). All Freshmen matriculating in 2007-08 follow the BS degree program with a different core curriculum, as outlined below.

The psychology department offers honors sections of introductory psychology, as well as honors activities in other courses. All students are eligible for directed study courses, which are individualized study or research experiences under the supervision of a faculty member. Co-op placements are based in both community (often mental health) and laboratory settings.

A solid scientific background in psychology helps prepare students for careers in teaching, business, public service or research, and provides a foundation for graduate study in all areas of psychology, including clinical, as well as in law and medicine.

FROSH Only (Beginning with Class 2012)

Psychology Frosh entering in the Fall '07 or Spring '08 will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program that consists of psychology courses and a set of Northeastern (NU) Core courses (see http://www.neu.edu/registrar/nucore.html> for an overview and description of the NU Core).
Note: the NU Core is different from the College of Arts & Science (CAS) Core requirements. The CAS core only applies to non-Frosh psychology majors.

Summary chart of the required courses for Frosh: BS-NU Core.pdf

For more information about the undergraduate program, follow these links:

• 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 |

• Pre-med Curriculum (will open new window)

• Pre-Law Curriculum (will open new window)

• Course Syllabi

• Experiential Education

• Academic Opportunities

• Honors Project Guidelines

• Extracurricular Opportunities

• People to Contact

• Advisors & Appointments [pdf]

• Guidelines & Instructions for Registration [pdf]