Psychology Major
Why study psychology at CMU?
The psychology program at CMU prepares students for graduate studies and for careers in a variety of settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and research organizations. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Nationally and internationally renowned faculty members who offer personalized instruction and mentorship in research
- Modern laboratories and training facilities for
cutting-edge research and applied training
- Graduate opportunities through distinct programs such as the state's only accelerated master of science in experimental psychology that enables undergraduate students to earn their bachelor's degree with a general major in psychology and their master's degree in experimental psychology within five years
- Active student organizations committed to promoting student involvement and professional development
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of psychologists and counselors is expected to grow 18 to 26 percent.
- While job prospects will vary with location and specialization, opportunities generally should be very good because the number of job openings that arise should exceed the number of graduates.
- People with a bachelor's degree in psychology may find jobs as assistants in rehabilitation centers or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis.
Career options
Graduates of the psychology program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Clinical Psychologist
- Community Services Case Manager
- Counselor
- Educational Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
- Personnel Director
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Social Service Agent
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Psychology Major, General
This is the flexible major which you can consider regardless of your post-graduation plans including graduate school. This major requires that you complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of PSY courses.
( Total: 30 semester hours
Note: You must earn a grade of "C" or better in PSY 211 to enroll in PSY 285, and earn a "C" or better in PSY 285 and have completed ENG 201 or ENG 303 or equivalent to enroll in PSY 385. Consult individual course descriptions for prequisites for other courses . The balance of the courses on this major should be decided by you and your psychology advisor, working together. Though not required, most students take more than 30 semester hours of PSY courses, but the department encourages you to take courses from a variety of disciplines. You must complete a minimum of 15 hours of psychology course work at CMU.
Credit restrictions: Only PSY 100 may be taken on a CR/NC basis. No more than 9 hours may be counted from the following courses with unspecified content: PSY 200, 400, 496, 497, 498, 500, 501, 502. Further, not more than 3 hours may be counted from any one unspecified content course. )
(9 hours)
Required Courses I
3
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
Survey of concepts, methods, and fields of psychology. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group III-A)
3
PSY 285 Research Methods
An introduction to the various research methodologies in psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 100; PSY 211 or STA 282 or STA 382 with a grade of C or better. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
PSY 385 Applications of Research Methods
Second course in psychological research methodology, both experimental and non-experimental. Students design, execute, interpret, and report psychological research. Prerequisites: PSY 285 with a grade of C or better; ENG 201 or ENG 303.
(3 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following:
( (If STA 282 or STA 382 is used, an additional three (3) hours of psychology must be taken.) )
3
PSY 211 Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Basic descriptive and inferential statistics are considered, including measures of central tendency and variability, the normal distribution, the t-test, correlation, and chi-square. Prerequisite: PSY 100. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
STA 282 Introduction to Statistics
Descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, statistical inference, regression. Course does not count on major, minor in mathematics. Credit may not be earned in both STA 282 and STA 382. Recommended: MTH 105 or competency. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
STA 382 Elementary Statistical Analysis
An introduction to statistical analysis. Topics will include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, statistical inference, and regression. Greater emphasis than in STA 282 will be placed on probability theory and probability distribution. Credit may not be earned in both STA 282 and STA 382. Prerequisite: MTH 130.