Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior. Psychology majors receive a broad science-based liberal arts education. As a result, those with a Bachelor of Science in psychology are widely sought in business, education and mental health fields. For a professional career in psychology, a graduate degree is needed.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
The psychology curriculum at UF provides a strong background to pursue careers in psychology or to prepare students for entry into advanced professional schools such as law or medicine. The curriculum emphasizes the principles and applications of psychological knowledge, both as a natural science and as a social science.
Students in the psychology major can specialize in general psychology or behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. Both specializations require coursework in psychology, statistics, mathematics and biology, and both offer the option to conduct a senior honors thesis if desired. The specializations vary in the specific courses necessary to complete the degree requirements. General psychology requires courses in four core areas within the discipline as well as elective psychology courses. Behavioral and cognitive neuroscience focuses more specifically on natural science-oriented psychology courses and allows students to take limited approved non-psychology courses relevant to contemporary neuroscience. This specialization also requires more math and biology courses than general psychology.
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Coursework for the Major
A psychology major consists of a minimum of 36 credits with related coursework in biological science, mathematics and statistics. At least 18 of the 36 credits must be taken at the University of Florida. Courses used toward the major must be earned with minimum grades of C.
Required Coursework
Required coursework will depend on the program the student chooses. Coursework for each specialization can be found below.
Recommended Coursework
In addition to regularly scheduled courses, the department offers six individual work courses, four involving research (PCO 4911 Undergraduate Research in Psychology of Health Disparities, PSY 4911 Undergraduate Research in Psychology, PSY 4905 Individual Work and PSY 4970 Senior Thesis), one involving teaching (PSY 4940 Introduction to Teaching in Psychology) and one involving community work (PSY 4949 Community Work in Psychology). In each case, a psychology faculty member or other approved professional serves as supervisor. A maximum of nine credits of individual work courses (CLP 3911, PCO 4911, PSY 4911, PSY 4905, PSY 4940, PSY 4949, PSY 4970) can count toward the major. Contact the department for more information.
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. More information; look under Research Experience.
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General Psychology
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students in the general psychology specialization are required to complete 36 credits of psychology coursework with minimum grades of C. At least 30 of the 36 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.
- 3 credits, introductory level: PSY 2012 General Psychology (or equivalent, such as a general psychology course taken elsewhere or credit by exam for PSY 2012 via AP, IB, AICE).
- 12 credits, foundation level core: Each of the four foundation areas is an introduction to a substantive area of psychology: biological bases of behavior and mental processes; developmental changes across the lifespan; learning and cognition; and sociocultural (individual differences) approaches/influences. Students must choose at least one course from each area:
- Biological Bases: CBH 3003 Comparative Psychology, EXP 3104 Sensory Processes, PSB 3002 Physiological Psychology or PSB 3340 Behavioral Neuroscience *
* Students may not take both PSB 3002 and PSB 3340 under any circumstances.
- Developmental Changes: DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology
- Learning and Cognition: EAB 3002 Principles of Behavior Analysis, EAB 3764 Applied Behavior Analysis or EXP 3604 Cognitive Psychology
- Sociocultural / Individual Differences Approaches: CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology, PPE 3003 Psychology of Personality or SOP 3004 Social Psychology
- 3 credits, laboratory course: PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology
- 6 credits, two 4000-level psychology courses (does not count individual work courses)
- 12 credits additional psychology courses: Students must choose additional 3000/4000-level psychology courses to meet the 36-credit minimum requirement (with the exception that three credits of 2000-level courses can count toward this requirement). In addition, up to nine credits of individual work courses will count toward the 36-credit minimum requirement.
Students who wish to transfer courses in psychology toward the major must see an advisor in the department for approval.
Related Coursework
Statistics: STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 and STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 are also required. STA 2023 is a prerequisite for some 4000-level psychology and laboratory courses. STA 3024 must be taken before or concurrently with any specialized psychology laboratory, and it also counts toward the CLAS requirement of 3000-level electives not in the major.
Mathematics: Proficiency through precalculus is required. MAC 1147 Precalculus: Algebra and Trigonometry (or higher course) will meet this requirement. The combination of MAC 1114 Trigonometry and MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra may be substituted for MAC 1147.
Biological Science: BSC 2005 Biological Sciences or BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 is required.
All majors are encouraged to see a psychology advisor in 135 Psychology Building. No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome. Advising office hours
Most of the foundation-level courses and the laboratory methods course are offered each semester. Special topic and other advanced courses are offered less frequently. Fewer courses are offered in summer.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
The following critical-tracking courses are required:
- BSC 2005 or BSC 2010 Biological Sciences or Biology Principles 1
- MAC 1147 or MAC 1140 and MAC 1114 Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry
- PSY 2012 General Psychology
- PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology
- STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1
Although not required in the first five semesters, additional psychology courses taken in semesters 1-5 count toward the critical-tracking GPA for the major.
Semester 1
- Complete MAC 1140 or MAC 1147
- 2.4 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete PSY 2012; if MAC 1140 is taken in semester 1, MAC 1114 must be taken semester 2
- 2.6 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete 2 critical-tracking courses from BSC 2005 or BSC 2010, STA 2023 or PSY 3213L with a 2.6 critical-tracking GPA
Students should take PSY 3213L in semester 3 or 4 before taking any additional 3000-level or above psychology courses.
- 2.7 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete BSC 2005 or BSC 2010 and STA 2023 (if not previously taken) with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.8 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete PSY 3213L (if not previously taken) with 2.75 critical-tracking GPA. Additional Psychology courses taken in semesters 1-5 are included in the critical-tracking GPA.
- 2.8 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
MAC 1147 Precalculus: Algebra and Trigonometry
State Core GE-M |
4 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
BSC 2005 Biological Sciences or
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1
State Core GE-B |
3 |
| PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology |
3 |
Electives
3 credits of foreign language if 4-3-3 option |
6 |
Humanities
GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1
GE-M |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Foundation-level psychology course |
3 |
Foundation-level psychology course
GE-S |
3 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Foundation-level psychology course
GE-B |
3 |
Foundation-level psychology course
GE-S |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2
GE-M; counts as a 3000-level or above elective, not in the major |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Psychology courses
3000 level or above, at least one 4000-level |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Psychology courses
3000 level or above, at least one 4000-level |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
Psychology courses
3000 level or above |
6 |
Elective
3000 level or above, not in major |
3 |
| Electives |
7 |
| Total |
16 |
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Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students in the behavioral and cognitive neuroscience specialization are required to complete 36 credits of coursework with minimum grades of C. At least 22 credits must be taken in psychology.
- 3 credits, introductory level: PSY 2012 General Psychology (or its equivalent, such as a general psychology course taken elsewhere or credit by exam for PSY 2012 via AP, IB, AICE, etc.)
- 6 credits, foundation core: Each is an introduction to the substantive areas of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience: biological bases of behavior and mental processes, and learning and cognition. Students must choose at least one course from each area:
- Biological Bases: PSB 3002 Physiological Psychology or PSB 3340 Behavioral Neuroscience
- Learning and Cognition: EXP 3604 Cognitive Psychology
- 7 credits, laboratory courses: PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology (a 3-credit general laboratory course) and a specialized psychology laboratory course (EAB 4022C Laboratory Procedures in Behavior Analysis, EXP 4174C Laboratory in Sensory Processes, or PSB 4343C Laboratory in Cognitive Neuroscience)
- 6 credits, two 4000-level psychology courses with a PSB or EXP prefix or approval of the undergraduate coordinator. These courses must be taken in addition to the required laboratory course and individual work courses.
- 14 credits additional courses: Students must choose 14 or more credits of psychology courses or approved neuroscience-relevant courses outside psychology to meet the 36-credit minimum requirement
- 3 credits may be at the 2000-level or higher
- The remaining 11 or more credits must be at the 3000/4000-level
- Any neuroscience-relevant courses outside psychology must be approved by a psychology advisor before enrollment
Students may not take both PSB 3002 and PSB 3340 under any circumstances.
Students who wish to transfer courses in psychology toward the major must see an advisor in the department for approval.
Related Coursework
- Statistics: STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 and STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 are also required. STA 2023 is a prerequisite for some 4000-level psychology and laboratory courses. STA 3024 must be taken before or concurrently with any specialized psychology laboratory, and it counts as a 3000+ level elective not in the major.
- Mathematics: Proficiency through Calculus 2 is required. MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 and MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 meet this requirement.
- Biological Science: BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and BSC 2011 Integrated Principles of Biology 2 are required.
All majors are encouraged to see a psychology advisor in 135 Psychology Building. No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome. Advising office hours.
Most of the foundation-level courses and the laboratory methods course are offered each semester. Special topic and other advanced courses are offered less frequently. Fewer courses are offered in summer.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
The following critical-tracking courses are required:
- BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1
- MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- PSY 2012 General Psychology
- PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology
- STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1
Semester 1
- Complete MAC 1147 or MAC 2311
- 2.4 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete MAC 2311
- Complete PSY 2012
- 2.6 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete 2 of the following critical-tracking courses: BSC 2010, MAC 2312 or PSY 3213L with a 2.6 critical-tracking GPA
Students should take PSY 3213L in semester 3 or 4 before taking any additional 3000-level or above psychology courses.
- 2.7 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete 1 tracking course from BSC 2010, MAC 2312, PSY 3213L or STA 2023 with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.8 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete the final tracking course (BSC 2010, MAC 2312, PSY 3213L or STA 2023) with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA. Additional psychology courses taken in semesters 1-5 are included in the critical-tracking GPA.
- 2.8 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
State Core GE-M; take MAC 1147, if needed |
4 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1
State Core GE-B |
3 |
| PSY 3213L Laboratory Methods in Psychology |
3 |
Electives
3 credits of foreign language if 4-3-3 option |
6 |
Humanities
GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
BSC 2011 Integrated Principles of Biology 2
GE-B |
3 |
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1
GE-M |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Foundation-level psychology course
EXP 3604 (GE-S), PSB 3002, or PSB 3340 |
3 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2
GE-M; counts as a 3000-level or above elective, not in the major |
3 |
Foundation-level psychology course
EXP 3604 (GE-S), PSB 3002, or PSB 3340 |
3 |
Approved neuroscience-relevant course outside psychology or
Psychology course (3000-level or above) |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
Approved neuroscience-relevant course outside psychology or
Psychology course (GE-S; 3000 level or above) |
3 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Psychology course
PSB or EXP prefix; 4000 level |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Psychology course
PSB or EXP prefix; 4000 level |
3 |
Specialized psychology laboratory course
EAB 4022C, PSB 4343C, or EXP 4174C |
4 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
Approved neuroscience-relevant course outside psychology or
Psychology courses (3000 level or above) |
8 |
Elective
3000 level or above, not in major |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
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Related Psychology Programs
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