The Psychology Major
We offer a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. You study
principles of human growth and development and the processes of learning, cognition,
and emotion. Particular focus is on personality development, maladaptive behavior,
social diversity and group interactions, and the biological bases of behavior. The
major provides the foundation for careers in human services and counseling, in business
and industry, and in working with children, adolescents, and adults in schools or
clinical settings. As a Psychology major, you can pursue provisional teacher certification as an early childhood teacher by completing a certification program in early childhood
education. The major program also prepares students for graduate study in all areas
of psychology, social work, business, education, and other related professions.
Student learning objectives for Psychology majors at MCLA:
- Develop knowledge base of content domains, themes, and applications of psychology
- Demonstrate competence in interpreting, designing, and conducting psychological research
- Demonstrate competence in applying ethical standards to evaluation of psychological
science and to multiple social issues
- Communicate proficiently for a variety of purposes, both orally and in writing
- Develop career goals through application of psychological knowledge and refinement
of self-regulation and teamwork capacity
The Psychology Flowsheet details the required courses for the major. including the Core
Curriculum and Graduation requirements customized for Psychology majors.
Psychology Flowsheet For First-year and Transfer Students entering Fall 2017 and later
Psychology Major Requirements
Foundation Courses
- PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 101 Introductory Seminar in Psychology 1 cr
Research Methodology
- PSYC 290 Psychological Research & Stats I 4 cr
- PSYC 291 Psychological Research & Stats II 4 cr
Primary Content Domains: Choose four of the following six (at least two must be 300-level)
- PSYC 208 or PSYC 210 Developmental Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 230 Social Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 270 Abnormal Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 310 Cognitive Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
- PSYC 331 Biological Psychology 3 cr
Advanced Research and Methods: Choose one of the following three
- PSYC 360 Psychological Testing 4 cr
- PSYC 390 Research Design & Analysis 4 cr
- PSYC 397 Research Seminar 4 cr
Two upper level electives (300-level or higher)
Psyc Capstone Experience:
- PSYC 301 Psychology Professional Seminar 1 cr
Choose one of the following three
- PSYC 410 History of Psychology
- PSYC 499 Advanced Seminar in Psychology
- PSYC 550 Senior Thesis
- PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 101 Introductory Seminar in Psychology 1 cr
Research Methodology
- PSYC 290 Psychological Research & Stats I 4 cr
- PSYC 291 Psychological Research & Stats II 4 cr
Primary Content Domains: Choose four of the following six (at least two must be 300-level)
- PSYC 208 or PSYC 210 Developmental Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 230 Social Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 270 Abnormal Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 310 Cognitive Psychology 3 cr
- PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
- PSYC 331 Biological Psychology 3 cr
Advanced Research and Methods: Choose one of the following three
- PSYC 360 Psychological Testing 4 cr
- PSYC 390 Research Design & Analysis 4 cr
- PSYC 397 Research Seminar 4 cr
Two upper level electives (300-level or higher)
Psyc Capstone Experience:
- PSYC 301 Psychology Professional Seminar 1 cr
Choose one of the following three
- PSYC 410 History of Psychology
- PSYC 499 Advanced Seminar in Psychology
- PSYC 550 Senior Thesis
Psychology Major
Behavior Analysis Concentration
(As part of the Psychology Major)
(As part of the Psychology Major)
Behavior Analysis Sequence (13- 18 cr)
PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
PSYC 416 Research in Behavior Analysis 4 cr
PSYC 516 Functional Assessment and Intervention 3 cr
PSYC 518 Ethics and professional Issues in Behavior Analysis 3 cr
OR
PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
PSYC 552 NECC: Advanced Learning 3 cr
PSYC 553 NECC: Functional Analysis and Treatment of Behavioral Disorders 3 cr Or
Behavior Analysis Sequence (13- 18 cr)
PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
PSYC 416 Research in Behavior Analysis 4 cr
PSYC 516 Functional Assessment and Intervention 3 cr
PSYC 518 Ethics and professional Issues in Behavior Analysis 3 cr
OR
PSYC 316 Behavior Analysis 3 cr
PSYC 552 NECC: Advanced Learning 3 cr
PSYC 553 NECC: Functional Analysis and Treatment of Behavioral Disorders 3 cr Or
PSYC 554 NECC: Systematic Inquiry in Applied Research 3 cr
PSYC 555 NECC: Seminar & Practica in Clinical Practice 9 cr
PSYC 554 NECC: Systematic Inquiry in Applied Research 3 cr
PSYC 555 NECC: Seminar & Practica in Clinical Practice 9 cr
Minor in Psychology
The Psychology Minor enables students to acquire a fundamental understanding of complex human behaviors.
Minor in Behavior Analysis
Three intensive Behavior Analysis Minor program for Non Psychology Majors to help prepare you for careers or graduate study
in behavior analysis.
