Psychology, BA

Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

74 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Psychology?

Psychology’s attempt to understand the human condition takes many approaches. Some psychologists study brain chemistry and its relation to behavior, while others study the behavior of individuals in groups. Still others are engaged in providing counseling or psychotherapy to people who are mentally ill or who are having difficulty in coping with the demands of life. With a faculty of over 30 women and men, all of whom hold a doctoral degree; the department offers a program of study which provides a solid foundation in the general concepts and methods of Psychology, as well as courses and programs for students in many of the more specialized areas.

The core program in general psychology is designed to ensure that all students majoring psychology will develop a sound basic preparation for advanced study, as well as contributes significantly to a liberal education. The program is designed to allow students flexibility in selecting courses with the assistance of their advisor.

Why Consider a Psychology Major? 

Most of the major issues facing the people of the world today–hunger, overpopulation, the continuing threat of war, prejudice, pollution, drug addiction–are people problems; people have created them, and it will be people who must and will find solutions to them. Psychology, as the scientific study of mind and behavior, will help provide the answers to many of these pressing problems.

Contact Information

Department Chair Dr. Larry Symons Academic Instruction Center 440 360-650-4019 Larry.Symons@wwu.edu

Undergraduate Advisor See Department Office Academic Instruction Center 434 360-650-3515

Sample Careers

Counselor | Employment Agency Counselor | Training and Development Professional | Mental Health Coordinator | Human Resources Personnel | Social Service Administrator | Public Relations | Corrections Officer | Educator | Market Research Analyst | Social Service Worker | Psychologist

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Pre-Major: To be eligible, students must have completed 15 credits in Psychology with a minimum of 5 credits at Western.

Admissions:

Contact the department to declare the major once you have completed the following requirements:

Completed a total of at least 75 credits

Successfully completed or be currently enrolled in PSY 301

Achieved a Western Cumulative GPA (based on at least 12 credits) of 2.70 or higher. A GPA of 3.0 in all Psychology courses taken at Western, including PSY 301, may substitute for the cumulative GPA

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.