Undergraduate

Psychology major requirements

• Students at UMass can major in psychology three different ways. The most common method is the B.A. (Bachelor of Arts). Students with a strong science background, and many science and math courses, can select the B.S. (Bachelor of Sciences). Those with an interest in neurosciences can select the B.S. - Neurosciences track. For the specific course requirements for each of these options, see below:

• Psychology major requirements checklist (B.A. and B.S.)

• B.S.- Neurosciences major requirements checklist

Recent changes to the major

• Beginning in the 2008-09 academic year, the following pre-requisites will apply:

  • Students must receive a "C" or better in Psych. 100 to enroll into Psych 240.

  • Students must fulfill the R1 General Education requirement before enrolling in Psych 240.

  • Students must receive a "C" or better in Psych 240 to enroll in Psych 241.

• Beginning October 1, 2009, students wishing to become Psychology majors must be currently registered in a course that fulfills the R1 general education requirement or have completed their R1 general education requirements BEFORE  they can sign into the major.  The R1 can be fulfilled with completion of an R1 course(s) or by passing the R1 exemption test.◊

• Students who have enrolled at UMass as psychology majors should complete the R1 general education requirement as early as possible (by taking an appropriate course(s) or passing the R1 exemption test◊).  Completion of the R1 is a pre-requisite for enrolling in Psychology 240.

◊ To learn more about the R1 exemption test and dates when it will be offered see: http://www.math.umass.edu/Undergrad/r1_exempt.html

Other requirements for the psychology major

• There are limitations on the number of transfer credits that can be applied to the major.  This and other general information about the major can be seen on the official catalog page from the Guide to Undergraduate Programs.

•  All UMass students must complete the General Education requirements.

• Psychology B.A majors must complete the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Global Education requirement.

• Psychology B.S. majors must complete 60 credits in math, science & psychology (see psychology advising center for particular classes that can count) or complete the Neuroscience Track requirements.

Psychology minor requirements

•  Students who wish to pursue a minor in psychology need to complete 15 graded credits in psychology. 

• All courses counted toward the minor must have a grade of C or better. 

• Independent study and practicum courses (with the exception of Psych 397) are not counted toward the minor.  

• At least 9 of the 15 credits for the minor must be taken at UMass Amherst.  (These can include courses taken through UMass Amherst continuing and professional education.)

• Minor in psychology form