University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Dec 13, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Psychology (Psychological Science), B.S.


Undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology are encouraged and able to participate in the scholarly and applied work of psychology at many different levels - from taking a wide variety of psychology courses to actively participating in research laboratories to working in one of our many applied projects. We provide a tremendous breadth of training to our students, preparing them well for graduate school and careers in psychology.

The psychology major is targeted for students who plan to continue with graduate studies in psychology. Students must take a wider variety of courses that are either required or greatly desired by graduate school admission committees.

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historic trends in psychology. (CT)
  • discuss the relevance of psychology to human affairs, and describe how psychological matters relate to day-to-day human affairs. (QR)
  • demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills. (C)
  • recognize, understand, and respect community diversity by demonstrating diversity awareness.

Contact Information


438 Mack Social Science
(775) 784-6828

College of Science Advising: http://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access established transfer course equivalencies assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 120
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.75
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 3.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units

I. Silver Core General Education Requirements (25-31 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding  the “Core English and Math Completion Policy .”

Students in this major must meet all Silver Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4-7 units minimum) - CO2


C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6 units minimum) - CO4, CO4L


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO4  / CO4L  courses.

D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7  courses.

F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO5 , CO8  courses.

II. Additional Silver Core Requirements (6 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Silver Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV).  Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


Choose one course; the following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement.

C. Global Context Course - CO11


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO11  courses.

D. Ethics Course - CO12


E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


Choose one course; the following courses can also be used in the Major Requirement.

F. Application Course - CO14


III. Major Requirements (40-41 units)


Students may enter the program at any time, but must have and then maintain a minimum 3.0 grade-point average in psychology. Courses in the major may not be taken pass-fail. Students must maintain a 2.75 overall grade-point average. 

A. Introductory Requirements (6-7 units)


B. Foundational Requirements (9 units)


Select one course from three of the following four areas:

C. Psychological Science Specialization (19 units)


i. Experimental Psychology (4 units)


D. Additional Psychology (6 units)


Complete six additional units in PSY courses not used to meet other requirements.

IV. Minor Requirements (18-21 units)


Students may complete any minor approved by the University, except that students may not receive credit for both a minor and a major in the same discipline. Completion of a second major or degree approved by the university satisfies this requirement.

V. Electives (21-31 units)


VI. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


Fall Semester (15-16 units)


Spring Semester (16-17 units)


B. Second Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


C. Third Year


Fall Semester (16 units)


  • (4 units) CO9, CO14
  • Global Context (3 units) CO11
  • Psychological Science Specialization (3 units)
  • Minor (3 units)
  • General Elective (3 units)

Spring Semester (15 units)


  • Psychological Science Specialization (6 units)
  • 300-400 Level Minor (3 units)
  • General Elective (6 units)

D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


  • Psychological Science Specialization (3 units)
  • Capstone Integration & Synthesis (3 units) CO13
  • 300-400 Level Minor (3 units)
  • General Elective (6 units)

Spring Semester (11-13 units)


  • Psychological Science Specialization (6 units)
  • 300-400 Level Minor (3 units)
  • General Elective (2-4 units)

Program minimum GPA Requirement / probation and dismissal process:


After first year: GPA review and notification of minimum GPA requirement; 1st probation hold placed on account

Following semester: GPA review and notification of minimum GPA requirement; 2nd probation hold placed on account; referral to College of Science Advising Center.

Following semester: GPA review and notification of dismissal from program; alternate program completion options outlined in notification (e.g., BA in Psychology, another major); appeal process begins; referral to College of Science Advising Center.

Appeal process: Student may appeal the dismissal within 10 business days of notification, which must be approved by the Psychology Department Chair. If the student does not appeal, or the appeal is denied, the student’s major is changed to undeclared. The student may then pursue a BA in Psychology or another major program. The Psychology Department Dismissal Committee must return a decision by the last business day prior to the beginning of the next regular term. Appeals will be processed only if it is mathematically possible in the judgment of the faculty review committee to reach good-standing at the end of one additional semester.