University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Oct 08, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Psychology (Behavior Science), B.S.


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The mission of the undergraduate psychology degree in behavior science is to produce skilled behavior analysts who meet the needs of the community and contribute to the science and practice of behavior analysis. This mission is achieved by providing comprehensive training in behavior science, out of which more advanced basic, applied and theoretical interests may be developed. This degree also prepares students for graduate study or for paraprofessional careers in human services.

Behavior analysis is a highly specialized field of study that is not duplicated elsewhere at the university. The behavior science degree allows students to become eligible for certification as Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA), an internationally recognized paraprofessional credential. The curriculum also meets the standards for undergraduate program accreditation by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

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: https://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising/academic-advisors

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking Print degree planner icon  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 to 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 Units of Major Requirements 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 (12 units)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some 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 Course - CO9


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO9  courses.

B. Diversity & Equity Course - CO10


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO10  courses.

C. Global Context Course - CO11


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

D. Ethics Course - CO12


The following courses count in the Major Requirement:

E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis Course - CO13


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO13  courses.

F. Application Course - CO14


The following courses count in the Major Requirement:

III. Major Requirements (39 - 40 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.

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 (16-26 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 (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (12-14 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.

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