You can focus your training in select specialized areas (these are not majors or degrees):

• Biological psychology/neuroscience
• Child development
• Clinical neuropsychology
• General clinical psychology
• Learning and cognition
• Social psychology

Various undergraduate courses incorporate service learning as part of the course requirements. Service learning provides opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning.

Undergraduate research opportunities:

• Participate in research under the direction of psychology faculty by enrolling in Psych 498 or 499.
• Apply for department research grants to support your own independent research under the direction of psychology faculty.
• Participate in the Department of Psychology Undergraduate Research Symposium, an opportunity for original research to be presented to the public.

Certification requirements

• Completion of 30 semester hours
• Completing Psych 311 [QUAN] with a C- or better
• Cumulative gpa of 2.5 or better.

Suggested classes for freshmen

Math 103: Algebra Methods and Introduction to Functions
Psych 105: Introductory Psychology
Biology 102: General Biology -or- English 101: Introductory Writing

Social Science:

Soc 101: Introduction to Sociology
Soc 102: Social Problems
Soc 251: The Sociology of Sex, Relationships, and Marriage
H D 101: Human Development Across the Lifespan

Arts and Humanities:

F A 101: Introduction to Art
Hum 101: Humanities in the Ancient World
Music 262: Rock Music: History and Social Analysis
Phil 101: Introduction to Philosophy

Suggested classes for transfer students

Psych 210:  Psychology as a Science

Psych 311: Elementary Statistics in Psychology
Psych 333: Abnormal Psychology
Psych 350: Social Psychology
Psych 321: Introduction to Personality

Math requirement

 Psych 311 [QUAN]

Core courses

Psych 105: Introductory Psychology
Psych 210: Psychology as a Science
Psych 311: Elementary Statistics in Psychology
Psych 312: Experimental Methods in Psychology

For students in psychology

Psychology majors may apply for University-level scholarships and over $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.  Students may also be eligible for undergraduate research awards.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and needed-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

• The student-directed Psych Club helps expand psychology interests outside the classroom with others who have similar interests.
• WSU hosts a chapter of Psi Chi, a national honor society that recognizes students’ academic achievements and provides activities for psychology majors.

• Interest in people and behavior
• Able to apply abstract knowledge to real life situations

What you can do with a degree in psychology

• Mental health and social services

• Alcohol/substance abuse counseling

• Human resources and management

• Public relations and fundraising

• Business management, sales, market research, and advertising

• Teaching and research

Skills you can market with a degree in Psychology

• Understanding human behavior and mental processes

• Intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving

• Ability to use scientific methods and logic to evaluate, communicate, and apply research findings

• Effective communication in a variety of forms

• Awareness and appreciation for individual differences

• Ability to work independently or as a team member