Overview

The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program leading to the B.S. To graduate with a major in psychology, the undergraduate student must complete the Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE) requirements of the College of Science and the following departmental requirements:
A minimum of 28 hours of psychology including Psyc 2004, 2094, and three 4000-level courses, at least one with laboratory (Psyc 4964, 4974, and 4994 are not counted as 4000-level courses for purposes of this requirement).

Successful completion of at least one three-credit course from the Statistics Department, except Stat 3104. Stat 2004, 3604, or 3615 are recommended. (NOTE: No credit will be given for Stat 2004 if taken with or after any other statistics course.)

In addition to courses used to fulfill the Scientific Reasoning and Discovery requirement (Area 4) of the CLE, two courses (6 semester hours) in one of the following areas: biological sciences, chemistry, physics. These additional courses need not be in the same discipline as courses used to satisfy Area 4 of the CLE.

Successful completion of two courses (6 semester hours) from the disciplines of computer science, philosophy, and/or statistics. These courses may either be in the same discipline or from any two of the three disciplines. Courses used to satisfy CLE requirements or other Psychology department requirements may not also be used to satisfy this requirement.

To graduate with a minor in psychology, the undergraduate student must complete 18 hours of psychology including Psyc 2004, 2094, and one 4000-level course (Psyc 2964 and 4964 may not be used toward the psychology minor).

A program leading to the B.S. in psychology "in honors" is available for eligible students. Additionally, opportunities are provided for students to engage in a directed program of independent research. The department sponsors a chapter of Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society, and the Psychology Club. Information about these and other activities is available at the Academic Advising Center Office (109 Williams Hall) in the Department of Psychology.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Psychology can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSYC)

1004: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
The scientific study of behavior, with a focus on behavioral research methods, analysis, theoretical interpretations, and applications. Survey of brain structures and their functions, sensory mechanisms, developmental processes, classical and operant conditioning, social processes and cultural norms, approaches to psychotherapy, stress and coping, and applications of psychological science. (3H,3C)

1024: PATHWAYS THROUGH AND BEYOND THE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
First Year Experience course introducing students to the psychology major. Discussion of university resources designed to promote student success. Emphasis on career exploration, and finding relevant research and field experiences outside the classroom. (2H,2C)

1094: PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Philosophical foundation and ethical issues in psychological research. Research design and methodology. Analytic approaches to developing, understanding, interpreting psychological data. Pre: 1004 or 2004. (3H,3C)

1524 (ENGL 1524): LANGUAGE AND THE MIND
Examination of what is unique about human language and the evidence that language affects thought. Investigation of how listeners categorize sounds, parse sentences, and access meaning. Examination of what brain damage and speech errors reveal about language in the brain and mind. (3H,3C)

2034: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Basic principles of human psychological development from the prenatal period through old age. Interactions between biological and environmental influences on the developing individual. Research methods in developmental science. Cultural influence on parenting practices, identity formation, and attitudes toward the elderly. Survey of recent literature within the areas of perceptual, cognitive, neurobiological, social, and emotional development. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

2044: PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
Survey of fundamental concepts, phenomena, and principles of learning, such as reinforcement/punishment, classical conditioning, and cognitive explanations of retention/forgetting. Traditional learning research, with particular emphasis on methodology and ethical considerations. The behaviorist perspective, and neurobiological and cognitive approaches to understanding learning. The ethical and responsible use of animal models in learning research, and practical applications of learning theory. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

2054: PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY
Study of human personality and psychological adjustment: theory and research. Behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and environmental determinants of personality. Psychological adjustment and personality development. Pre: 2004 or 1004. (3H,3C)

2064: NERVOUS SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIOR
Introduction to biological factors that produce behavior. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The development of the nervous system, and neuroplasticity. Basic biological processes pertaining to sensation and perception. Conducting neuroscience research, and evaluating neuroscience-related claims in the popular media. The ethical and responsible use of nonhuman animal subjects; the ethical application of research findings in neuroscience to current problems such as psychopathy and neurodegenerative disease. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

2074: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Study of animal behavior: Comparative psychology and ethology, behavioral genetics, evolution of behavior, ecological aspects of behavior, predation, reproduction, and parental care. Some consideration is given to the relevance of animal behavior to human behavior. Pre: 2004 or 1004. (3H,3C)

2084: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction to the social behavior of the individual and the group: social perception and forming judgements of others, attitude formation and change, interpersonal attraction, applied psychology. Cultural influences on attitudes toward diversity, prosocial behavior, prejudice, and aggression and conflict. Application of psychological theories and research to address current social problems. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

3014: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Survey of various types of psychological disorders and of contrasting theoretical views and representative research on the etiology and prognosis of these disorders. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) to diagnose psychopathologies accurately. Ethical issues pertaining to clinical practice. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3024: HUMAN BEHAVIORS AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Survey of the effects of natural and human-made environments on health and well-being. Historical changes in human-environment relations. Utilizing psychological research methods to investigate the possible impacts of urbanization on human health and well-being. The impacts of culture, region, and socioeconomics on how we utilize our environments, and our ability to change them. Research pertaining to our relationship with nature, use of natural resources, and strategies to encourage behaviors promoting environmental sustainability. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

3034: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
An examination of theory, research, and practice as related to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders of children. Special emphasis on the understanding of child behavior disorders from a developmental, clinical-experimental point of view. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 3014. (3H,3C)

3054: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Major theories, strategies, and methods for understanding psychological contributions to health and disease; psychological approaches to the treatment and prevention of disease and unintentional injuries, and health and safety promotion. Pre: 2004 or 1004. (3H,3C)

3094: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Advanced research and analytical methods. Emphasis on methods for specific research and/or practical questions, critical evaluation of research publications. Extended coverage of design and analysis principles and skills, selection and completion of appropriate statistical tests for given data sets. Student-driven empirical report including literature review, methods, analysis, interpretation, and implications for future research. PSYC majors only. Pre: (1094 or 2094), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615). (3H,3C)

3154 (EDEP 3154): PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
Emphasizes theories of human learning and the relationship of learning principles to educational practice. Within the context of both cognitive and behavioral models of learning, attention is given to instructional procedures, student motivation and discipline, and the assessment of educational progress. (3H,3C)

4014: HISTORY AND SYSTEMS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Overview of modern theories in psychology by consideration of current historical controversies. Traces roots of psychology in natural and social sciences. Considers the diversity of psychological study and the future of psychology. Senior standing in psychology required for undergraduate credit. Graduate standing required for graduate credit. (3H,3C)

4024: INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Overview of psychological theories, research findings, and methods relevant to studying the behavior of individuals in organizations. Topics covered may include prediction of job performance, personnel testing, training and development, and leadership. Pre: (2004 or 1004), (STAT 2004 or BIT 2405 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615). (3H,3C)

4034: SPECIAL TOPICS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Rotating topics in the development of perceptual, cognitive, and socioemotional functioning throughout the life-span. In-depth, critical evaluation of current research literature and theory within various major age-spans. Developmental research methods, and research ethics. Cross cultural and contextual effects on development. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Pre: (1004 or 2004), (1094 or 2094), 2034. (3H,3C)

4044: ADVANCED LEARNING
Critical analysis of basic paradigms of Pavlovian and Instrumental Conditioning with emphasis on general theories of learning and issues involved in cognition, reinforcement, and memory. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2044, (2094 or 1094). (3H,3C)

4054: PERSONALITY RESEARCH
Research techniques used in contemporary personality psychology: case histories, correlational methods, experimentation, archival studies, and psychobiography. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2054, (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or BIT 2405). (3H,3C)

4064: PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Presentation of concepts important for the study of neuroscience and behavior with a special emphasis on the classic topics of physiological psychology: brain-behavior relations, sensory integration, physiological correlates of motivation and emotion. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2064, (2094 or 1094). (3H,3C)

4074: SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Overview of sensory and perceptual systems and their integration in influencing behavior. Emphasis on sensory receptor characteristics, neural structure, psychophysical data, perceptual phenomena and issues, theories about the human perceptual process. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2064, (2094 or 1094). (3H,3C)

4084: ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Examines social behavior from four major theoretical orientations: reinforcement, field theory, cognitive, and role theory. Topics may include social learning, social exchange theories, group processes, attitude, and person perception. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2084. (3H,3C)

4094: THEORY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
Theory of psychological measurement and techniques used to develop and evaluate psychological measures. Coverage of standardization, measurement scales, reliability, validity, score transformations, composite scores, weighted scores, and test construction. Pre: (2004 or 1004), (2094 or 1094), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615 or BIT 2405). (3H,3C)

4114: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
An experimentally-oriented survey of human cognitive processes which include attention, memory, and decision making. Role of individual difference variables in each area. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2044, (2094 or 1094). (3H,3C)

4134 (ENGL 4134): LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Survey of theories, mechanisms, and processes in human language development. Empirical overview of phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. Developmental trajectories of mono- and multilingual children. Cultural constraints on language. Perception of language and production of language, in typical and atypical subpopulations (e.g., hearing impairment). Junior/Senior Standing. Pre: 1004 or 2004. (3H,3C)

4214: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY
Design, operation, and analysis of experiments to study human cognitive processes (e.g., attention, memory, and decision-making). Co: 4114. (3L,1C)

4234: LABORATORY IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Research design and implementation in the study of perceptual and motor development, language development, cognitive development, and social development. Pre: (2004 or 1004), 2034. Co: 4034. (3L,1C)

4244: LABORATORY IN ADVANCED LEARNING
Experimental techniques for studying the development, maintenance, and retention of behavior change in humans and animals. Laboratory exercises in Pavlovian and Instrumental Conditioning, verbal learning and memory. Co: 4044. (3L,1C)

4254: PERSONALITY RESEARCH LABORATORY
Laboratory course in personality research techniques. Emphasis on experimental, archival, questionnaire, and psychobiographical approaches. Co: 4054. (3L,1C)

4264: LABORATORY IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Experimental techniques in the area of physiological psychology including: handling and care of laboratory animals, anesthetic and surgical techniques, and measurement of physiological variables. Co: 4064. (3L,1C)

4274: LABORATORY IN SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
Overview of the major experimental techniques and phenomena of sensation and perception. Emphasis on psychophysical methods, signal detection, dark adaptation, perceptual illusions. Co: 4074. (3L,1C)

4284: LABORATORY IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Design, performance, and analysis of experiments in social psychology. Various methodologies used in social research (e.g., laboratory experimentation, field observations) will be studied through actual performance of experiments. Co: 4084. (3L,1C)

4294: LABORATORY IN PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
Design and implementation of psychological assessment devices including issues of test construction, reliability, validity, standardizing, and detecting test bias. Pre: (2004 or 1004), (2094 or 1094), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 2405). Co: 4094. (3L,1C)

4354: SENIOR SEMINAR
For Psyc majors. Intended to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of a small set of topics selected by members of the seminar. Consent required. (3H,3C)

4364: SENIOR SEMINAR
For Psyc majors. Intended to provide in-depth coverage and discussion of a small set of topics selected by members of the seminar. (3H,3C)

4454 (ECON 4454) (NEUR 4454): NEUROECONOMICS
Neural processes related to reward, learning, reflection, delay of gratification, and social interaction. Clinical uses of neuroeconomics research techniques. Implications of neuroeconomics, policy, law and business. Pre: NEUR 2026 or ECON 3104. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section. Variable credit course.