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 Pathways to General Education requirements, plus the following departmental requirements (please see https://support.psyc.vt.edu/undergrads/advising for more specific details): A minimum of 28 hours of psychology including Psyc 1004, 1094, 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 one year of introductory science sequence with corequisite labs (courses can come from biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, or physics).

Successful completion of one course in Exploring Data, and one course in Exploring Human Diversity.

To graduate with a minor in psychology, the undergraduate student must complete 18 hours of psychology including Psyc 1004, 1094, and two courses at the 3000-level or above (Psyc 2964 and 4964 may not be used toward the psychology minor).

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).

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 during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. Requirements for graduation are listed on checksheets. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.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 https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.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)

2014: PSYCHOLOGY OF SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS An introduction to the psychological science that underlies behavioral interventions in non-clinical settings. Theories, methods, and applications as they relate to diverse domains such as health, education, prejudice reduction, and the environment. Methodological issues relating to intervention research in psychological science; understanding and limiting possible sources of bias. Relevance and limitations of psychological science for related public policy. (3H,3C)

2024: PSYCHOLOGY TRANSFER STUDENT COURSE First Year Experience course introducing transfer students to the psychology major. Discussion of university resources designed to promote the successful transition from another school to Virginia Tech. Emphasis on career exploration, professional development, and finding relevant research and field experiences outside the classroom. (1H,1C)

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: INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE OF BEHAVIOR Introduction to biological factors that produce behavior. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The development of the nervous system, and neuroplasticity. Basic neural processes involved in interpreting information, and making decisions. 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)

3984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

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: 1004, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3005 or STAT 3604 or STA T 3615 or BIT 2405). (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, 2034, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (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: 1004, 2044, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (3H,3C)

4054: PERSONALITY RESEARCH Research techniques used in contemporary personality psychology: case histories, correlational methods, experimentation, archival studies, and psychobiography. Pre: 1004, 2054, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (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: 1004, (2064 or NEUR 2025), (PSYC 1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (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: 1004, (2064 or NEUR 2025), (PSYC 1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (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: 1004, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204), PSYC 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: 1004, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3005 or STAT 3604 or STA T 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: 1004, 2044, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204). (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)

4184 (BDS 4184): THE SCIENCE OF GIVING Overview of the science of giving, altruism, helping, cooperation, and prosocial behaviors and decision making. Exploration of the personality contextual, cognitive, and affective factors that move people to help others in need. Application of psychological and behavioral principles necessary to craft interventions such as nudges to increase giving with emphasis on public policy. Methodological issues related to laboratory and field experiments. Ethical considerations in persuasion and influence. Pre: 1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204. (3H,3C)

4194 (BDS 4194): PREDICTING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR Overview of the process of predicting human choices, preferences, and actions in social contexts. Applications of measurement theory to data preparation, formatting, and scaling. Implications of psychological biases for data transformation and cleaning. Theory-guided predictor variable selection and development. Applications of machine learning to social settings. Evaluating prediction quality, bias, and generalizability. Developing predictive models in software. Ethical and societal implications of predicting human behavior. Pre: 1004, (1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204), (STAT 2004 or STAT 3005 or STAT 3604 or STA T 3615 or BIT 2405). (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.