匹兹堡大学

The psychology major is part of the liberal arts program in the Dietrich School. As such, it provides students with the skills needed to succeed in a job and in graduate school, to think critically and communicate effectively about human behavior and related topics. The Department of Psychology also functions from the perspective that psychology is a natural science. The emphasis it places on research is evident in the foundation courses required to declare the psychology major (e.g., statistics, research methods), as well as in the focus on the scientific methods throughout the content of all other psychology courses. To complement their arts and sciences training, the department also encourages students to participate in directed research and/or supervised field placement opportunities.

Psychology majors an participate in one of two major options: General major in Psychology, and Honors in Psychology. Students who declare the Psychology major are automatically enrolled in the general major track. This track provides students with a broad background in psychology and a firm understanding of the scientific method. The majority of students remain in this track.

In addition to Dietrich School skills and General Education Requirements, psychology majors must complete 33 to 34 credits in psychology, four credits in statistics, and nine to10 credits of co-requirements as described below. The honors track offers students a challenging and unique opportunity: to conduct their own, independent research study under the guidance of a faculty member. Additional course and GPA requirements apply. Students interested in pursuing the honors track should speak with an advisor in the Psychology Advising Office.

The following requirements apply to students who declare the Psychology major in spring 2020 term or later. Students who declared the major before spring 2020 should consult with the Psychology Advising Office.