Undergraduate Programs
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Psychology Undergraduate Program
The Department of Psychology offers both a major (BA) and a minor in Psychology. The BA degree requires 120 total credit hours, with 40 hours of general education courses, 12 hours of a foreign language (1001 to 2004), 35 hours in the study of Psychology, a minor, and general electives. The Psychology minor requires 18 hours of study in Psychology. The Psychology curriculum at ECU is similar to that of other major universities and colleges across the country. Specifically, it provides the student with a background in the various areas of study in psychology and the research techniques used in the scientific study of behavior and thought.
We encourage students to work closely with psychology faculty during their studies at ECU. Doing so provides students with the opportunity to work to further enhance their education via individual interaction with faculty members while working on research and service projects.
Students who complete a major in psychology often pursue graduate study in psychology of in other related fields. The psychology BA degree, coupled with an appropriate minor, can also lead to entry-level employment in Mental Heath and Human Service Fields, Business and Industry, or Research-related occupations. The BA degree in Psychology is also offered in an online format.
Declaring a Major in Psychology
In order to declare a major in psychology, an undergraduate must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3,
- have at least 40 hours of completed college credit,
- have completed at least one semester at ECU, and
- have earned a grade of at least a “C” in PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1060.
A faculty adviser will be assigned to each student to aid in planning an overall program. A student desiring to minor in psychology should consult the major department or the chairperson of the Department of Psychology to determine the most appropriate sequence of courses for the minor.
All undergraduate students majoring in psychology are required to complete a minor. They are encouraged to minor in biology, business, chemistry, human development and family science, mathematics, philosophy, or sociology, or to take a composite minor approved by the faculty adviser and chairperson. For detailed course requirements, check the online course catalogs.
Neuroscience Program
The Multidisciplinary Studies Program in Neuroscience was formed through the efforts of Dr. Larry Means (Professor of Psychology, retired) and is housed in the Department of Psychology. It is one of sixteen concentrations within the Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. This program offers a major (BA or BS degree) and minor. Both the major and minor complements the Psychology major. Students who complete a major in Neuroscience often pursue graduate study under the larger umbrella of Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, or medical school. For more information about Neuroscience and declaring it as a major or minor, refer to the Neuroscience webpage.
Undergraduate Program Outcomes
Graduates of our program leave ECU:
- knowing how to predict and understand individual behavior;
- understanding the use and interpretation of data;
- evaluating the legitimacy of claims about behavior;
- knowing how learning and memory function;
- having insight into problematic behaviors;
- demonstrating the capacity to adapt to change;
- understanding and operating effectively in an organization;
- managing difficult situations and high stress environments;
- executing projects with limited information or experience;
- and exhibiting persistence in challenging circumstances.
Psychology as a Career
“Employers need people with communication skills; the ability to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data; and an understanding of human behavior. Psychology graduates may work in human resources or communications, while further education will open paths toward clinical practice and research.” (American Psychological Association)
More Career Information
The links below lead to helpful information regarding the career options of psychology majors.