BS in Psychology

Prof. Mark Seery and Stephanie Smallets UB Celebration of Academic Excellence.

The BS (Bachelor of Science) in Psychology emphasizes the scientific foundation of psychology along with a strong basic science background. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study in behavioral or cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, medicine, health professions and other related disciplines, as well as a wide range of careers.

Degree Requirements

The BS in Psychology requires a total of 60 credit hours. Students must complete 17 courses, with most courses consisting of three (3) credits.

Psychology BS Core
Students must complete the following five courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA:

MTH 121 & MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I-II or MTH 141 & MTH 142 College Calculus I-II
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
PSY 207 Psychological Statistics
PSY 350 Scientific Inquiry in Psychology

Additional Science Requirements
Students must complete:

BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology
CHE 101/CHE 113 & CHE 102/CHE 114 General Chemistry or CHE 105 & CHE 106 Chemistry: Principles and Applications (students with a special interest in chemistry should select CHE 105 & 106)

Substantive Area Courses
Students must complete four 300-level courses, one from each substantive area of Psychology:

Substantive Area 1: Clinical
- PSY 321 Psychology of Personality
- PSY 322 Psychopathology
- PSY 324 Clinical Psychology
- PSY 325 Health Psychology
Substantive Area 2: Social
- PSY 331 Social Psychology
- PSY 332 Social Conflict and Its Resolution
- PSY 333 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- PSY 336 Developmental Psychology
Substantive Area 3: Cognitive
- PSY 341 Cognitive Psychology
- PSY 342 Introduction to Cognitive Science: Concepts of the Mind
- PSY 343 Sensory Processes and Perception
- PSY 347 Psychology of Learning
Substantive Area 4: Behavioral Neuroscience
- PSY 351 Biopsychology

One Advanced Course in Research Methods

PSY 450 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

Four PSY 400-level Electives
These smaller courses (no more than 42 students per class), focus on a specialized topic and typically involve a writing component.

Two PSY 400-level classes that must come from the BS-specified list (see the Undergraduate Course Catalog)
Two PSY 400-level classes from any area of psychology

Residency Requirement

At least three upper-level classes (300- or 400-level) must be taken at the University at Buffalo.

The department has designed the Major Completion Timeline to help Psychology majors stay on track with their degree and make the most of the opportunities, experiences and resources at UB.

Student Testimonials

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Michael Johnson-Hales
6/18/18
“Consider where you want your psychology degree to take you after graduation."
Sarah Reynolds
6/18/18
"Psychology provided me with a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the human mind and human behavior, and taught me different ways to solve problems.”
Rebekah Meltzer
6/18/18
"My participation in the Psychology Honors Program, my coursework, and my involvement in research labs provided a foundation for understanding—and thinking critically about—research."
Meredith Morell
6/8/20
“The best advice I can give is to get involved in the Department of Psychology as much as possible."
Mykel Robble
6/18/18
"I entered UB as a business major without any real sense of what I wanted to do with my life. After struggling for a year, I found a home in the Department of Psychology."
Ezra Goldberg-O'Neil
6/18/18
"The huge variety of psychology classes UB offered made it easy for me to keep up with pre-med classes, while still allowing time for courses in other areas."
Katrina Jacobi
6/21/18
“Choosing to pursue my psychology degree at UB was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Olivia Schlager
6/18/18
“My UB psychology degree prepared me very well to pursue advanced study in a school psychology PhD program."
Charlson Joseph
6/18/18
“The professors in the Department of Psychology at UB always believed in me during the time that I was an undergraduate and post college."
Shereen Khoo
6/18/18
"I especially loved the numerous research opportunities and collaborative atmosphere in the Department of Psychology."
Neaha Aamir
2/22/19
"The Department of Psychology staff and my fellow psychology majors created a learning environment that was both enriching and supportive."
Kimberly Tom
6/18/18
“The UB Psychology program is great for building your own path."
Farza Khan
6/18/18
“Majoring in psychology at UB opens many doors and opportunities."
Daniel Shaw
6/18/18
“Not every psychology major goes on to be a psychologist or researcher—there is such a broad range of paths graduates can take.”
Rachit Manglani
6/18/18
“The UB psychology program was a perfect mix of academics and self-development."
Jeff Sanders
6/18/18
"The breadth of courses the program offers allowed me to explore—which is crucial at a time when you’re deciding on a career—and the level of enthusiasm the courses are taught with made me excited to come to lectures."
Chalique Williams
2/22/19
"I would encourage anyone considering majoring in psychology to be open-minded, talk to others about their interests and career goals, and get involved in something you’re passionate about."
Haemi Nam
6/18/18
"Having such great mentors during undergrad not only helped me get into grad school—they guided me in choosing the best graduate program for me."
Amani Johnson
6/18/18
"There is so much to learn inside of the classroom, but there are also ways to get involved outside of the classroom that are sure to enhance your knowledge and experience!”
Mae Guthman
6/12/20
"Growing up, I didn’t really know what science was or what a scientist did—UB’s Department of Psychology and program changed that, and I haven’t looked back since."
Alejandro Corona Espinosa
6/18/18
"Working as a research assistant in two different research labs allowed me to get much closer to the process of conducting psychological research and also helped me connect with great people."
Phuong Le
6/18/18
"Reflecting on my experience at UB makes me appreciate the amount of opportunities that were available to help me discover my passion and prepare me for post-graduation challenges."
Bradley Loliger
6/18/18
"Psychology touches everything, from the sciences, to the law, to politics, to interpersonal relationships."
Tara Jeneil-Fenton
6/18/18
"As a psychology major, I was deeply involved in many on- and off-campus activities."
Nicole Hunter
6/18/18
“I had a wonderful time as a Psychology major at UB! I was so well prepared for graduate school, thanks to writing research proposals for my UB psychology classes, working in research labs, and especially having taken part in the Psychology Honors Program."
Bryan Sim
6/18/18
"I owe my mentors at UB a great deal for giving me the experience and knowledge to complete my PhD."
Joanna Schedin
2/27/20
"Students who are considering majoring in Psychology should know that this an extremely versatile degree that can allow you to work in many different fields."
Stephanie Smallets
6/18/18
"The research experience I obtained at UB was, without a doubt, the reason I was accepted into multiple PhD programs straight out of undergrad."
Ashley Byrd-White
2/22/19
"My advice to students considering a psychology major at UB is to realize that a major in psychology is versatile and can truly start you on any career path."

Which Psychology Degree Is for Me?

Our BA is the more versatile degree, allowing for customization based on student interests. Most Psychology Majors choose the BA. Our BS is specifically designed for students who seek a more extensive scientific background.

Learn More About the BS in Psychology

The Student Learning Goals are designed to address the standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA) for the Undergraduate Psychology Major.

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.
Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
Goal 4: Communication
Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Goal 5: Professional Development
The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Goals	PSY 101	PSY 207 & 350	PSY 300 Level	PSY 400 Level
Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology	Introduce	Strengthen	Strengthen	Strengthen
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking	Introduce	Strengthen	Strengthen	Strengthen
Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World	Introduce	Strengthen	Strengthen	Strengthen
Goal 4: Communication		Introduce	Strengthen	Strengthen
Goal 5: Professional Development*		Introduce	Strengthen	Strengthen

*This goal is also addressed through workshops, frequent emails to Psychology majors, advisement and material available on the department’s website

Undergraduate Course Catalog

Undergraduate Fact Sheet

How to Apply

BS in Psychology

Degree Requirements

Student Testimonials

Learn More About the BS in Psychology

Student Learning Goals

Goal Development Through the Major

Department of Psychology