Psychology Major, B.S.
In the undergraduate study of psychology, the emphasis is on a broad acquaintance with the behavioral sciences, not specialization. The subject matter is preparatory to a career in psychology either in basic research and teaching, or in any number of professional applications to various human problems. A psychology major may prove valuable to those planning other professional careers such as medicine, law, education, or business, as well as to those who seek a broad cultural background in the behavioral sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the psychology (B.A., B.S.) and/or neuroscience (B.S.) programs, students will attain the following:
- Knowledge Base: Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology and/or neuroscience, including its links to other disciplines.
- Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking Skills: Apply basic research methods in psychology and/or neuroscience, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. Demonstrate scientific reasoning and problem solving.
- Ethics, Social Responsibility and Responsible Conduct of Research: Demonstrate use of empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, be mindful of diversity and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology and/or neuroscience as a science.
- Communication: Demonstrate competence in writing and in oral communication skills. Ability to produce a research study or other neuroscience and/or psychology project, explain its scientific results and present information.
- Individual and Professional Development: Develop the ability to apply psychology and/or neuroscience content, skills, project management and teamwork skills to career preparation. Apply psychological and/or neuroscience principles to personal, social, and organizational issues. Become aware of career opportunities and paths towards career goals.
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Gateway Course | ||
PSYC 101 | General Psychology (with a grade of C or better) F | 3 |
Core Requirements | ||
PSYC 210 | Statistical Principles of Psychological Research H | 3 |
PSYC 270 | Research Methods in Psychology 1,2 | 3 |
One course below 400 from each of the following program areas: | 6 | |
Behavioral Integrative Neuroscience: | ||
Learning H | ||
Sensation and Perception 3, H | ||
Neuropsychopharmacology | ||
Biopsychology H | ||
Cognitive: | ||
Sensation and Perception 3, H | ||
Cognitive Psychology H | ||
One course below 400 from two of the three following psychology program areas: | 6 | |
Clinical: | ||
Introduction to Clinical Psychology H | ||
Psychopathology H | ||
Development: | ||
Child Development H | ||
Social: | ||
Social Psychology H | ||
One upper-level course chosen from "Special Requirement Courses" (see list below) 4 | 3 | |
One upper-level PSYC and/or NSCI course numbered between 395 and 699. May not include PSYC 493 or NSCI 493. 4 | 3 | |
One additional PSYC and/or NSCI course above 101; may not include PSYC 190 or NSCI 190. 4 | 3 | |
Additional Requirements | ||
BIOL 101 & 101L | Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory H, F | 4 |
One of: | 4 | |
General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F | ||
General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences F | ||
Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | ||
MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
One additional non-Psychology and Neuroscience Department quantitative reasoning course (FC-QUANT) not used to fulfill the FC-QUANT Gen Ed requirement or any other requirement in the psychology major. | 3 | |
At least 3 additional three-credit hour non-Psychology and Neuroscience Department courses which must come from the Allied Science list (see below). Additionally, 1 four-credit hour non-Psychology and Neuroscience Department course from the Allied Science list (see below) or one of the following combinations: CHEM 241 + 241L, CHEM 241H + 245L, CHEM 262 + 262L or CHEM 262H + 263L or EMES 101 + EMES 101L. 5 | 13 | |
Remaining General Education requirements and enough additional hours to accumulate 120 academic hours | 62 | |
Total Hours | 120 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
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Psychology and Neuroscience double majors may also use any NSCI 27* course to fulfill this requirement.
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Psychology and Human Development Family Studies double majors may also use EDUC 408 to fulfill this requirement.
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- NSCI 225 can meet either the behavioral neuroscience or cognitive requirement, but not both.
- 4
Up to 3-credit hours of the following may be used to fulfill one core major requirement: PSYC 395/NSCI 395, PSYC 693H/NSCI 693H or PSYC 694H/NSCI 694H.
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A 3-credit hour Allied Science course may be combined with a 1-credit hour lab with the same course number to fulfill the 4-credit hour Allied Science course requirement.
Students planning to enter graduate programs in psychology are urged to include a research-intensive course such as PSYC 395, PSYC 530, or PSYC 693H and PSYC 694H in their program as well as a software programming/coding course.
Students interested in medical and/or health careers are strongly encouraged to connect with Pre-professional & Pre-graduate Advising and Health Professions Advising. Particularly note that medical and/or health professional schools may recommend, though not require, psychology courses.
A student may submit a maximum of 45 credit hours from the department (this includes both PSYC and NSCI courses) towards the completion of the B.S. degree.
Details of the student’s program may be worked out in consultation with college and departmental advisors.
Special Requirements Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PSYC 395 | Independent Research | 1-3 |
PSYC 404 | Clinical Psychopharmacology | 3 |
PSYC 430 | Human Memory | 3 |
PSYC 433 | Behavioral Decision Theory | 3 |
PSYC 438 | Research Topics in the Psychology of Language | 3 |
PSYC 469 | Evolution and Development of Biobehavioral Systems | 3 |
PSYC 504 | Health Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 517 | Addiction | 3 |
PSYC 525 | Psychological Archival Data Science | 3 |
PSYC 528 | Clinical Research: Design, Analyze, Disseminate | 3 |
PSYC 530 | Design and Interpretation of Psychological Research | 3 |
PSYC 531 | Tests and Measurement | 3 |
PSYC 532 | Quantitative Psychology H | 3 |
PSYC 533 | The General Linear Model in Psychology H | 3 |
PSYC 534 | Introduction to Computational Statistics | 3 |
PSYC 559 | Applied Machine Learning in Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 693H | Honors in Psychology I | 3 |
PSYC 694H | Honors in Psychology II | 3 |
NSCI 395 and any course between NSCI 400-699, except NSCI 415 and NSCI 493. |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Allied Science Electives
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Anthropology | ||
ANTH 143 | Human Evolution and Adaptation | 3 |
ANTH 148 | Human Origins | 3 |
ANTH 217 | Human Biology in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
ANTH 298 | Biological Anthropology Theory and Practice | 3 |
ANTH 315 | Human Genetics and Evolution | 3 |
ANTH 318 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
ANTH 412 | Paleoanthropology | 3 |
ANTH 413 | Laboratory Methods: Archaeobotany | 3 |
ANTH 414 | Laboratory Methods: Human Osteology | 3 |
ANTH 415 | Laboratory Methods: Zooarchaeology | 3 |
ANTH 416 | Bioarchaeology | 3 |
ANTH 423 | Written in Bone: CSI and the Science of Death Investigation from Skeletal Remains | 3 |
ANTH 437 | Evolutionary Medicine | 3 |
ANTH 471 | Biocultural Perspectives on Maternal and Child Health | 3 |
Astronomy | ||
ASTR --- | Any course above ASTR 99 except ASTR 390 | |
Biochemistry | ||
BIOC 107 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
BIOC 108 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
Biology | ||
BIOL --- | Any course above BIOL 101, except BIOL 195, BIOL 290, BIOL 291, BIOL 292, BIOL 293, BIOL 294, BIOL 295, BIOL 296, BIOL 395, BIOL 410, BIOL 490, and BIOL 495 | |
Biomedical Engineering | ||
BMME 150 | Introduction to Materials Science | 3 |
BMME 207 | Biomedical Electronics | 4 |
BMME 301 | Human Physiology: Electrical Analysis | 4 |
BMME 315 | Biotransport | 3 |
BMME 335 | Biomaterials | 3 |
BMME 385 | Bioinstrumentation | 3 |
BMME 405 | Biomechanics of Movement | 3 |
BMME 420 | Introduction to Synthetic Biology | 3 |
BMME 435 | Biological Physics | 3 |
BMME 445 | Systems Neuroscience | 3 |
BMME 455 | Biofluid Mechanics | 3 |
BMME 470 | Analysis of Tissue Engineering Technologies | 3 |
BMME 485 | Biotechnology | 3 |
BMME 505 | Skeletal Biomechanics | 3 |
Biostatistics | ||
BIOS --- | Any course above BIOS 500H, except BIOS 540, BIOS 543, BIOS 690, BIOS 691, BIOS 693H, BIOS 694H | |
Chemistry | ||
CHEM --- | Any course above CHEM 101 except CHEM 190, CHEM 291, CHEM 395, CHEM 396, CHEM 397, CHEM 410, and CHEM 692H | |
Computer Science | ||
COMP --- | Any course above COMP 116, except COMP 185, COMP 190, COMP 380, COMP 390, and COMP 393 | |
Environment and Ecology | ||
ENEC 108 | Our Energy and Climate Crises: Challenges and Opportunities | 4 |
ENEC 202 | Introduction to the Environmental Sciences | 4 |
ENEC 220 | North Carolina Estuaries: Environmental Processes and Problems | 3 |
ENEC 222 | Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science | 4 |
ENEC 256 | Mountain Biodiversity | 4 |
ENEC 304 | Restoration Ecology | 4 |
ENEC 324 | Water in Our World: Introduction to Hydrologic Science and Environmental Problems | 3 |
ENEC 352 | Marine Fisheries Ecology | 3 |
ENEC 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes | 3 |
ENEC 406 | Atmospheric Processes II | 4 |
ENEC 410 | Earth Processes in Environmental Systems | 4 |
ENEC 411 | Oceanic Processes in Environmental Systems | 4 |
ENEC 415 | Environmental Systems Modeling | 3 |
ENEC 416 | Environmental Meteorology | 3 |
ENEC 431 | Sustainable Cities: Exploring Ways of Making Cities More Sustainable | 3 |
ENEC 450 | Biogeochemical Processes | 4 |
ENEC 462 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
ENEC 471 | Human Impacts on Estuarine Ecosystems | 4 |
ENEC 479 | Landscape Analysis | 3 |
ENEC 489 | Ecological Processes in Environmental Systems | 4 |
ENEC 530 | Principles of Climate Modeling | 3 |
ENEC 562 | Statistics for Environmental Scientists | 4 |
ENEC 567 | Ecological Analyses and Application | 3 |
Environment Sciences | ||
ENVR 205 | Engineering Tools for Environmental Problem Solving | 3 |
ENVR 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes | 3 |
ENVR 411 | Laboratory Techniques and Field Measurements | 3 |
ENVR 412 | Ecological Microbiology | 3 |
ENVR 413 | Limnology | 3 |
ENVR 416 | Aerosol Physics and Chemistry | 4 |
ENVR 419 | Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters | 3 |
ENVR 421 | Environmental Health Microbiology | 3 |
ENVR 425 | Introduction to Health Physics: Radiation and Radiation Protection | 3 |
ENVR 430 | Health Effects of Environmental Agents | 3 |
ENVR 442 | Biochemical Toxicology | 3 |
ENVR 451 | Introduction to Environmental Modeling | 3 |
ENVR 453 | Groundwater Hydrology | 3 |
ENVR 468 | Temporal GIS and Space/Time Geostatistics for the Environment and Public Health | 3 |
ENVR 470 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 3 |
ENVR 472 | Quantitative Risk Assessment in Environmental Health Microbiology | 3 |
ENVR 514 | Measurement of NOx, O3, and Volatile Organic Compounds | 3 |
ENVR 575 | Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts, Solutions | 3 |
ENVR 630 | Systems Biology in Environmental Health | 3 |
ENVR 661 | Scientific Computation I | 3 |
ENVR 662 | Scientific Computation II | 3 |
ENVR 666 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
ENVR 668 | Methods of Applied Mathematics I | 3 |
ENVR 669 | Methods of Applied Mathematics II | 3 |
ENVR 671 | Environmental Physics I | 3 |
ENVR 672 | Environmental Physics II | 3 |
ENVR 675 | Air Pollution, Chemistry, and Physics | 3 |
Exercise and Sport Science | ||
EXSS 175 | Human Anatomy F | 3 |
EXSS 175 & EXSS 275L | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory F | 4 |
EXSS 276 | Human Physiology | 3 |
EXSS 376 | Physiological Basis of Human Performance | 4 |
EXSS 380 | Neuromuscular Control and Learning | 3 |
EXSS 385 | Biomechanics of Sport | 3 |
EXSS 475 | Functional Anatomy | 3 |
EXSS 576 | Exercise Endocrinology | 3 |
EXSS 580 | Neuromechanics of Human Movement | 3 |
Geography | ||
GEOG 110 | The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth's Environmental Systems H | 3 |
GEOG 111 | Weather and Climate | 3 |
GEOG 212 | Environmental Conservation and Global Change | 3 |
GEOG 253 | Introduction to Atmospheric Processes | 4 |
GEOG 391 | Quantitative Methods in Geography | 3 |
GEOG 412 | Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
GEOG 414 | Climate Change | 3 |
GEOG 416 | Applied Climatology: The Impacts of Climate and Weather on Environmental and Social Systems | 3 |
GEOG 440 | Earth Surface Processes | 3 |
GEOG 441 | Introduction to Watershed Systems | 3 |
GEOG 442 | Limnology and Freshwater Ecology | 3 |
Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences | ||
GEOL --- | Any course above GEOL 100, except GEOL 190, GEOL 390, GEOL 395, GEOL 396, GEOL 412, GEOL 480, GEOL 590, GEOL 601, GEOL 602, GEOL 691H, GEOL 692H, and GEOL 695 | |
MASC --- | Any course above MASC 100, except MASC 190, MASC 390, MASC 395, MASC 396, and MASC 490 | |
EMES --- | Any course above EMES 100, except EMES 190, EMES 220, EMES 390, EMES 395, EMES 396, EMES 412, EMES 490, EMES 590, EMES 691H, and EMES 692H | |
Mathematics | ||
MATH --- | Any course above MATH 230 except MATH 290, 296, 396, 410, 411, 418, 515, 691H and 692H. | |
Microbiology | ||
MCRO --- | Any course above MCRO 100 except MCRO 690 | |
Nutrition | ||
NUTR 240 | Introduction to Human Nutrition | 3 |
NUTR 400 | Introduction to Nutritional Biochemistry | 3 |
NUTR 600 | Human Metabolism: Macronutrients | 3 |
NUTR 620 | HUMAN METABOLISM: MICRONUTRIENTS | 3 |
Philosophy | ||
PHIL 155 | Truth and Proof: Introduction to Mathematical Logic H | 3 |
PHIL 455 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
Physics | ||
PHYS --- | Any course above PHYS 99 except PHYS 132, PHYS 295, PHYS 391, PHYS 395, PHYS 410, PHYS 671L, PHYS 672L, PHYS 691H, and PHYS 692H | |
Statistics and Operations Research | ||
STOR --- | Any course above STOR 100 except STOR 151 or STOR 155 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.
First Year | Hours | |
---|---|---|
First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch | 3 | |
Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
Major Courses | ||
BIOL 101 & 101L | Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory H, F | 4 |
CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I H, F or General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences or Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity | 4 |
MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
PSYC 101 | General Psychology F | 3 |
Hours | 26 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Allied science course #1 | 3 | |
Allied science course #2, with lab | 4 | |
One additional non-Psychology and Neuroscience Department quantitative reasoning course (FC-QUANT) not used to fulfill the FC-QUANT Gen Ed requirement or any other requirement in the psychology major. | 3 | |
PSYC 210 | Statistical Principles of Psychological Research H | 3 |
PSYC 220 | Biopsychology H or Neuropsychopharmacology or Learning or Sensation and Perception | 3 |
Hours | 16 | |
Junior Year | ||
PSYC 270 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
Two courses chosen from the clinical, developmental, or social list | 6 | |
Allied science course #3 | 3 | |
PSYC 230 or NSCI 225 | Cognitive Psychology H or Sensation and Perception | 3 |
Hours | 15 | |
Senior Year | ||
One PSYC and/or NSCI course chosen from the "Upper Level Courses for Special Requirement" (see course list) | 3 | |
One additional PSYC and/or NSCI course numbered between 395 and 699. May not include PSYC 493 or NSCI 493. | 3 | |
Allied science course #4 | 3 | |
One additional PSYC and/or NSCI course above 101 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 69 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Special Opportunities in Psychology and Neuroscience
Honors in Psychology and Neuroscience
Any major in the program with an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher and prior research experience in a faculty lab (e.g., PSYC 395 or NSCI 395) is eligible for enrollment in the departmental senior honors thesis program. Each candidate for honors participates in a two-semester course sequence (PSYC 693H and PSYC 694H or NSCI 693H and NSCI 694H) and carries out independent research in an area of the student’s choice under the guidance of a psychology and neuroscience faculty member. Please see the department website for the application form and additional information.
Departmental Involvement
The Carolina Psychology and Neuroscience Ambassadors Program is a peer mentoring program which connects relative new or inexperienced psychology and/or neuroscience majors with more advanced and experienced students, in order to create stronger networking and provide greater access to support and resources.
The Carolina Neuroscience Club brings together students who have an interest in the brain and nervous system. Club members meet regularly to discuss courses, research articles, and post-college neuroscience opportunities. Membership is open to anyone interested in neuroscience.
Psi Chi is the National Honor Society for psychology. UNC's chapter strives to increase awareness of career options as well as the role of psychology in the community, among exemplary psychology students.
Nu Rho Psi is the National Honor Society for neuroscience. The Nu Rho Psi chapter at Carolina aims to build connections among neuroscience students on campus, celebrate brain awareness week in our community, provide mentorship to underclassmen interested in the field, and much more.
Helping Give Away Psychological Science is a student-based nonprofit organization to improve information about psychology on Wikipedia, on other online sites, and in the community.
High-Impact/Experiential Education
Several opportunities for experiential education are available. The Karen M. Gil Internship Program offers both course credit and a monthly stipend to selected psychology and neuroscience majors who are placed in approved internship sites in the community. Interns are selected through a competitive process (minimum grade point average is 3.4). Other experiential education opportunities include PSYC 395; NSCI 395; PSYC 693H; PSYC 694H; NSCI 693H; NSCI 694H; coursed-based research courses (such as NSCI 27* lab-based research courses); or courses where service learning is a central focus, such as a psychology or neuroscience course with an APPLES program component.
Undergraduate Awards
The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience administers several undergraduate awards: the Dashiell-Thurstone Prize; the David Bray Peele Undergraduate Award; the Donald T. Lysle Service Award; the Lindquist Undergraduate Research Award; the J. Steven Reznick Award for Diversity Enhancement in Psychological Research; the J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant; and the Susan M. McHale Award for Outstanding Psychological Research by a Student Who Enhances Diversity, as well as several fellowships and grants administered through the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research or the UNC Honors Carolina Office. Additional honors include election to Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology undergraduates, and/or election to Nu Rho Psi, the national honor society for neuroscience undergraduates. Each year, the Lindquist Undergraduate Research Award is given to several undergraduate students to support their research; the Dashiell-Thurstone Prize is awarded to one student for the best undergraduate research project; the David Bray Peel Undergraduate Award is given for the best honors project; and the Donald T. Lysle Service Award is given to a psychology or neuroscience major who has made exemplary service contributions. The Donald T. Lysle Service Award is presented at the Chancellor's Award Ceremony, the only campus-wide recognition at Carolina. The department also supports awards that support diversity. The J. Steven Reznick Award for Outstanding Research That Enhances Diversity is for a graduating senior who has conducted excellent research that contributes to psychological knowledge about diversity and the J. Steven Reznick Diversity and Psychological Research Grant as well as the Susan M. McHale Award for Outstanding Research by a Student Who Enhances Diversity are awarded to student researchers who identify as being from an underrepresented population. For each of these awards, diversity is broadly defined, including but not limited to diversity based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status. For additional details on these awards, please visit the Psychology and Neuroscience page on undergraduate awards.
Undergraduate Research
Qualified students interested in doing independent research under the direction of a faculty member may enroll for independent research credit (PSYC 395 or NSCI 395). Students interested in this option should speak directly with psychology faculty members regarding opportunities in their laboratories. Additional information is available on the department's website. Many other psychology and neuroscience courses also include heavy research components and/or meet the general education research and discovery requirement (NSCI 27* labs). See the research methods, research intensive, and research exposure courses at the Office for Undergraduate Research.
Department Programs
Majors
Minors
Graduate Programs