The Psychology major is one of the largest majors in the College of Letters & Science, focusing on several areas in the field of Psychological Science: biological, clinical, cognition & cognitive neuroscience, perception, developmental, and social & personality.
The mission of the undergraduate program in psychology is to provide students with opportunities to:
- learn about the multiple content areas of scientific psychology
- develop the ability to think critically and quantitatively
- enhance communication skills in the classroom and in writing
- prepare for the most rigorous graduate and professional programs
- apply the science of psychology to the well-being of citizens of Wisconsin and the global community
Some students will go to graduate school and become the next generation of psychological scientists and educators who will create and disseminate new knowledge. Others will choose careers in other areas, including but not limited to business, medicine, law, education, and counseling. Through its strong interdisciplinary connections with the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and medical sciences, scientific psychology is positioned well to influence critical issues for society. Because all courses in psychology emphasize critical thinking and the analysis of research, the Undergraduate Program prepares students to take on the challenges of and fully participate in an increasingly complex, multicultural world.
How to Get in
Students who successfully complete PSYCH 202 (or equivalent) with a grade of C or better are eligible to declare the major.1
Please refer to the Department website for instructions on how to declare the major.
- 1
Equivalents include a score of 4 or higher on the IB Psychology exam or or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| LS Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The major requires the completion of the six categories below (Foundation, Biology, Breadth, Depth, Capstone and Electives) and a minimum of 30 credits in PSYCH coursework.
Foundation
Foundation courses provide a grounding in basic psychological facts and an understanding of the methodologies used to produce those facts. Foundation courses are required with grades of C or better in each course;
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Psychology—one course: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Statistics—one course: | 3 | |
| Basic Statistics for Psychology | ||
| Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | ||
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Research Methods—one course: | 4 | |
| Research Methods | ||
Biology
Foundational knowledge in biology is critical to the study of psychological science and the understanding of human and animal behavior, as well as the brain sciences.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Biology—complete one of following: 2 | ||
| BIOLOGY/ZOOLOGY 101 | Animal Biology | 3 |
| BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 151 | Introductory Biology | 5 |
| BIOCORE 381 & BIOCORE 383 | Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Cellular Biology | 6 |
Breadth
Breadth courses familiarize students with the breadth of psychology in the following area groups: Biological, Clinical, Cognitive & Perceptual Science, Development, and Social & Personality. Complete one course from three different area groups for a total of three courses:
Biological
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 449 | Animal Behavior | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 450 | Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 454 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3-4 |
| PSYCH/ZOOLOGY 523 | Neurobiology | 3 |
Clinical
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 401 | Psychology, Law, and Social Policy | 3 |
| PSYCH 405 | Adult Psychopathology | 3-4 |
Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 406 | Psychology of Perception | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 413 | Language, Mind, and Brain | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 414 | Cognitive Psychology | 3-4 |
Developmental
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH/SOC 453 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
| PSYCH 460 | Child Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 462 | Adolescent Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 464 | Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
Social and Personality
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 403 | Psychology of Personality | 3 |
| PSYCH 456 | Social Psychology | 3-4 |
| PSYCH/GEN&WS 522 | Psychology of Women and Gender | 3 |
Depth
Depth courses allow students to engage in depth with material in specific content areas in psychology. Depth courses include both a lecture component and a required discussion/lab section for all students, and they help students develop a deeper understanding of particular areas of psychology. Two courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 501 | Depth Topic in Social Science (multiple separate topics offered each semester) | 4 |
| PSYCH 502 | Cognitive Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 503 | Social Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 505 | Depth Topic in Biological Science | 4 |
| PSYCH 508 | Psychology of Human Emotions: From Biology to Culture | 4 |
| PSYCH 510 | Critical Issues in Child Psychopathology | 4 |
| PSYCH 513 | Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | 4 |
| PSYCH 520 | How We Read: The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications | 4 |
| PSYCH 521 | The Structure of Human Thought: Concepts, Language and Culture | 4 |
| PSYCH 525 | Cognition in Health and Society | 4 |
| PSYCH 526 | The Criminal Mind: Forensic and Psychobiological Perspectives | 4 |
| PSYCH 528 | Cultural Psychology | 4 |
| PSYCH 532 | Psychological Effects of the Internet | 4 |
Capstone
Capstone courses allow students to explore current research in psychology in a seminar setting. One course is required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 601 | Current Topics in Psychology (many separate topics each semester) | 3 |
| PSYCH 602 | Intermediate Statistics for Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 603 | Epigenetics and the Brain | 3 |
| PSYCH 606 | Hormones and Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 607 | Introduction to Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYCH 612 | Neuropharmacology | 3 |
Electives
In addition to completion of the courses required above, students must complete at least 3 additional credits in PSYCH in courses numbered 300 and above. Students may complete any additional PSYCH course(s), including courses from: the Breadth, Depth, or Capstone areas, or directed/independent study and mentored research.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all PSYCH and major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence 3
- 15 credits in PSYCH, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Honors in the Major
Students who are declared psychology majors may opt to pursue Honors in the Major. Honors in the Major is especially appropriate for students who want more in-depth exposure and experiences in psychology courses, as well as substantive research involvement in the Department. Honors in the Major also provides opportunities to develop leadership, writing, and critical thinking skills beneficial to a wide range of graduate programs and career choices.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 within the Psychology major as well as minimum GPA of 3.3 overall, and have met with a Psychology Advisor regarding Honors in the Major in order to declare their intent to complete Honors in the Major in Psychology.
Please refer to the Department website for instructions on how to declare intent to complete honors in the major.
Honors in the Psychology Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in Psychology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA in all PSYCH and major courses
- Complete the following courses with Honors and a grade of B or higher:
- PSYCH 380 (Junior year) or two semesters of PSYCH 686 Senior Thesis Seminar in Psychology (requires Fall and Spring enrollment)
- Three Psychology Breadth and/or Depth courses OR Two Psychology Breadth and/or Depth courses and one of the following: PSYCH 210 Basic Statistics for Psychology or PSYCH 225 Research Methods
- A two-semester Senior Honors Thesis in PSYCH 681 and PSYCH 682 for a total of 6 credits.
Footnotes
- 1
Equivalents may include credit awarded by appropriate scores on AP, IB, or A-level exams or transfer credit.
- 2
A score of 4 or better on the IB Biology exam, or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam will satisfy the Introductory Biology requirement.
- 3
PSYCH 300–699 are upper-level in the major.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Gain an appreciation for the contributions that psychology is making to our understanding of human and animal behavior.
- Learn to analyze and construct arguments, define and solve problems, and understand and apply scientific reasoning.
- Learn to communicate their ideas in a clear, organized, and compelling way.
- Gain a specific understanding of how to use data and research methodology in their critical thinking.
- Acquire an appreciation of and respect for individual differences and diversity of experiences and background.
- Acquire the statistical and research skills used in the behavioral sciences.
- Have the opportunity to evaluate the diverse professional opportunities in psychology.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A | 3 | Psych Breadth Course | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 1011 | 3 |
| Foreign Language (if required) | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| PSYCH 202 | 3-4 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Breadth Course | 3 | PSYCH 210 (satisfies QR-B)2 | 3 |
| Literature Breadth course | 3 | INTER-LS 210 (optional) | 1 |
| Physical Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 | Psych Breadth Course | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSYCH 225 (satisfies Com-B) | 4 | Psych Depth Course (may be taken in Fourth Year) | 4 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Psych Elective (3 PSYCH elective credits needed) | 3 |
| I/A Comp Sci, Math, or Stats (if needed for the BS) | 3 | Electives | 8 |
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Depth Course (Fall and/or Spring) | 4 | Electives | 15 |
| Psych Capstone (Fall or Spring) | 3 | ||
| I/A Comp Sci, Math, or Stats (if required for the BS) | 3 | ||
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
All current UW–Madison undergraduate students interested in the psychology major are welcome to schedule an academic advising appointment with a psychology advisor.
Advising appointments can be made through the Starfish scheduling tool. Please visit psych.wisc.edu —> undergraduate program —> academic advising -> schedule an advising appointment.
For more information about psychology advising visit psych.wisc.edu —> undergraduate program — > academic advising.
Are you a prospective student? The Department of Psychology welcomes prospective students to attend our Information Sessions held throughout the year. Please visit the Office of Admissions’ Visit Bucky website for information on dates and times of our Psychology Major Information Sessions.
Careers
Students who major in Psychology enter a wide variety of careers, both with and without education beyond a Bachelor’s degree. The American Psychological Association (APA) with the Center for Workforce Studies (CWS) has recent statistics on What do you do with a Psychology degree? CWS Data Tool: Careers in Psychology.
There are several campus resources to guide students in their career search. Undecided students who are unsure about their desired major/career are encouraged to visit the Career Exploration Center. The SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science offers a variety of opportunities ranging from career assessment, resume writing, interviewing techniques, internships, graduate school, and more. Additionally, the Department of Psychology offers career support and resources for current students who have declared a psychology major.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Faculty and Instructional Staff
Professors: Bennett (chair), Alibali, Auger, Berridge, Brauer, Curtin, Davidson, Devine, Gernsbacher, Green, Gooding, Marler, Niedenthal, Pollak, Postle, Rogers, Ryff, Saffran, Shutts
Associate Professors: Austerweil, Howell, Li, Lupyan, Saalmann, Schloss, Walsh
Assistant Professors: Ammerman, Buttrick, Chadwick, Ferrigno, Jerald, Jordan, Li, Mohebi, Moreira
Instructional Staff: Addington, Andrews, Caldwell, Coffey, Donovan, Gallimore, Greenberg, Henriques, Jones, Konz, Pflum, Reinholtz, Van Rybroek, Winston