Admission Requirements
Freshmen and Transfers - See University Admission Requirements
- Declaration of Major: Incoming freshmen may enter UNC Charlotte as declared Psychology majors without additional admissions requirements.
Currently Enrolled Students * STAT 1221 or STAT 1222 is preferred because the course is designed for life or social and behavioral sciences, respectively. - Declaration of Major: Applications to declare the major are accepted during approximately the 2nd month of classes each Fall and Spring term, as stated on the Department of Psychological Science website.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 120 total earned credit hours is required for the degree. The Major in Psychology requires 39 credit hours of coursework in the major. Psychology coursework in four areas is required: Research Methods/Critical Thinking Skills, Knowledge Base, Psychology Elective courses, and a Capstone course. No more than 13 credit hours (four courses) may be double-counted with another major, minor, or General Education requirements. General Psychology Lab may not be counted towards the major. General Education Courses (31-32 credit hours)
For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program . Total hours to satisfy General Education Requirements may vary as some general education requirements may be double-counted in the major with departmental approval. Please see your advisor for information. Major Courses (49 credit hours)
Natural Sciences Courses (7 credit hours)
Select two courses, one of which must be taken with its corresponding laboratory (L) course. Natural Sciences courses may also be used to satisfy General Education requirements. For a list of acceptable courses, see the General Education Program . Knowledge Base Area Courses (15 credit hours)
Note: All courses must be completed with grades of C or better AND within 2 attempts to remain in the major. Research Methods and Critical Thinking Area Courses (15 credit hours)
This core is designed to foster understanding of research methodological approaches in Psychology as well as to help students consume and critically think about psychological research. Students must complete a STAT 122X course prior to taking PSYC 2391 . Following the larger, lecture based PSYC 2391 , students will take a deep dive into psychological research by completing either PSYC 3291 or PSYC 3292 where students should expect to learn and develop APA style research writing skills. PSYC 3291 and PSYC 3292 meet the same requirement toward the major; thus, students can only complete one without petitioning the department for a permit. To determine which course (PSYC 3291 or PSYC 3292 ), students can work with their professional advisor and review material from PSYC 2390 . Note: All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better AND within 2 attempts to remain in the major. Capstone Course (3 credit hours)
Capstone courses serve as a culminating experience for the undergraduate program. Selection of a Capstone course should be made with future career and educational goals in mind. Enrollment in a Capstone course requires the student to have completed 90 or more credit hours of coursework, have a grade of C or above in PSYC 3291 or PSYC 3292 , and any additional prerequisites as required by the individual course. A Capstone course may not be taken during the same term as PSYC 3291 or PSYC 3292 . Only one Senior Seminar may be taken. The capstone must be completed with a grade of C or better AND within 2 attempts to remain a major. Students may select their Capstone from the following list of courses: Unrestricted Elective Courses
As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation. Students in the Psychology major are strongly encouraged to combine their Psychology major with a minor or second major. UNC Charlotte offers a wide range of minors to complement and otherwise enrich student readiness for workplace settings that demand effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, digital literacy, and effective teamwork. Coursework outside of Psychology will broaden skills and create a more well-rounded graduate. Psychology Electives (15 credit hours)
Students have the opportunity to chart a unique trajectory of elective courses at the 2300- , 3000- and 4000- level. Students will begin this process of reflection and navigation during PSYC 2390 and expected to continue by meeting with their professional advisor. 2300-level Electives (3-6 credit hours)
Students can chose to take 3-6 credit hours at the PSYC 23XX-level that are in alignment with their interests and trajectory following the completion of their undergraduate degree. NOTE: PSYC 2390 and PSYC 2391 do NOT count as elective courses given they are core PSYC required courses for all PSYC majors. 3000-level or 4000-level Non-Capstone Electives (9-12 credit hours)
Students can chose to take 9-12 credit hours at the PSYC 3000- or PSYC 4000- (non-Capstone) level that are in alignment with their interests and trajectory following the completion of their undergraduate degree. NOTE: PSYC 3291 and PSYC 3292 do NOT count as elective courses given they meet core PSYC required courses for all PSYC majors. PSYC 4099 , PSYC 43XX, PSYC 46XX, and PSYC 4702 do NOT count as elective courses given they meet the Capstone course requirement for all PSYC majors. Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours
Progression Requirements
- A GPA (overall and PSYC-specific) of 2.0 or above must be maintained for the major. A grade of C or above in PSYC 1101 , PSYC 2113 , PSYC 2115 , PSYC 2117 , PSYC 2390 , PSYC 2391 , PSYC 3291 or PSYC 3292 , a statistics course, the two Natural Science courses and one with corresponding lab, and the Capstone course within 2 attempts* is required to progress and remain in the major.
* Each of the following is considered an attempt: Withdrawing from the course after the drop deadline (may be appealed); grade replacement; audits; Pass/No Credit; Incompletes that convert to grades of F; and grades of A, B, C, D, or F. Suggested/Ideal Major Specific Progression ** STAT 1221 or STAT 1222 is preferred because the course is designed for life or social and behavioral sciences, respectively. Academic Advising
Students should seek advising from the Psychology Advising for Student Success (PASS) Center about courses most beneficial to their career and educational goals. In addition, the Department of Psychological Science actively participates in several interdisciplinary areas of study, including Gerontology, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Cognitive Science. Honors Program
For details about the Honors Program in Psychology, visit the program page . |
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