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Typical course of study for a Psychology major

As an Alverno student, you will participate in Alverno's unique ability-based curriculum. As a Psychology major you will take a course of study similar to this:

In the first two years your studies will give you a background in the ways that psychologists think about a variety of topics. You will learn to apply psychological concepts and begin to learn about psychological theories. You will also learn about the methods that psychologists use to build their knowledge of why people (and other animals) behave, think, and feel the ways that they do.

In addition to your work in Psychology, in these first two years you will also complete the "general education" part of Alverno's liberal arts curriculum. In doing so you will develop the skills and knowledge that make up a well-rounded college graduate, regardless of her major and supports.

In your third and fourth years you will take more specialized courses and do independent project work which you will use to develop your understanding of the areas in Psychology which you find the most interesting and the most related to your long-term goals. In the project work in particular, you will practice applying the theories and research methods you have learned to topics which interest you personally.

In these last two years you will also do your internships, working at off-campus sites where you can practice your skills and learn about how working professionals apply their learning.

Here is what a sequence might look like. Please note that not all classes are offered every semester, so be sure to consult with your advisor when planning your course sequence.

First Year

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology
PSY 110: Lifespan Psychology
Second Year

BSC 215: Small Group Behavior
PSY 250: Abnormal Psychology
BSC 255: Behavioral Science Research Methods
BSC 256: Probability and Statistics
Third Year PSY 345: Physiological Psychology
PSY 350: Experimental Psychology
PSY 383: Internship
300 level psychology electives*
Fourth Year PSY 490: Clinical Psychology
PSY 483: Advanced Internship
PSY 491: Senior Seminar
300 level psychology electives*
  * The 300 level electives include:
PSY 320 The Family
PSY 330 Psychological Assessment
PSY 335 Psychology of the Adult Learner
PSY 345 Physiological Psychology
PSY 365 Social Psychology in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
PSY 370 Environmental Psychology
PSY 375 Theories of Personality
PSY 380 Learning and Cognition
PSY 385 AODA Seminar
PSY 390 Case Management

For additional information about these classes, see course descriptions.

For a course planning template, see the student templates under the Reference tab on the Diagnostic Digital Portfolio.

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Last updated August 21, 2008.    
Contact kris.vasquez@alverno.edu with questions or comments.