Psychology Major

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Nazish Salahuddin, Ph.D.

The undergraduate major in Psychology provides an introduction to the study of human behavior. This includes an understanding of the neurobiological, developmental, social, and evolutionary factors influencing our thought and behavior. Through that understanding comes the ability to modify behavior in beneficial ways. Courses are organized into three broad themes:

  1. Mind, Brain, and Behavior;
  2. Mental Health and Interventions; and
  3. Social, Developmental, and Organizational Studies.

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in quantitative and research methods. Beyond coursework, students will have opportunities to assist with and conduct research, an important advantage in any career path.

Students who are interested in the biological aspects of behavior tend to choose a program leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, while those interested primarily in the impact of social factors on behavior tend to choose the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The choice of program is made in consultation with an academic advisor.

Courses offered by this department may be found under the following acronym: PSYC

Admission to the Major

In accordance with university policy, the Department of Psychology has been designated a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). All first-time freshman who request psychology as a major will be directly admitted into the major. Other first-time freshman who wish to declare psychology as a major prior to the last day of classes of their first semester in residence will be allowed to do so.

In order to remain a psychology major, newly admitted freshman will be required to meet an academic performance review on or before the end of the semester in which they earned 45 University of Maryland credits. This standard includes:

  1. Completion of PSYC100 with a grade of "B-" or higher (if the student has Advanced Placement credit for PSYC100 , the student must complete PSYC221 with a grade of "B-" or higher)
  2. Completion of MATH120 or MATH140 with a grade of "C-" or higher.
  3. Completion of BSCI170 (Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology) and BSCI171 (Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab) with a minimum grade of "C-" in both courses.
  4. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all coursework taken at the University of Maryland.

All other students, including both internal and external transfer students, will be admitted to the program only if they have met the above LEP requirements and also have a minimum cumulative GPA based on all previous college-level coursework of 2.70 or higher.

For a more detailed discussion of LEP policies visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website and then call 301-405-5866 to consult with one of our academic advisors.

Any student denied admission or dismissed from the major may appeal to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Psychology.

Internal transfer students may appeal to the Office of the Dean for Behavioral and Social Sciences.

External transfer students may appeal to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Program Objectives

Students in the B.A. and B.S. programs in psychology will have a broad exposure to the diverse approaches to studying human behavior. They will acquire the tools and experiences necessary for successful careers utilizing their skills in the behavioral and social sciences. Their training will include a foundation in research methods, critical and creative problem solving, and effective communication. Students will also master the primary concepts and ideas representing both the breadth and depth of the fields in psychology.