Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Major

Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Major, B.A. 

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the current catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Core General Education Requirements (CGER). CGER course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as CGER CL, CGER HA, and CGER NSWL to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of the course. Please click here for a description of the outcomes and requirements.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The degrees are distinguished by second language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.  

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (CGER SBS)3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)
or CGER Course Option
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 281Introduction to Behavior Analysis and Therapy (Core Domain, CGER SBS)3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
PSYC 101Psychology as a Discipline and a Profession1 or 3
or PSYC 102 Foundations in the Discipline of Psychology
101-level Second Language (CGER CL)4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement, 2 credits)
102-level Second Language (CGER CL)4
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
or CGER Course Option
TOTAL29-32
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (CGER MQR, satisfies B.A. Math Competency Requirement)4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 271Methods of Research in Psychology4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW)3
PSYC - Elective3
Elective3
TOTAL30-32
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
101-level Second Language (CGER CL) - suggested 1st Year4
102-level Second Language (CGER CL) - suggested 1st Year4
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 390Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 480Internship in Behavior Analysis a6
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
PSYC - Major Elective UD b3
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness with Lab (NSWL)4
ELECTIVE - Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or UD Elective 3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
TOTAL28-30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 412Experimental Analysis of Behavior4
PSYC 480Internship in Behavior Analysis3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
Minor/Second Program - Required Courses or Electives 6
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
Elective - Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or UD Elective 9
CGER Course Option3
CGER Course Option3
TOTAL30-32

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

Enrollment in PSYC 480 (Internship in Behavior Analysis) will be 3-6 credits per term depending on the Internship. 

b

Major Electives include: PSYC 302 (Principles of Learning), PSYC 377 (Psychopharmacology), PSYC 396c (Research Apprentice in Psychology), and PSYC 397c (Student Academic Apprentice in Psychology. PSYC 397c(Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

c

For PSYC 396 or PSYC 397 credits to count toward the Behavior Analysis major, PSYC 396 must be Behavior Analysis research and PSYC 397 credit must be earned by serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a Behavior Analysis course (e.g., PSYC 281, PSYC 390). 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire. 

  • Internships: Students will complete a 9-credit Internship and will speak with a behavior analytic faculty member to identify the internship experience that best matches the student’s interests. PSYC 480 (Internship in Behavior Analysis) credits will be arranged with the assistance of the supervising faculty member. Students complete the Internship over two or three semesters, enrolling in no more than 6-credits of Internship per semester. Completing PSYC 390 with a B or above is a prerequisite to Internship enrollment.
  • Research: Students are encouraged to explore collaborative research experiences with Psychology faculty. PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) credits can be earned for this experience. 
  • Student Academic Apprenticeships: Students have the option of serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a course which they have previously completed and typically earned an A or better in. PSYC 397 (Student Academic Apprentice) credits can be earned for this experience. 
  • Study Abroad and/or Immersion: Psychology majors may consider a Study Abroad or National Student Exchange experience (for 1-2 semesters), and/or shorter Immersion Trips. It is recommended that Psychology majors who plan to Study Abroad for an entire semester or more do so in their second year, though Study Abroad is still possible after the second year. 

Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Major, B.S. 

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the current catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Core General Education Requirements (CGER). CGER course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as CGER CL, CGER HA, and CGER NSWL to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of the course. Please click here for a description of the outcomes and requirements.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The degrees are distinguished by second language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (CGER SBS)3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives
or CGER Course Option
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 281Introduction to Behavior Analysis and Therapy (CGER SBS)3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
or CGER Course Option
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
PSYC 101Psychology as a Discipline and a Profession1-3
or PSYC 102 Foundations in the Discipline of Psychology
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus (per Math Placement Exam)4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement, 2 credits)
MATH 111A Short Course in Calculus (Math Competency for B.S.)2-4
or MATH 112 Precalculus Mathematics
or MATH 113 Trigonometry
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective3
TOTAL30-33
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (CGER MQR)4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 271Methods of Research in Psychology4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)3
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness with Lab (NSWL)4
Elective3
TOTAL27-30
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
ELECTIVE - Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or other Elective3
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 390Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 480Internship in Behavior Analysis a6
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
PSYC - Major Elective UD b3
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW)3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)3
ELECTIVE - Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or UD Elective3
TOTAL27-30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 412Experimental Analysis of Behavior4
PSYC 480Internship in Behavior Analysis3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 6
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
CGER Option: Communication & Literacy (CL)3
ELECTIVE - Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 8-9
TOTAL30-31

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

Enrollment in PSYC 480 (Internship in Behavior Analysis) will be 3-6 credits per term depending on the Internship.

b

Major Electives include: PSYC 302 (Principles of Learning), PSYC 377 (Psychopharmacology), PSYC 396c (Research Apprentice in Psychology), and PSYC 397c (Student Academic Apprentice in Psychology. PSYC 397c (Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

c

For PSYC 396 or PSYC 397 credits to count toward the Behavior Analysis major, PSYC 396 must be Behavior Analysis research and PSYC 397 credit must be earned by serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a Behavior Analysis course (e.g., PSYC 281, PSYC 390).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

  • Internships: Students will complete a 9-credit Internship and will speak with a behavior analytic faculty member to identify the internship experience that best matches the student’s interests. PSYC 480 (Internship in Behavior Analysis) credits will be arranged with the assistance of the supervising faculty member. Students complete the Internship over two or three semesters, enrolling in no more than 6-credits of Internship per semester. Completing PSYC 390 with a B or above is a prerequisite to Internship enrollment.
  •  Research: Students are encouraged to explore collaborative research experiences with Psychology faculty. PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) credits can be earned for this experience.
  •  Student Academic Apprenticeships: Students have the option of serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a course which they have previously completed and typically earned an A or better in. PSYC 397 (Student Academic Apprentice) credits can be earned for this experience.
  •  Study Abroad and/or Immersion: Psychology majors may consider a Study Abroad or National Student Exchange experience (for 1-2 semesters), and/or shorter Immersion Trips. It is recommended that Psychology majors who plan to Study Abroad for an entire semester or more do so in their second year, though Study Abroad is still possible after the second year.

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)

Core General Education Requirements (CGER) 

The Core General Education Requirements (CGER) includes a minimum of 10 courses across 6 categories. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the CGER Core. 

  • Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) - 4 credits, one course minimum
    • Includes the University Mathematics Requirement¹
  • Communication & Literacy (CL) - 8 credits, two courses minimum
    • ​​​​Includes the University Writing Requirement (CL-W)²
  • Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW/NSWL) - 6 credits, one course minimum (NSW-Lab required)
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) - 6 credits, two courses minimum 
  • Humanities & Arts (HA) - 6 credits, two courses minimum 
  • Civics & Perspectives (CP) - 6 credits, two courses minimum 
1

University Mathematics Requirement:

Students satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement in one of four ways:

  • completing an approved university-level mathematics course (MQR) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
  • achieving a suitable score on the UW Math Placement Test
  • achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics exams
  • achieving a suitable score on a Credit by Examination administered by the Department of Mathematics.  
2

University Writing Requirement:

Students satisfy the University Writing Requirement in one of four ways:

  • completing a Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing course (WRIT 102WRIT 114WRIT 116WRIT 118, or WRIT 120) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
  • achieving a suitable score on the English Placement Test (WPT ENGL)
  • achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition or Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exams
  • achieving a suitable score on the University Writing Program Portfolio.
Completion via Placement Test
  • Writing: If the CL-W subcategory is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Communication and Literacy requirement will be reduced from 8 credits (2 courses) to 3 credits (1 course).

  • Mathematics: If the University Math Requirement is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning requirement will be considered fully met, replacing the 4-credit (1 course) requirement.

  • Students must still complete 36 credits across 10 courses, with any remaining credits or courses eligible to be taken from any CGER category.