Psychology, Major

Psychology, 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 Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

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 foreign 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 (LE-K2)3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives or other LE3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
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
PSYC - Core Domain (LE-K2) 3
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 2 credits)
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (LE-S1, 2 credits)
TOTAL29-31
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (LE-S2: satisfies BA Math Competency Requirement)4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (K1) Natural Sciences4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
PSYC - Core Domain 3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity or other LE 3
LE Option: Integration (I1)3
TOTAL29-31
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
Foreign Language - 101 (LE-S1) suggested 1st year 4
Foreign Language - 102 (LE-S1) suggested 1st year 4
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 271Methods of Research in Psychology4
PSYC or Elective - Psyc Elective UD or Elective UD a3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD 3
PSYC or Elective - Psyc Elective UD or Elective UD b3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (K1) Natural Sciences3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
LE Option: Integration (I1)3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities3
TOTAL30-33
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD c6-9
Minor/Second Program - Required Courses or Electives 3-6
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 401Big Issues in Psychology (Senior Capstone) d3
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD 3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
Elective: Major, Minor/Second Program, LE, or UD Electives6-7
TOTAL29-31
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
a

PSYC 397 (Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

b

PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) could be taken this semester. PSYC 396 can be taken for repeated credit as research experiences may last longer than a semester. 

c

Many students who complete an internship do so in their fourth year. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits could be earned during this semester. 

d

The PSYC 401 Big Issues Capstone is taken in a student’s final semester. At least 9 credits of upper-division Psychology courses must be completed before enrolling in PSYC 401.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

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 are encouraged to speak with an advisor to identify an internship experience that matches the student’s interests. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits can be arranged with the assistance of a faculty member. 
  • 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 a B 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. See Your Major + Study Abroad for listings of psychology courses offered abroad. 

Psychology, 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 Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

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 foreign 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 (LE-K2)3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives or other LE3
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus (per Math Placement Exam)4
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
PSYC - Core Domain (LE-K2) 3
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, University Writing Requirement)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 Credits)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 2 credits)
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (LE-S1, 2 credits)
MATH 111A Short Course in Calculus (Math Competency for BS )2-4
or MATH 112 Precalculus Mathematics
or MATH 113 Trigonometry
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity or other LE 3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts3
TOTAL30-32
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (LE-S2)4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (K1) Natural Sciences4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 4
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
LE Option: Integration (I1)3
PSYC - Core Domain 3
TOTAL30
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
ELECTIVE - Major, Minor/Second Program, LE, or other Elective3
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 271Methods of Research in Psychology4
PSYC or Elective - Psyc Elective UD or Elective UD a3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD 3
PSYC or Elective - Psyc Elective UD or Elective UD b3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective 3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (K1) Natural Sciences3
LE Option: Integration (I1)3
Service-Learning (LE-SL)
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities3
PYSC - Elective3
TOTAL30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD c6-9
Minor/Second Program - Required Courses or Electives 3-6
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 401Big Issues in Psychology (Senior Capstone) d3
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD 3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
LE Option: Skills 1 (S1) Written and Oral Communication3
Elective: Major, Minor/Second Program, LE, or UD Electives7-9
TOTAL28-30
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
a

PSYC 397 (Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

b

PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) could be taken this semester. PSYC 396 can be taken for repeated credit as research experiences may last longer than a semester.

c

Many students who complete an internship do so in their fourth year. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits could be earned during this semester. 

d

The PSYC 401 Big Issues Capstone is taken in a student’s final semester. At least 9 credits of upper-division Psychology courses must be completed before enrolling in PSYC 401.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

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 are encouraged to speak with an advisor to identify an internship experience that matches the student’s interests. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits can be arranged with the assistance of a faculty member. 
  • 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 a B 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. See Your Major + Study Abroad for listings of psychology courses offered abroad. 

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.