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Psychology Major Requirements Beginning Fall 2009

Beginning with the fall semester 2009, the Psychology Limited Enrollment Program Admission requirements and Psychology Undergraduate Program requirements are changing. Students who matriculate at the University of Maryland or any other University of Maryland System institution or Maryland community colleges beginning in fall 2009 will be considered to be part of the new requirements. In addition, students who started at an out-of-state institution prior to fall 2009 will be considered under the new requirements. Information about the new requirements can be found on this page. Students who matriculated at the University of Maryland or any other University of Maryland System institution or Maryland community college prior to fall 2009 will be considered under the old requirements which can be found here.

THE NEW REQUIREMENTS

Freshman Direct Admits: All students accepted directly as freshman into the Psychology major will undergo an Academic Review at 45 credits (earned at Maryland) in order to remain in the major. The Academic Review criteria include:

  • Completion of PSYC 100 with a minimum grade of 3.0 (if student has Advanced Placement credit for PSYC 100, student must complete PSYC 221 with a minimum grade of 3.0)
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all coursework taken at the University of Maryland

For the following two gateway requirements, one must be a 3.0 or better and the other must be a 2.0 or better:

  • Completion of MATH 111, 140 or 220
  • Completion of BSCI 105 or BSCI 106 or PHYS 121 or CHEM 131/132

Transfer Admission Requirements: Students beyond their first semester and those off campus (from non Maryland public institutions) wishing to transfer are required to meet the following gateway criteria prior to applying to the major:

  • Completion of PSYC 100 with a minimum grade of 3.0 (if student has Advanced Placement credit for PSYC 100, student must complete PSYC 221 with a minimum grade of 3.0)
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all coursework taken at the University of Maryland

For the following two gateway requirements, one must be a 3.0 or better and the other must be a 2.0 or better:

  • Completion of MATH 111, 140 or 220
  • Completion of BSCI 105 or BSCI 106 or PHYS 121 or CHEM 131/132

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PLEASE NOTE

Only one “gateway” or performance review course may be repeated to earn the required grade and that course may only be repeated once.

Students may apply only once to an LEP. Students who are directly admitted and fail to meet the performance review criteria will be dismissed from the major and may not reapply.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the major.

Any student denied admission or dismissed from the major may appeal directly to the Associate Dean of the College.
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Course Requirements

Students must complete 11 courses (35 credits) in order earn their degree in Psychology. The courses are:

  • PSYC 100 – Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 200 – Statistical Methods in Psychology
  • PSYC 300 – Research Methods in Psychology
  • A minimum of 2 courses from each of the three thematic areas:
    • Mind, Brain, & Behavior
    • Mental Health and Interventions
    • Social, Developmental, & Organizational Processes
  • Two 400 level non-lab courses
  • Two 400 level lab courses

The courses that qualify in each of the three thematic areas can be found here.

Further information can be found on the Psychology Major card.

Audit of Degree Requirements

An audit of degree requirements is a way for you to keep track of your outstanding course requirements. It is also the way to make sure that you and the advisor agree on your remaining requirements. These requirements remain the same as they were under the old requirement system.

Degree Navigator – Student Audit

Degree Navigator is an unofficial student audit system that's available to you at any time. Please use this website to keep track of your outstanding requirements and select your courses accordingly.

Psychology Department Audit

A Psychology Audit is the way we confirm and document your outstanding major requirements for your degree. You may request a Psychology Department audit any time in your academic career.

Psychology Department Audits are required when:

  • You have 90 or more credits.
  • You plan to study abroad.
  • You wish to add a second major or minor.
  • You intend to request a BSOS College Audit.

Psychology Majors can make an appointment for a Psychology Audit in the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for an appointment during busy registration times.

BSOS College Audit

A BSOS College Audit is the way we confirm and document your outstanding College & University requirements. BSOS College Audits require an appointment with an advisor at BSOS Advising.

BSOS College Audits are required when:

  • You have 90 or more credits
  • You plan to study abroad.
  • You wish to add a second major or minor.

Remember: you must complete a Psychology Department Audit before you can request a BSOS College Audit.

Appeals and Exceptions

The appeals process is the same as it was under the old requirement system.

Appeal for Exception to Psychology Entrance Requirements

Students who wish to request an exception to the Admission Policy for the Psychology Major should make an appointment with a BSOS Advisor in 2148 Tydings Hall (301-405-1697) and plan to submit an "Appeal for Exception to Policy for Admission to a Limited Enrollment Program" form.

Appeal of Dismissal from the Psychology Major or for Extension of APR Deadline

Students who anticipate that they will be unsuccessful in passing their academic performance review (APR) on time or who have been dismissed from the psychology major may appeal to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Psychology Department.

Appeals for postponement of APR deadline will require documentation of unusual, extenuating or special circumstances and a clear action plan for completing requirements.

Appeal forms are available in Room 1107 Bio-Psyc. Building, or you can download the Appeal Forms.

Appeal for Exception to Other Psychology Department Policies

If you experience unusual or extenuating circumstances that you think warrant consideration for a special exception to Psychology Department policy, please contact an Academic Advisor to discuss your situation.