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Admission to the Psychology Major for Freshman

Freshmen admitted to UMD directly from high school may declare Psychology as a major anytime before the end of schedule adjustment of their first semester at UMD (see the Academic Calendars to find out when that deadline is). A freshman may change his or her major to Psychology by making an appointment with a PSYC Advisor. Students also need to make sure they leave enough time to fulfill all of the paperwork requirements below before the end of schedule adjustment in their first semester.

After schedule adjustment for their first semester has passed, freshmen must follow the admission requirements for transfer students and submit an application to the major after meeting the entrance requirements.

Students who enter UMD as freshmen and declare psychology as a major before the end of schedule adjustment of the first semester must complete the following Academic Performance Requirements no later than the semester in which they have earned 45 credits (not including AP/IB credits):

  • PSYC 100 with a grade of "B" or higher
  • If AP or IB credit for PSYC 100, must take PSYC 221 and earn a grade of "B" or higher.
  • Math 111 or 220 or 140 with a grade of "C" or higher
  • BSCI 105 or BSCI 106 or PHYS 121 or CHEM 131/132 (formerly CHEM 103) with a grade of "C" or higher
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0

Once you think you have the prerequisites above, visit a Psychology Advisor to become familiar with specific degree requirements and to get a signed and stamped Change of Major form and register for the PSYC Workshop.

Then, you can contact BSOS Advising to register for an Academic Planning Session.

Attend a mandatory PSYC Academic Planning session and then complete an academic plan. Sample course plans are available to help you with this.

When you complete this process, turn in both the academic plan and Change of Major form to BSOS Advising before the end of schedule adjustment for your first semester.

BSOS Advising will send you an email notifying you of your status. Please note that this will take several weeks. You will officially become a Psychology major the following semester.

If you've done all this but still cannot register for classes, contact a Psychology Department Advisor.