This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Psychology - Undergraduate Programs

Academic Advising: 320/321 Life Science Bldg. · 817-272-0858

Overview

The Department of Psychology offers two programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree. It also offers courses of interest to the general public.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology is for those who wish to obtain a broad liberal arts education with a concentration in psychology. It is also a preparation for graduate studies in psychology and many other fields.

The Bachelor of Science degree in psychology is intended for those students preparing for work and study in fields requiring more mathematics and sciences. It is also suitable for pre-medical and pre-dental students. Students preparing for study in the health professions including medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, optometry, occupational therapy, and veterinary medicine should also be advised by the Health Professions Advisor in, Room 107 A, Life Science Building in order to meet the requirements of the corresponding professional schools.

Courses of general interest to the academic community include the following, which have no prerequisites:

PSYC 1315INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY3
PSYC 2317BASIC CONCEPTS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY3
PSYC 3301PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS3
PSYC 3302BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY3
PSYC 3303DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR3
PSYC 3305PSYCHOLOGY OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING3
PSYC 4350SPORT PSYCHOLOGY3

Acceptance Requirements for a Major in Psychology

Students who wish to apply for major status in psychology must first meet the University and College of Science requirements for admission to major status and the specific requirements of the Department of Psychology listed below.

Overall and Psychology GPA of at least 2.25.  Completed PSYC 2443 and PSYC 3443 with a C or better in each course. Students currently enrolled at the University may qualify to change their major to psychology by meeting the requirements listed above depending on their current status. Starting Fall 2018 students may not enroll in PSYC 2443 or 3443more than 3 times. If a student reaches their 3rd attempt they will have to change their major.

Academic Probation (College of Science): Majors whose overall GPA or GPA in major courses falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation and must consult with the Department Advisor prior to enrolling in additional courses.

Admission to Upper-Level Laboratory Courses:

To enroll in the Advanced Topic courses1 the student must make a C or better in both PSYC 2443 and PSYC 3443 or equivalent courses and must have completed the associated upper-division lecture course.

Distinguished Scholars in Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers a Distinguished Scholars program in psychology. This program is intended to provide students with the opportunity for intellectual and professional development that will take them beyond the requirements of the basic B.A. or B.S. degrees. Thus, the program serves to promote and acknowledge the special achievements of participating students.

To qualify, the student must have completed 30 hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or better in residence at UT Arlington, including 10 hours in psychology, with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 or better. The student does background reading and designs a study with a faculty sponsor in PSYC 4361, then performs the research project and writes an honors thesis in PSYC 4398. In most cases, the six hours of Distinguished Scholar credit will not increase the total hours necessary to complete the B.A. or B.S. degree.

Qualified students or students who believe they may qualify should contact the undergraduate advisor as soon as possible after completing PSYC 3443.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology

The requirements to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology can be achieved through degree plans under any one of the two options (i.e., Option 1-BS in Psychology with a minor from a different discipline,  Option 2- BS in Psychology  with an Emphasis in Psychology). Before choosing a degree program under one of these options, please consult with the psychology undergraduate advisor. Click here for a sample degree plan: BS_DEGREE_PLAN_WITH_UNIV_1131.xlsx

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 36
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES (or any three hours meeting the legislative requirement)3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (or any three hours meeting the legislative requirement)3
Language, Philosophy and Culture 13
MATH 1421PREPARATION FOR CALCULUS 24
MATH 1426CALCULUS I 24
Life and Physical Science
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
Social/Behavioral Science 13
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area 13
Program Requirements
Select one of the following in computer literacy:0-3
COMPUTER LITERACY
INTRODUCTION TO M.I.S. AND DATA PROCESSING
Or any equivalent course
Or passing the university computer proficiency test 4
Select one of the following in oral communication competency:3
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Or an equivalent three hour course approved by the Undergraduate Advisor
Courses from the Cultural Studies List 2,36
Need a total of 15-16 hours in Life & Physical Sciences including the 8 hours from the biology sequence. Select from the following sciences, or seven additional hours in biology for science majors courses.7-8
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
EARTH SYSTEMS
and EARTH HISTORY
GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I
and GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II
GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I
and GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II
Professional Programs
Major
PSYC 1315INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY3
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
PSYC 2443RESEARCH DESIGN & STATISTICS I4
PSYC 3443RESEARCH DESIGN & STATISTICS II4
Required Core Lectures
PSYC 3315SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSYC 3322BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR3
PSYC 3334COGNITIVE PROCESSES3
Lecture Groups
Select one three-hour lecture course from each of the Groups I, II, and III; plus one three-hour course from either Group I, II, or III:12
Group I
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
ADULTHOOD AND AGING
SOCIAL & PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOLESCENCE
Group II
ANALYSIS & MANAGEMENT OF BEHAVIOR
BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATION
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY
PRINCIPLES OF NEUROSCIENCE
NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
BEHAVIORAL GENETICS
ANIMAL LEARNING AND COGNITION
Group III
INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
BEHAVIOR THERAPY
THEORIES OF HUMAN LEARNING AND MEMORY
PSYCHOLOGY OF JUDGMENT AND CHOICE
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Advanced Topics Course
Select one four-hour advanced topics course from either Group I, II, or III:4
Group I
ADVANCED TOPICS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN PERSONALITY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Group II
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR
ADVANCED TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE
Group III
INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN CLINICAL COUNSELING
ADVANCED TOPICS IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE
ADVANCED TOPICS IN HEALTH
Minor or Emphasis
Either a minor of 18 hours in a discipline other than Psychology or an Emphasis in Psychology(General, Clinical Health, Neuroscience or Organizational Science), which consists of 18 hours of Psychology course work, is required. (See Minor page for details)18
Electives
Sufficient hours to complete the total required for the degree.
Total
120 hours, of which at least 36 hours must be 3000/4000-level.

Suggested Course Distribution for Bachelor of Science Degree with Minor 1

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
UNIV 11311ENGL 13023
ENGL 13013MATH 14264
MATH 14214BIOL 14424
PSYC 13153Computer Competency3
BIOL 14414HIST 13013
 15 17
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PSYC 24434PSYC 34434
Life & Physical Science24Life & Physical Science23-4
POLS 23113POLS 23123
Creative Arts3Social & Behavioral Sciences3
HIST 13023 
 17 13-14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PSYC 33153PSYC 33343
PSYC 33223Psychology Lecture Group I3
Advanced Topics Course4Advanced Psychology Emphasis Lecture or Course for Minor3
Modern Language III or substitution3Modern Language IV or substitution3
Advanced Electives1-2Foundational Component Area3
 14-15 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Lecture Group II3Psychology Lecture Group III3
Advanced Psychology, Emphasis Lecture or Courses for Minor (3 courses)9Advanced Psychology Emphasis Lecture or Courses for Minor (2 courses)6
Advanced Psychology from Lecture Group I,II or III3COMS 23023
 Advanced General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours: 121-123

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology

The requirements to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology can be achieved through degree plans under  one of the two options (i.e., Option 1-BA in Psychology with a minor from a different discipline, Option 2- BA in Psychology with an  Emphasis in Psychology). Before choosing a degree program under one of these options, please consult with the psychology undergraduate advisor. Click here for a sample degree plan: BA_DEGREE_PLAN_WITH_UNIV_1131.xlsx

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 36
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts 13
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES (or any three hours meeting the legislative requirement)3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (or any three hours meeting the legislative requirement)3
Language, Philosophy and Culture 13
MATH 1302COLLEGE ALGEBRA 23
or MATH 1315 COLLEGE ALGEBRA FOR ECONOMICS & BUSINESS ANALYSIS
MATH 1308ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS3
Life & Physical Science
BIOL 1333
BIOL 1334
DISCOVERING BIOLOGY: MOLECULES, CELLS AND DISEASE
and LIFE ON EARTH: EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY AND GLOBAL CHANGE
6
or
BIOL 1441
BIOL 1442
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
and EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY
8
Social/Behavioral Science 13
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area 13
Program Requirements
14 hours in a single modern or classical language or eight hours in a language plus six hours of designated courses 1,214
Select one of the following in computer literacy:0-3
COMPUTER LITERACY
INTRODUCTION TO M.I.S. AND DATA PROCESSING
Or any equivalent course
Or by the University computer proficiency test 3
Select one of the following in oral communication:3
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Or an equivalent three hour course approved by the Undergraduate Advisor
Need a total of 11 hours in Life & Physical Sciences. including the 6-8 hours from the biology sequence, approved by the Undergraduate Advisor. 3-5
Professional Courses
Major
PSYC 1315INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY3
UNIV 1131STUDENT SUCCESS1
PSYC 2443RESEARCH DESIGN & STATISTICS I4
PSYC 3443RESEARCH DESIGN & STATISTICS II4
Required Core Lectures
PSYC 3315SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSYC 3322BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR3
PSYC 3334COGNITIVE PROCESSES3
Lecture Groups
Select one three-hour lecture course from each of the Groups I, II, and III:9
Group I
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
ADULTHOOD AND AGING
SOCIAL & PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOLESCENCE
Group II
ANALYSIS & MANAGEMENT OF BEHAVIOR
BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATION
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY
PRINCIPLES OF NEUROSCIENCE
NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
BEHAVIORAL GENETICS
ANIMAL LEARNING AND COGNITION
Group III
INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
BEHAVIOR THERAPY
THEORIES OF HUMAN LEARNING AND MEMORY
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
PSYCHOLOGY OF JUDGMENT AND CHOICE
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Advanced Topics course
Select one four-hour advanced topics course from either Group I, II, or III:4
Group I
ADVANCED TOPICS IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN PERSONALITY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Group II
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR
ADVANCED TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE
Group III
INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY
ADVANCED TOPICS IN CLINICAL COUNSELING
ADVANCED TOPICS IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE
ADVANCED TOPICS IN HEALTH
Minor or Emphasis
Either a minor of 18 hours in a discipline other than Psychology or an emphasis in Psychology(General, Clinical Health, Neuroscience or Organizational Science). wihich consists of 18 hours of Psychology course work, is required. (See minor page for details)18
Electives5
Sufficient hours to complete the total required for the degree.
Total
120 hours, of which at least 36 hours must be 3000/4000-level.

Suggested Course Distribution for Bachelor of Arts Degree 1

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
UNIV 11311ENGL 13023
PSYC 13153MATH 13083
BIOL 1333 or 14413 - 4HIST 13013
ENGL 13013Social/Behavioral Sciences3
MATH 13023BIOL 1334 or 14423-4
 13-14 15-16
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PSYC 24434PSYC 34434
Modern Language I4Modern Language II4
Creative Arts Elective3PSYC 33343
PSYC 33153HIST 13023
 14 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
POLS 23113POLS 23123
PSYC 33223Psychology Lecture Group III3
Psychology Lecture Group I3Advanced Psychology Emphasis Lecture or Course for Minor23
Life & Physical Sciences3undefined3
Psychology Lecture Group II3Modern Language III or substitution 
 Foundational Component3
 15 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Advanced Topics course4Advanced Electives3
Advanced Psychology Emphasis Lecture or Courses for Minor (3 courses)29Advanced Psychology Emphasis Lecture or Courses for Minor (2 courses)6
Life & Physical Sciences3COMS 23023
Modern Language IV or substitution3Advanced General Elective2
 19 14
Total Hours: 119-121

General Psychology Minor

A minor consists of 18 credit hours or more in Psychology (PSYC) courses. 9 of the 18 hours must be completed at UT Arlington.  Six of the 9 hours must be 3000-4000 level.  A  2.0 grade point average(calculated only by the PSYC courses you take in residency) must be maintained in the minor. To request a minor be added to your degree plan, please complete the minor request form and seek approval from your academic advisor.

Clinical Health Psychology Minor

The Clinical Health Psychology minor consists of 18 credit hours or more in Psychology (PSYC) courses.  A 2.0-grade point average(calculated only by the PSYC courses you take in residency) must be maintained in the minor. To request a minor be added to your degree plan, please complete the minor request form and seek approval from your academic advisor.

Courses you can take towards the minor are:

Prerequisite of PSYC 1315 (Intro to Psychology) with a C or better before starting any of the following courses.

PSYC 3304 Analysis and Management of Behavior

PSYC 3310 Developmental Psychology

PSYC 3311 Adulthood and Aging

PSYC 3312 Social and Personality Development

PSYC 3314 Psychology of Personality

PSYC 3317 Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology

PSYC 3318 Abnormal Psychology

PSYC 3319 Psychology of Adolescence

PSYC 3320 Behavior and Motivation

PSYC 3322 Brain and Behavior

PSYC 4301 Principles of Neuroscience

PSYC 4309 Neuropharmacology

PSYC 4310 Behavior Therapy

PSYC 4325 Developmental Psychobiology

PSYC 4327 Behavioral Genetics

PSYC 4357 Health Psychology

PSYC 4410 Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology

PSYC 4411 Advanced Topics in Personality

PSYC 4421 Advanced Topics in Neuroscience

PSYC 4430 Advanced Topics in Clinical and Counseling

PSYC 4432 Advanced Topics in Health Psychology

PSYC 4398 Honors Thesis**

PSYC 4161, 4261, 4361 Readings in Psychology**

PSYC 4181, 4281, 4381 Research in Psychology**

** A maximum of 6 hours of honors thesis, research, or readings credits may be applied to the minor

Courses may be added to the list as they are offered.

Neuroscience Minor

A Neuroscience minor consists of 18 credit hours or more in Psychology (PSYC) courses.  A 2.0 grade point average(calculated only by the PSYC courses you take in residency) must be maintained in the minor. To request a minor be added to your degree plan, please complete the minor request form and seek approval from your academic advisor.

Courses you can take towards the minor are:

Prerequisite of PSYC 1315 (Intro to Psychology)  with a C or better before starting any of the following courses.

PSYC 3304 Analysis Management of Behavior

PSYC 3320 Behavior and Motivation

BIOl/PSYC 3322 Brain and Behavior

BIOL/PSYC 3326 Animal Behavior 

PSYC 3334 Cognitive Processes

PSYC 3356 Evolutionary Psychology

BIOL/PSYC 4301 Principles of Neuroscience**

BIOL/PSYC 4309 Neuropharmacology **

BIOL/PSYC 4327 Behavioral Genetics

PSYC 4329 Animal Learning and Cognition

BIOL/PSYC 4421 Advanced Topics in Neuroscience **

**Additional prerequisite of BIOL/PSYC 3322 required.

Courses may be added to the list as they are offered.

Organizational Science Minor

The Organizational Science minor consists of 18 credit hours or more in Psychology (PSYC) courses. A 2.0-grade point average must be maintained in the minor. To request a minor be added to your degree plan, please complete the minor request form and seek approval from your academic advisor.

Courses you can take towards the minor are:

Prerequisite of PSYC 1315 (Intro to Psychology) with a C or better before starting any of the following courses.

PSYC 3301 Psychology of Human Relations

PSYC 3302 Business Psychology

PSYC 3305 Psychology of Employee Training

PSYC 3306 Psychology of Creativity and Creative Thinking

PSYC 3313 Gender and Culture Diversity

PSYC 3314 Psychology of Personality

PSYC 3315 Social Psychology

PSYC 3320 Behavior and Motivation

PSYC 3334 Cognitive Processes

PSYC 4332 Theories of Human Learning and Memory

PSYC 4339 Psychology of Judgment and Choice

PSYC 4398 Honors Thesis**

PSYC 4161, 4261, 4361 Readings in Psychology**

PSYC 4181, 4281, 4381 Research in Psychology**

Courses may be added to the list as they are offered.