Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Psychology (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Psychology
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 830
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: Psychology is the study of why humans behave the way they do. Topics in psychology include: how the brain works; how we learn, make decisions, and form emotional connections with other people; how social groups operate; and how to treat anxiety, depression, and addiction.

  • Completion of 01:830:101 and 01:830:200 (or equivalent), each with a grade of C or better.

  • None

  • Psychology (830) majors may not minor in Developmental Psychology (835).

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory course recommended by faculty. Include this course in your schedule:

    Students with Math placement into or above Intermediate Algebra (MA:640:IMA, MA:640:CMA, MA:640:PCA, MA:640:CLG, or MA:640:CLS).

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    General Psychology

    01:830:101

    3

    		 Psychology (830)
    Media Psychology 01:830:230 3 Psychology (830)
    Topics in Psychology/ Psychology of Color 01:830:260 3 Psychology (830)
    Principles of Developmental Psychology 01:830:271:01 (In Person) ONLY  3 Psychology (830)

    Students with a Math placement into Elementary Algebra (MA:640:EAL or MA:640:CMP).

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    General Psychology

    01:830:101

    3

    		 Psychology (830)
    Elementary Algebra* 01:640:025 3 Mathematics (640)

    * Students with MA:640:CMP placement must also register for 01:640:001 Computational Skills.

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Intro to Sociology 01:920:101 3 Sociology (920)
    Cognitive Science: A Multidisciplinary Introduction 01:185:201 4 Cognitive Science (185)
    First-Year Interest Group (FIGS): Exploring Psychology 01:090:120:56 1 Arts and Sciences (090)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Biological Sciences (119)
      • Cognitive Science (185)
      • Criminal Justice (202)
      • Sociology (920)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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