Psychology

The undergraduate psychology major (BA) is designed to introduce students to the understanding of behavior, cognition, emotion and their underlying processes. Emphasis is placed on the areas represented by our present department faculty: cognitive and brain sciences, behavioral neuroscience and clinical psychology. Psychology is a science; therefore, the program emphasizes an empirical methodological approach to understanding behavior, cognition, emotion and other topics. The goal of the program is to provide students with the framework of the scientific method, which they can then use to evaluate any topic in psychology. Most courses are geared toward a general understanding of the diverse psychological phenomena and the methodology used to approach them. The program is especially designed for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology and related areas or in other areas of specialization. The research orientation of the program is evident in the number and diversity of courses offered that include a scientific approach and in the efforts of faculty to involve undergraduate students in hands-on research.

Students interested in majoring in psychology are advised to seek information directly from the psychology academic advisor no later than their fourth semester, and preferably earlier. It is very important for transfer students intending to major in psychology to contact the psychology undergraduate academic advisor when they arrive on campus. In order to declare their major, students should go to the Psychology Department Advising Office (Science 4, Suite 175) or schedule an appointment with an advisor through B-Successful. Meeting with the advisor to go over the major requirements is highly encouraged. For potential and declared psychology majors, several resources are available on our advising website discussing topics such as careers in psychology, major requirements, honors in psychology, research opportunities, internships and the Psi Chi (national honor society) chapter at Binghamton. Psychology majors receive a bachelor of arts (BA) upon graduation.

The declaration of major states one's intent to complete the degree requirements for the major. It is possible to declare the major at any time, but in order to graduate with a degree in the major, students must complete PSYC 111 and 243 with a grade of C or higher. Students may take PSYC 111 and 243 a maximum of two times. No course may be taken more than twice.

Harpur College Requirements

Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:

  • 126 credits
  • 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
  • Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
  • Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses, as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses, may be transferred).
  • Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
  • 2.0 or higher GPA

Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.

Psychology Major

Psychology Track

The Psychology track requires a minimum of 15 four-credit courses (or 16 four-credit courses, if the student chooses the substitution specified in the fourth bullet below). These courses must be distributed as follows:

  • PSYC 111, 243 and 344
  • Three courses from PSYC 350, 351, 356, 358, 360, 362 and 385, and one corresponding laboratory course from PSYC 352, 355, 357, 359, 361 and 363 (PSYC 344 is a required prerequisite for all labs, except PSYC 355, which allows PSYC 344 as a pre- or co-requisite)
  • Two four-credit PSYC courses between 400 and 489
  • Alternatively, eight credits of PSYC research (PSYC 397, 490, 493, 494 or 499) or internship PSYC 395, CDCI 385 or 395, with approval of the undergraduate director to fulfill psychology credit, may substitute for one of the aforementioned 400-level courses; a combination of research and internship credits is also acceptable as long as eight in total are completed
  • 24 additional elective credit hours from the Division of Science and Mathematics, 16 of those credits must be taken outside the Psychology Department, and of those, at least eight taken from the same department. A list of math/science electives is available on our website. MATH 107, 108, 147 and 148 may not be taken to fulfill this requirement. Some psychology majors may take MATH 224. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required

These requirements and supplemental information can also be found on our website.

Foundations in Psychology Track

  • The Foundations in Psychology track requires a minimum of 15 four-credit courses (or 16 four-credit courses, if the student chooses the substitution specified in the fifth bullet below). These courses must be distributed as follows:
    • PSYC 111, 243 and 344
    • Two courses from PSYC 220, 223 or 228
    • Three courses from PSYC 350, 351, 356, 358, 360, 362 and 385, and one corresponding laboratory course from PSYC 352, 355, 357, 359, 361 and 363 (PSYC 344 is a required prerequisite for all labs, except PSYC 355, which allows PSYC 344 as a pre- or co-requisite)
    • Two four-credit PSYC courses between 400 and 489
    • Alternatively, eight credits of PSYC research (PSYC 397, 490, 493, 494 or 499) or internship PSYC 395, CDCI 385 or 395, with approval of the undergraduate director to fulfill psychology credit, may substitute for one of the aforementioned 400-level courses; a combination of research and internship credits is also acceptable as long as eight in total are completed
    • 16 additional elective credit hours from the Division of Science and Mathematics, taken outside the Psychology Department, and of those, at least eight taken from the same department. A list of math/science electives is available on our website. MATH 107, 108, 147 and 148 may not be taken to fulfill this requirement. Some psychology majors may take MATH 224. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required

These requirements and supplemental information can also be found on our website.

Additional Stipulations

  • To fulfill the degree requirements, students must complete both PSYC 111 and 243 with a grade of C or higher (2007; 2015 Bulletin).
  • MATH 147 or a similar math/statistics course from another institution is not acceptable as a substitute for PSYC 243 (2004 Bulletin). AP statistics is equivalent to MATH 147 and is therefore not accepted toward the psychology major (2014 Bulletin).
  • Minimum Grade: With the exception of PSYC 111 and 243 (noted above), all courses used to fulfill the requirements for the major, including courses in other departments, must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
  • Pass/Fail: one of the four elective courses required outside of the department in the Division of Science and Mathematics may be taken Pass/Fail. Additionally, a Pass grade is accepted for eight credits of Independent Study (PSYC 397 or 490) or internship (PSYC 395).
  • Psychology courses may only be repeated one time in an attempt to meet the minimum grade requirements (C for PSYC 111 and PSYC 243; C- for all remaining courses). A grade of C or higher in PSYC 243 is required to register in PSYC 344 Research Methods.
  • No independent studies, supervised teaching or internships may count toward satisfaction of the four elective courses required outside of psychology in the Division of Science and Mathematics.
  • Independent Study/Research: Eight credits of independent study (PSYC 397, 490, 493, 494 or 499) may substitute for one of the two 400-level courses OR four credits can count as one of the psychology electives. Note: Harpur College policy states that no more than 16 credits of independent study can count toward graduation. Honors Research (PSYC 499) does not count toward this independent study limit. Note that PSYC 397 is only offered on a Pass/Fail basis.
  • Internship: Eight credits of internship (PSYC 395 or CDCI 385/395, as approved by the undergraduate director of the psychology program), may substitute for one of the two 400-level courses, or four credits can count as one of the psychology electives. Note: Harpur College policy states that no more than eight credits of internship can count toward graduation and that PSYC 395 is only offered on a Pass/Fail basis. Students who wish to participate in an internship and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede a student's ability to participate in certain internships. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact the dean's office of their intended academic program.
  • Students must take a minimum of 16 credits of the major while in residence at Binghamton University.
  • Except under very special circumstances, the minimum number of two 400-level courses in psychology must be taken at Binghamton. Students are encouraged to take these upper-level courses under the instruction of two different faculty members in the Psychology Department. Faculty may offer more than one seminar with related content. Due to significant overlap, students are prohibited from receiving credit for taking a second seminar on the same topic. These exclusions, while rare, are explicitly stated in the course descriptions.
  • An AP psychology score greater than or equal to 4 is equivalent to PSYC 111. Other AP equivalencies can be found on the Harpur Advising Transfer webpage.

The major requirements outlined above represent the minimum number of courses for a major in psychology. This minimum requirement provides considerable flexibility to develop a course of study that reflects an individual student's interests, abilities and appropriate preparedness for graduate study, training or employment. Thus, students are strongly urged to plan their program of study at Harpur College in consultation with their advisors and the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development.

Note: Due to significant overlap in course requirements, it is not possible to double major in psychology and integrative neuroscience.

The department does not offer a minor in psychology. Students majoring in other related disciplines or programs should consult their advisors, the psychology undergraduate program director(s) and other faculty regarding inclusion of appropriate psychology courses as electives in their individual curriculum plans.

The Psychology Department has a strong research orientation. A solid experimental background at the undergraduate level forms an essential basis for further study and training in all areas of psychology and related fields. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to become involved in ongoing research with faculty in the department by taking PSYC 397, 490, 493, 494 or 499 and are strongly encouraged to do so. Credit for approved internships can also be received via PSYC 395 or CDCI 385/395.

In addition, it is generally possible for a student to volunteer to serve as an undergraduate research assistant in a faculty member's research program. This kind of experience, whether for academic credit or not, may be extremely valuable. Information on the specific types of research experience available through such independent study coursework is available on our website.

Prior to advance registration, students should contact directly the faculty member(s) in whose research program(s) they are interested. Such contact is essential and provides detailed information about prerequisites, requirements and availability of opportunities for the coming semester. PSYC 397, 490, 493, 494 and 499 may be taken only with the consent of the instructor.

Some laboratory work in psychology courses involves work with non-human animals. That fact is noted in the course description for PSYC 357 and PSYC 363. In addition, research work in PSYC 397, 490 and 499 may also involve work with animals, depending on the research projects of particular faculty members.

PSYC 111 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department; it should be taken in the first year by potential majors (who should not take it Pass/Fail). Ordinarily PSYC 111 should be followed by math, science and psychology electives. PSYC 243 is a pre- or corequisite for the 300-level experimental psychology courses. PSYC 344 is a prerequisite for labs and seminars. Course-related experience in research typically is obtained by participation as a subject in psychological experiments or through alternate research arrangements in a number of psychology courses.

Only those courses or sections so designated in any given semester fulfill the Harpur writing requirement; such designations change from semester to semester.

Psychology Major Track in Autism Spectrum Disorder 

The psychology major track in Autism Spectrum Disorder is designed to prepare students who have a strong interest in children's services for graduate school and/or careers in human services, specifically applied behavior analysis, clinical psychology, education, speech-language pathology, research and public policy. The track provides a concentration in autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and assessment/measurement/evaluation. 

Those individuals completing courses within the Autism Spectrum Disorder track who plan to obtain NY state certification (Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant) or licensure (Licensed Behavior Analyst) are informed that the licensed practice of applied behavior analysis in New York state is restricted to autism spectrum disorders and related disorders. If students wish to apply ABA to other diagnoses or presenting problems in New York state, additional training and licensure in another field of mental health or psychology is required.

Applied behavior analysis is a specific conceptual and methodological approach for assessment and intervention that historically derives primarily from research in psychology on basic learning processes. Applied behavior analysis refers to the precise analysis of behavior and learning patterns and the conditions that serve to elicit and maintain these behaviors and patterns. The Autism Spectrum Disorder track includes training in methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. 

In addition to drawing upon work in experimental psychology, the treatment of autism spectrum disorders incorporates research from the fields of clinical psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology and neuropsychology. Treatment must also be discussed within the context of the particular characteristics of the individual receiving services, as well as family, social and political contexts. The choice of setting, structure and goals is highly dependent upon the diagnostic issues surrounding the individual, whether that is autism, learning disability, etc. Strong emphasis is placed upon knowledge of basic and applied research, professional ethics and practical skills.

Admission to the track in autism spectrum disorders is open only to students who have completed PSYC 355, Lab in Applied Behavior Analysis. To declare this track, students must meet with an academic advisor in the Psychology Department. Students are expected to complete all requirements of the psychology major as well as track-specific requirements.

The psychology major Autism Spectrum Disorder track program requires a minimum of 15 courses. These courses must be distributed as follows:

  • PSYC 111, 243 and 344 (PSYC 111, 243 and 344 may only be retaken once in order to meet the minimum grade requirements; C for PSYC 111 and PSYC 243 and C- for PSYC 344)
  • PSYC 356, plus two courses from PSYC 350, 351, 358, 360, 362 and 385
  • PSYC 476 or PSYC 476R
  • PSYC 220 and 223
  • PSYC 355, 493 and 494 (by consent of instructor only); note that PSYC 493 and 494 are not counted toward Harpur's 16-credit limit on independent study
  • 12 additional elective credit hours from the Division of Science and Mathematics, to be taken outside the Psychology Department; of those, at least eight must be taken from the same department; a list of math/science electives is available on our website. MATH 107, 108, 147 and 148 may not be taken to fulfill this requirement. Some psychology majors may take MATH 224. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required.

The following seven courses form the Austism Spectrum Disorder track core:

  • PSYC 220 Developmental Psychology
  • PSYC 223 Behavior Disorders
  • PSYC 356 Experimental Psychology (Learning)
  • PSYC 355 Lab in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • PSYC 493 Advanced ABA and Research Design
  • PSYC 494 ASD and Behavioral Assessment
  • PSYC 476 Society, Science and ASD

In addition to the psychology major requirement that all courses be passed with a grade of C- or higher, all of the courses in the ABA track core must be passed with a grade of B or higher. Note that the additional stipulations listed under the heading psychology major also apply to the Autism Spectrum Disorder track.

Practicum: Undergraduates enrolled in courses within the Psychology major track in Autism Spectrum Disorder will complete practicum experiences at the Institute for Child Development (ICD) for PSYC 493 and 494. These practicum experiences will include direct contact with children enrolled in the ICD's programs on the 黑料视频 campus.

Students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder  track may also take PSYC 490G, which is additional supervised study for advanced students, once they have completed the core courses for the Autism Spectrum Disorder track. This course is considered independent study by Harpur and does count toward the 16-credit limit on independent study.

Honors Program

Outstanding students are urged to consider the honors program in psychology. To graduate with honors in psychology, known as distinguished independent work in psychology, the student must attain a 3.5 GPA for all courses attempted that count toward satisfaction of the psychology major requirements and for all psychology courses taken, as well as a 3.0 GPA for all courses necessary for graduation. Students in the psychology honors program must propose a research project in conjunction with a faculty advisor who will sponsor the work. An honors committee composed of at least three Psychology Department faculty members, selected by the student in consultation with the advisor, evaluates the senior honors thesis proposal, the completed written thesis, and either an oral defense of the thesis or final poster presentation. Students doing honors thesis work should register for two credits of PSYC 498  the semester they are preparing to submit their thesis proposal, and should register for four credits of PSYC 499 the semester the degree award is expected. Alternatively, students may register for two credits of PSYC 499 each semester of their senior year, not exceeding four credits total. These credits will not count towards Harpur's 16-credit limit on independent work.

See our website for more information.

Exceptional students who lack one or more of the psychology major requirements may petition the undergraduate program director for acceptance into the psychology honors program.

List of Faculty