As a psychology student, you will need to take a number of courses that focus on the science of human behavior. Your goal as a student is not only to fulfill the course requirements of your program department, but to also develop critical thinking skills, research competence and in-depth knowledge of psychology that will serve you well as you advance in your academic and career pursuits.
The following are some of the top courses you should consider when selecting classes to take as an undergraduate psychology major.
This introductory course offers an overview of the entire field of psychology. It may seem overwhelming at first, due to the sheer volume of information contained within class. Remember, however, that the goal of this class is to provide an introduction to the history of psychology and the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. While it may seem like you are skimming over huge topics, you'll be able to delve deeper into these subjects in later courses.
In order to understand contemporary psychology, it is important to look back at the origins and influences on this science. Courses on the history of psychology generally begin with the subject's ancient philosophical origins and explore the contributions of major thinkers up through the modern day.
A course in experimental psychology is an essential foundation for any psychology major. In this course, you will learn about basic research methods and experimental designs. While course requirements may vary from one school to the next, most experimental psychology courses require students to perform experiments.
In order to form a full understanding of the mind and behavior, it is important to develop your knowledge of the brain, neural actions, sensation and perception, basic neuroanatomy and physiological processes. A course in psysiological psychology serves as a good introduction to the field of neuropsychology, although it may be listed under an alternate course title such as behavioral neuroscience, biopsychology or biological psychology.
In this course, you will learn more about the cognitive process that form the foundation of human behavior. Topics covered include thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, language, judgment, attention, memory and information processing.
Courses in abnormal psychology focus on the biological, environmental and cultural influences on abnormal behavior. Some of the topics studied in this course might include mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosomatic disorders and substance abuse. In addition to exploring the background, assessment and diagnosis of these disorders, students also explore some of the available treatment approaches.
Developmental psychology courses study the course of human development from conception throughout the lifespan. In some cases, students may opt to take an encompassing course that provides an overview of development through life or choose to take a course that focuses primarily on child development. Developmental psychology courses generally look at developmental changes in biological, emotional and cognitive domains, as well as looking at how factors such as family, school, peers and culture impact this growth.
A course in personality psychology offers a solid background in the numerous theories of personality development, including Freudian, psychosocial, behavioral, humanistic and existential theories.
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Should You Get a Master's or Doctorate Degree in Psychology?
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How Do I Choose a Psychology Graduate Program?
The following are some of the top courses you should consider when selecting classes to take as an undergraduate psychology major.
1. General Psychology
This introductory course offers an overview of the entire field of psychology. It may seem overwhelming at first, due to the sheer volume of information contained within class. Remember, however, that the goal of this class is to provide an introduction to the history of psychology and the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. While it may seem like you are skimming over huge topics, you'll be able to delve deeper into these subjects in later courses.
2. History of Psychology
In order to understand contemporary psychology, it is important to look back at the origins and influences on this science. Courses on the history of psychology generally begin with the subject's ancient philosophical origins and explore the contributions of major thinkers up through the modern day.
3. Statistics
Statistics courses are a must for any psychology major, whether or not you plan to pursue a graduate degree later on. Statistics offers a core background for understanding how psychologists investigate human behavior. This course generally focuses on statistical methods and techniques used by researchers. According to one survey, 85 percent of psychology graduate programs require at least one undergraduate course in statistics in order to gain admission to the program.4. Experimental Psychology
A course in experimental psychology is an essential foundation for any psychology major. In this course, you will learn about basic research methods and experimental designs. While course requirements may vary from one school to the next, most experimental psychology courses require students to perform experiments.
5. Physiological Psychology
In order to form a full understanding of the mind and behavior, it is important to develop your knowledge of the brain, neural actions, sensation and perception, basic neuroanatomy and physiological processes. A course in psysiological psychology serves as a good introduction to the field of neuropsychology, although it may be listed under an alternate course title such as behavioral neuroscience, biopsychology or biological psychology.
6. Cognitive Psychology
In this course, you will learn more about the cognitive process that form the foundation of human behavior. Topics covered include thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, language, judgment, attention, memory and information processing.
7. Abnormal Psychology
Courses in abnormal psychology focus on the biological, environmental and cultural influences on abnormal behavior. Some of the topics studied in this course might include mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosomatic disorders and substance abuse. In addition to exploring the background, assessment and diagnosis of these disorders, students also explore some of the available treatment approaches.
8. Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology courses study the course of human development from conception throughout the lifespan. In some cases, students may opt to take an encompassing course that provides an overview of development through life or choose to take a course that focuses primarily on child development. Developmental psychology courses generally look at developmental changes in biological, emotional and cognitive domains, as well as looking at how factors such as family, school, peers and culture impact this growth.
9. Social Psychology
Social psychology courses are focused on the scientific study of social influences on behavior and the interaction between individuals and groups. Topics studied in this class include such things as social pressure, leadership, nonverbal communication, persuasion, obedience and the bystander effect.10. Personality Psychology
A course in personality psychology offers a solid background in the numerous theories of personality development, including Freudian, psychosocial, behavioral, humanistic and existential theories.
More Psychology Education FAQ
What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing a Psychology Major?What's the Difference Between a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology?
Should You Get a Master's or Doctorate Degree in Psychology?
What Factors Should You Consider Before Going to Psychology Graduate School?
What Are Some Alternative Graduate Programs for Psychology Majors?
How Do I Choose a Psychology Graduate Program?
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