Apply
Give
Quick Links
Quick Links

Curriculum Plans

Suggested BA/BS curriculum plans for psychology majors are based on the current MSU Bulletin. For previous bulletins or for additional questions, be sure to consult with an academic advisor in the Department of Psychology.

Suggested 4-year Curriculum Plans

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • PSY 180 General Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University studies Math course (3-5 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100  (3-5 cr)
  • COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course(3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective or Foreign Language course, if needed (3 cr)
  • University studies elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or University Studies elective, if needed (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 total credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • PSY 180 General Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University Studies math course (3-5 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • University studies Math course or BIO 101/100  (3-5 cr)
  • COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)
  • University studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples & Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY 331 Experimental Analysis of Behavior or PSY 332 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment or PSY 333 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective or Foreign Language course, if needed (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr) or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or  PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning & Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or University Studies elective, if needed (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 total credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • PSY 180 General Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University studies Math course (3-5 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100 (3-5 cr)
  • COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University studies elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II(3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 total credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • PSY 180 General Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University Studies math course (3-5 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100 (3-5 cr)
  • COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY 331 Experimental Analysis of Behavior or PSY 332 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment or PSY 333 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning & Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

(Download a PDF version of the BA/BS plans)

Psychology Majors Planning to Attend Medical School

Psychology is the second most frequent major (after Biology) of students attending med school, and national statistics show that medical school admission rates for psychology majors are equivalent to that of biology and chemistry majors. Regardless of the undergraduate major, the Association of American Medical Colleges requires that every pre-med student must have taken one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of biology, and one year of physics. Individual medical schools may have additional course requirements for applicants. You will also need to take courses that prepare you for the Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT has sections covering four competency areas: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. If you are planning to major in Psychology and attend med school after graduation, it is, therefore, advisable to minor in either Biology or Chemistry. In addition to your Psychology academic advisor, you should also consult with the pre-med advisor in either Biology or Chemistry as you plan the sequence of your pre-med courses. Listed below are the courses (with their suggested Murray State equivalents in parentheses) that most medical schools require as well as a suggested 4-year curriculum plan incorporating the requirements for the Psychology major and pre-med courses.

  • 2 semesters of biology with laboratory and up to 4 semesters at some schools; a course in genetics is highly recommended (BIO 221; BIO 333)

  • 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry with laboratory (CHE 201; CHE 202)

  • 2 semesters of organic chemistry with laboratory (CHE 310/311; CHE 320)

  • 1 semester of biochemistry (CHE 330 or CHE 530)

  • 2 semesters of physics with laboratory (PHY 130/131; PHY 132/133)

  • 1-2 semesters of math (MAT 140/145; MAT 150; MAT 250)

  • I semester of statistics is recommended (PSY 300)

  • 2 semesters of English and/or writing (ENG 105; ENG 204)

  • 1 course in sociology is recommended (SOC 133 or SOC 231)

  • 1 course in psychology (PSY 180)

Year 1, Semester 1 (16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • PSY 180 General Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry (4 cr)
  • BIO 115 The Cellular Basis of Life (3 cr)
  • CHE 201 General College Chemistry (5 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • BIO 216 Biological Inquiry and Analysis (4 cr)
  • MAT 150 Algebra and Trigonometry or MAT 250 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 cr)
  • CHE 202 General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis (5 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (17 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • SOC 133 Intro to Sociology or SOC 231 Social Problems (3 cr)
  • CHE 310/311 Organic Chemistry I/Organic Chem Lab (5 cr)
  • BIO 321 Cell Biology: Mechanisms (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (17 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • BIO 221 Zoology: Animal Form and Function (4 cr)
  • CHE 320 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • PHY 130/131 General Physics I/Physic Lab (4 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (17 credit hours)

  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 414 Learning & Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • BIO 322 Animal Physiology (4 cr)
  • CHE 530 Fundamentals of Biochemistry I (3 cr)
  • PHY 132/133 General Physics II/Physics Lab (4 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (14 credit hours)

  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • BIO 300 Introductory Microbiology (4 cr)
  • BIO 323 Cell Biology: Systems (3 cr)
  • BIO 333 Genetics (4 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective (3 cr)
  • COM 161 Introduction to Public Speaking (3 cr)
  • PSY 414 Learning & Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (12 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • PSY elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies elective (3 cr)

Volunteering and Clinical Experiences

Volunteering in a health care setting is an excellent way to explore the option of a career in medicine. Previous volunteer experiences can increase your chances of acceptance to medical school, and volunteering experiences frequently come up as topics of discussion during medical school interviews. In addition to volunteering, you might also consider "shadowing" a physician, where you follow that physician and directly observe the doctor provide care for patients. You might also consider summer or part-time employment in jobs at medical facilities or related to health care.

Pre-health Professional Student Organization

Murray State University has a student organization to assist in preparing you for your application to medical school. This Pre-health Professional (PHP) group holds regular meetings during the academic year that include presentations from practicing physicians, current medical students, and medical school admissions officers. PHP  also provides opportunities for you to become involved in community service activities, clinical experiences, and internships. To find out more about PHP, including how to join, contact the organization's faculty advisor Dr. Ricky Cox at jcox@murraystate.edu.

Timeline for Preparing for and Applying to Medical School

In order to stay on track and complete the preparation necessary for admission to medical school as well as completing your Psychology major, you need to plan wisely.  Most students take the MCAT at the end of their junior year and interview with medical schools during their senior year. Therefore, it's important to plan carefully. The Suggested Curriculum Plan listed above will guide you in the sequencing of your courses. The following timeline will guide you in preparing for the application process.

  • During your first semester, you should register with and join the Murray State University Pre-health Professionals Organization (PHP). Contact Dr. Ricky Cox at jcox@murraystate.edu for instructions on how to register. 

  • After your first semester, you should begin pursuing various extracurricular activities like volunteering and physician shadowing that demonstrate a commitment to medicine.

  • In the spring of your junior year,  apply to the Pre-health Professions Advisory Committee for an MSU letter of recommendation to accompany  your medical school application. This letter is an important part of the application process. Contact Dr. Ricky Cox at jcox@murraystate.edu for more information.

  • At the end of your junior year, take the MCAT. You'll then make primary application to medical schools using the automated American Medical College Application Service system (AMCAS).

  • Over the summer, AMCAS will review primary applications based on an evaluation of your academic records, MCAT scores, extracurricular activities, work experience, and your personal statement.  Applicants are selected for secondary applications to specific medical schools for which they are qualified.

  • In the fall of the senior (fourth) year, qualified applicants receive invitations to interview at specific medical schools.

  • In early spring, medical schools make their final decisions on acceptance.

UK College of Medicine Early Assurance Program

If you are interested in attending the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green campus), there is an Early Assurance Program available through a partnership between Murray State University and the University of Kentucky. Find out more about this program. 

(Download a PDF version of the pre-med plan)

Psychology Majors in the Honors College

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • HON 180 Honors Seminar in Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 150 Honors Rhetoric, Composition and Research (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University studies Math course (3-5 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100  (3-5 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • HON 251 Honors Seminar in Literature and Philosophy I (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • HON 201 Honors Seminar in World History I or HON 202 Honors Seminar in World History II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • HON 437 Honors Thesis (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • HON 180 Honors Seminar in Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 150 Honors Rhetoric, Composition and Research (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University studies Math course (3-5 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100  (3-5 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY 331 Experimental Analysis of Behavior or PSY 332 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment or PSY 333 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr)
  • HON 251 Honors Seminar in Literature and Philosophy I (3 cr)
  • Foreign Language course (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • HON 201 Honors Seminar in World History I or HON 202 Honors Seminar in World History II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY ABA course or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • HON 437 Honors Thesis (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • HON 180 Honors Seminar in Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 150 Honors Rhetoric, Composition and Research (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University Studies math course (3-5 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100 (3-5 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • HON 251 Honors Seminar in Literature and Philosophy I (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • HON 201 Honors Seminar in World History I or HON 202 Honors Seminar in World History II (3 cr)
  • University Studies Math/Science elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • HON 437 Honors Thesis (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (14-16 credit hours)

  • PSY 100T Transitions (1 cr)
  • HON 180 Honors Seminar in Psychology (3 cr)
  • ENG 150 Honors Rhetoric, Composition and Research (4 cr)
  • BIO 101/100 Biological Concepts/Biology lab or University studies Math course (3-5 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15-17 credit hours)

  • PSY 260 Lifespan Development or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • University Studies math course or BIO 101/100  (3-5 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY 331 Experimental Analysis of Behavior or PSY 332 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment or PSY 333 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr)
  • HON 251 Honors Seminar in Literature and Philosophy I (3 cr)
  • University Studies Math/Science elective (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • PSY Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 260 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
  • HON 201 Honors Seminar in World History I or HON 202 Honors Seminar in World History II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY ABA course or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 3, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • HON elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 4, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • HON 437 Honors Thesis (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Find out more about the Honors College

(Download a PDF version of the Honors BA/BS plans)

Transfer Students who have Completed an Associate Degree

If you intend to transfer to the Murray State psychology major with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree then you should try to plan your Associate degree program accordingly. As part of your Associate degree program, if you are planning to pursue the BA or BS degree in Psychology (including the Applied Behavior Analysis Track) at Murray State then you should take at least the equivalent of BIO 101/BIO 100 (General Biology/Biology lab), PSY 180 (General Psychology), and PSY 260 (Lifespan Development) at your previous institution. If available, you may also want to take the equivalent of PSY 307 (Abnormal Psychology) and PSY 300 (Psychological Statistics) as well as psychology electives. If you plan to pursue the BA in Psychology at Murray State (rather than the BS), then you should also take courses in a single foreign language through the 201 level at your previous institution.NOTE: Required Psychology (PSY) courses are the same for the BA and BS degree programs including the Applied Behavior Analysis track. Only the university studies course requirements differ; refer to the current Murray State Bulletin for information on required BA and BS university studies course requirements.

Year 1, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II or PSY elective (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY elective or PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • PSY elective (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)
  • Unrestricted elective (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 300 Priniciples and Methods of Statistical Analysis (3 cr)
  • PSY 301 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research I (3 cr)
  • PSY 331 Experimental Analysis of Behavior or PSY 332 Behavioral Measurement and Assessment or PSY 333 Applied Behavior Analysis(3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course or course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 1, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 315 Principles and Methods of Psychological Research II (3 cr)
  • PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 303 Social Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 415 Physiological Psychology or PSY 414 Learning and Memory (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY 303 Social Psychology or PSY 307 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY 414 Learning and Memory or PSY 415 Physiological Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor or PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

Year 2, Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

  • PSY capstone course (3 cr)
  • PSY ABA course (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)
  • Course in chosen Minor (3 cr)

(Download a PDF version of the transfer student plans)   

Take the next step

© Murray State University Department of Web ManagementWe are Racers.