Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Psychological Science, Bachelor of Science (747E, 747)

Department website: http://www.wku.edu/psychological-sciences/index.php


Program Coordinator

Andrew S. Mienaltowski, andrew.mienaltowski@wku.edu, (270) 745-3918

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers programs designed for students who are interested in a science-oriented degree that will prepare them for graduate study in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field (e.g., medical school, pharmacy, physical therapy) or for employment in jobs where strong quantitative and research skills are required.

Concentrations

  • Applied Psychological Science (PAPS)
  • Biobehavioral Psychology (PBBP)
  • Clinical Psychological Science (PCPS)
  • Cognitive Psychology (PCGP)
  • Developmental Science (PDVS)
  • Neuroscience (PNEU) (Available to 747E Majors only)
  • Social Psychology (PSOP)
  • Quantitative Psychology (PSQP) (Available to 747E Majors only)
  • General (PGEN)

Program Requirements (37-58 hours)

The department provides two options for the Bachelor of Science degree. The non-extended option requires a minimum of 37 credit hours and a minor or second major is required. The extended option requires a minimum of 49 unduplicated credit hours and no minor or second major is required. For both options, students will complete a program of study that includes Core and Concentration components as well as a Laboratory Experience component. To complete the Core requirement, students will select a total of 25 to 28 credit hours from the following categories: Foundations of Psychology, Developmental Processes, Learning and Cognition, Individual Differences and Social Processes, Biological Bases of Behavior and Mental Processes, Research Methods and Statistics, and Integrative Science in Psychology. To complete the Concentration requirement, students will select courses from one or two of the six thematic concentrations or they may design a general concentration (subject to approval by their advisor).  To complete the Laboratory Experience component, students will complete one PSYS lab course or one PSYS lecture / lab course at the 300-level or above. Students in the non-extended option will complete 12 credit hours from one thematic concentration, or design a custom concentration by selecting 12-24 hours from PSYS courses not used to satisfy their Core requirement. Students choosing the extended option will complete 24 credit hours from two concentrations or 24 – 25 hours from the quantitative psychology concentration.

The interdisciplinary neuroscience concentration is a single concentration option for students. Students in this concentration complete 56-58 hours of courses with an emphasis on neuroscience. Students who select this concentration cannot minor in Neuroscience.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA both overall and in the major. Either

  1. MATH 116 and MATH 117, or
  2. MATH 118 or higher is required; MATH 183 is recommended.

Students who select the extended option with the quantitative psychology concentration must complete MATH 136. To satisfy the math requirement for the major, students in the neuroscience concentration may also complete MATH 136.

Students in the non-extended option of the Psychological Science major can count no more than 3 credits of PSYS 490 toward the major. Students in the extended option, including the quantitative concentration, may count no more than 6 credits of PSYS 490 towards the major, with no more than 3 credits counting toward a single concentration's requirements. Students in the neuroscience concentration of the Psychological Science major may count no more than 3 credits of PSYS 490 towards the major. PSYS 300 is recommended to meet the Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines requirement but does not satisfy major requirements.

The Psychological Science major includes laboratory experiences. In addition to completing a laboratory in research methods, students in the non-extended option of the major and in the extended option of the major (including the quantitative concentration) complete one additional laboratory experience. Students in the neuroscience concentration complete two additional psychological science laboratory experiences in addition to the research methods laboratory.

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.


Applied Psychological Science Concentration

This concentration focuses on how psychological science can be used to solve real-world problems in business, sports, or human engineering domains.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 333Cognitive Psychology3
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Required Course:
Psychological Measurement
Select 9 hours from the following:9
Psychology of Prejudice and Stereotyping
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
Industrial / Organizational Psychology
Judgment and Decision Making
Psychology of Personality
Training in Business and Industry
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Sport Psychology
Issues in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Psychology of Motivation and Emotion
Psychology and Law
Laboratory Experience
Select one course from the following:1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours35-37

Biobehavioral Psychology Concentration

This concentration provides knowledge of the biological bases of behavior and thought.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
PSYS 360Behavioral Neuroscience3
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
PSYS 363Sensory and Perceptual Systems3
Select 9 hours from the following:9
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology of Language
Psychology of Substance Use Disorders
Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
Evolutionary Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Psychology of Sexuality
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Laboratory Experience
Select one course from the following:1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours38-40

Clinical Psychological Science Concentration

This concentration focuses on mechanisms and etiologies of psychological health and dysfunction.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
or PSYS 333 Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 440Abnormal Psychology3
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Social Psychology
Psychology of Prejudice and Stereotyping
Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Psychology of Adult Life and Aging
Developmental Psychopathology
Psychology of Suicide and Self-Injury
Psychology of Substance Use Disorders
Psychology of Personality
Psychology of Religion
Psychology of Women
Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
Psychopharmacology
History of Psychology
Psychology of Sexuality
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Laboratory Experience1-3
Select one course from the following:
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours38-40

Cognitive Psychology Concentration

This concentration emphasizes the scientific study of mental processes such as attention, perception, memory, problem-solving, thinking, and language use.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 333Cognitive Psychology3
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Principles of Human and Animal Learning
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
Psychology of Adult Life and Aging
Psychology of Language
Judgment and Decision Making
Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Psychology of Motivation and Emotion
Laboratory Experience
Select one of the following courses:1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours38-40

Developmental Science Concentration

This addresses the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, perceptual, and personality growth of humans throughout the lifespan.

Concentration Courses
Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
or PSYS 333 Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Child Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Adult Life and Aging
Topics in Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychopathology
Psychology of Language
Psychology of Women
Evolutionary Psychology
Psychology of Sexuality
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Laboratory Experience
Select one of the following courses:1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours38-40

Social Psychology Concentration

This concentration emphasizes the study of how social situations affect behavior.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
or PSYS 333 Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Psychological Measurement
Select 9 hours from the following:9
Psychology of Prejudice and Stereotyping
Judgment and Decision Making
Abnormal Psychology
Psychology of Personality
Psychology of Religion
Psychology of Women
Evolutionary Psychology
Psychology of Sexuality
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Psychology of Motivation and Emotion
Laboratory Experience1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours35-37

General Concentration

This concentration allows students, with help from their advisor, to design an individualized theme.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
or PSYS 333 Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Select 12-24 hours of electives from PSYS courses not used to satisfy Core requirements12-24
Laboratory Experience
Select one of the following courses:1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours38-52

Neuroscience Concentration

This interdisciplinary concentration emphasizes neuroscience and includes courses investigating the brain from the level of cellular biology to higher order psychological systems. This concentration requires more than 48 hours, so students do not need a minor or second major. Also, students in this concentration do not select another concentration within the Psychological Science Major.  Note that students who intend on completing BIOL 319 as an additional restricted elective in this concentration will first need to earn a C or higher in CHEM 120 and CHEM 121. CHEM 120 and CHEM 121 are not part of the Neuroscience concentration in the Psychological Science Major.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
or BIOL 382 Introductory Biostatistics
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
PSYS 360Behavioral Neuroscience3
Choose one - Integrative Science in Psychology (3 credits)3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Upper Level PSYS concentration requirements
PSYS 333Cognitive Psychology3
PSYS 363Sensory and Perceptual Systems3
PSYS 465Psychopharmacology3
Additional PSYS electives3
Psychology of Language
Psychology of Substance Use Disorders
Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
Evolutionary Psychology
Psychology of Sexuality
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Lab experiences (two labs; 2-4 credits)2-4
Introduction to Biopsychology Laboratory
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Programming for Social Sciences
Biology core
BIOL 120Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics3
BIOL 121Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab1
BIOL 122Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology3
BIOL 123Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab1
BIOL 335Neurobiology3
Additional Restricted electives6
Bioinformatics
Evolution: Theory and Process
Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
Genetics
Animal Behavior
Endocrinology
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II
Total Hours56-58

Quantitative Psychology Concentration

This concentration focuses on the use of advanced data manipulation and statistical analysis techniques within psychological science to examine discipline-specific research questions. This concentration requires at least 49 hours, so students do not need a minor or second major. Also, students in this concentration do not select another concentration within the Psychological Science Major.

Core Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
or PSYS 160 Introduction to Biopsychology
PSYS 220Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology3
or PSYS 321 Child Developmental Psychology
PSYS 331Principles of Human and Animal Learning3
or PSYS 333 Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 350Social Psychology3
or PSYS 440 Abnormal Psychology
Select one of the following:3
Behavioral Neuroscience
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
PSYS 313Statistics in Psychology3
Select one of the following:3
Psychology and Science Fiction
History of Psychology
Independent Study in Psychological Sciences
Concentration Courses
Select one of the following:3-4
Introduction to Programming
Problem Solving and Programming
Computer Science I
STAT 301Introductory Probability and Applied Statistics3
STAT 330Introduction to Statistical Software3
STAT 401Regression Analysis3
or STAT 402 Experimental Design
PSYS 413Psychological Measurement3
Select 9 PSYS upper-level elective hours selected in consultation with an advisor9
Laboratory Experience1-3
Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Laboratory in Human and Animal Learning
Laboratory in Cognition
Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
Psychological Measurement
Programming for Social Sciences
Total Hours50-53

 Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP)

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in an accelerated timeframe. Contact the graduate program coordinator for additional information.

This JUMP program allows students to start working toward their MS in Psychology with a concentration in Psychological Science (Ref: 0469) while completing their bachelor’s of science degree in Psychological Science (Ref: 747 and 747E). Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Up to 12 credit hours can be double-counted toward both degrees, and up to 15 hours of graduate courses can be taken while a student is completing the undergraduate degree. The key benefit of the JUMP program is that it allows students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. For more information, see https://www.wku.edu/psychological-sciences/.

To be considered for admission to the JUMP program to earn a BS in Psychological Science and a MS in Psychology in an accelerated timeframe a, a student must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a Psychological Science major (includes programs with reference numbers 747 and 747E)
  • Have completed at least 60 hours total, with at least 24 hours earned at WKU;
  • Have at least 15 or more credit hours remaining to complete the bachelor’s degree;
  • Have a minimum 3.25 overall GPA and 3.25 GPA in the Psychological Science major;
  • Have completed or be enrolled in 16 credit hours in Psychological Science, including PSYS 100 (or PSYS 160), and PSYS 210, and PSYS 211, and PSYS 313 or the equivalent of these classes;
  • Have completed at least one semester long research experience with a faculty member in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Admissions are competitive and dependent upon graduate program capacity. The MS in Psychology with a concentration in Psychological Science uses a research mentorship approach to prepare students to be competitive applicants for admission into a Ph.D. program and/or for positions where strong research and methodological skills are needed. 

Finish in Four Plans

Psychological Science, General 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS 1003PSYS Foundation Course3
MATH 1833PSYS 1603
ENG 1003PSYS 2103
COMM 1453PSYS 2111
Elective or Minor Course3Colonnade 3
 Elective or Minor Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS 3133PSYS Foundation Course3
ENG 2003PSYS Foundation Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Minor Course3
Minor Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS Concentration Course3PSYS Concentration Course3
PSYS Foundation Course/Lab Course3-4ENG 3003
Minor Course3Minor Course3
Minor Course3Minor Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15-16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS Concentration Course3PSYS Concentration Course3
PSYS Integrative Science Course3Minor or Elective Course3
Minor or Elective Course3Minor or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15 15
Total Hours 121-122

Psychological Science, Extended 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 1833PSYS Foundation Course3
PSYS 1003PSYS 1603
ENG 1003PSYS 2103
COMM 1453PSYS 2111
Elective or Colonnade Course3Colonnade 3
 Elective or Colonnade Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS 3133PSYS Foundation Course3
ENG 2003PSYS Foundation or Concentration Course3
PSYS Foundation Course3Minor Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS Concentration Course3PSYS Concentration Course3
PSYS Foundation Course/Lab Course3-4PSYS Concentration Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3ENG 3003
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15-16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PSYS Concentration Course3PSYS Concentration Course3
PSYS Concentration Course3PSYS Concentration Course3
PSYS Integrative Science Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
Colonnade or Elective Course3Colonnade or Elective Course3
 15 15
Total Hours 121-122