Field Description

Psychology courses familiarize students with the scientific study of mind and behavior. This discipline relies on methods ranging from simple observation to rigorous experimentation. Its subjects include how we develop and learn, how our actions are motivated, how we perceive the world around us, how we respond to it intellectually and emotionally, and how these processes change throughout life and are integrated into the personality under social influences. The department offers courses that apply psychology to a variety of practical settings, including the workplace, clinical, legal, and school environments.

The Majors
 
Psychology - fall 2016 (See below for changes to the Major that will take place in spring 2017.)

The psychology major is the most popular course of study among undergraduate students nationwide. Many of them will ultimately establish careers outside the field of psychology, but will do so in areas that rely upon an understanding of human thought and behavior. Psychology is an appropriate major for those who plan to work, for example, in business, law, the health care professions, education, public affairs, nonprofit agencies, and computer science.

To prepare for a career in psychology or an allied profession, such as social work or counseling, students must earn a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate programs in psychology are selective and take into consideration a student's academic record, letters of recommendation, field and research experience, and, in most cases, GRE scores. A number of American Psychological Association publications, including the APA Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology, are useful when making academic and career plans.

Baruch offers a 25-credit BA major in Psychology. This includes two required courses and a broad array of electives.

Careful selection of electives suitable for students' academic and career plans is highly advised. Students who wish to develop their research skills should consider pursuing an independent study or honors thesis project. It is also recommended that students take courses in other departments that focus on the scientific method, logic, communication skills, and the understanding of cultural and social systems.

Prerequisite Courses                                     7 credits

PSY 1001

General Psychology

3 credits

Statistics for Social Science3 credits
  • Students who took STA 2000 to fulfill BBA core requirements and who change their degree objective to the BA will be given permission to use STA 2000 in lieu of STA 2100. Psychology majors may not take STA 2100 on a pass/fail basis.

Psychology Core

Required Course                               4 credits

PSY 3001

Research Methods in Psychology (formerly )4 credits
Choose four of the following courses:  12 credits

PSY 3055

Abnormal Psychology3 credits

PSY 3056

Social Psychology3 credits

PSY 3059

Developmental Psychology: Personality in 3 Childhood and Adolescence *3 credits
or

PSY 3060

Developmental Psychology: Adult Personality *3 credits
Personality and Individual Differences (formerly PSY 4061 Theories of Personality)3 credits

 

Psychology of Motivation and Learning3 credits
Cognitive Psychology3 credits

PSY 3082

Mind, Brain and Behavior3 credits
Sensation and Perception3 credits 

* Students may not take both PSY 3059 and PSY 3060 to fulfill the core requirement.

Elective Courses               9 credits

Three courses of students' choosing. They may include courses that constitute part of the required core in psychology, if not otherwise used to fulfill core curriculum requirements, as well as any other elective courses offered by the department. At least one of theses courses MUST be at the 4000-level or above.

Psychology - Effective spring 2017

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and the mind. According to the American Psychological Association, "Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through careful honed research methods involving observation, experimentation and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline's scientific knowledge to help people, organizations and communities function better."

Baruch faculty have particular strengths in industrial-organizational, clinical, social, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology. The psychology major is the most popular course of study among undergraduate students nationwide. Many psychology majors ultimately establish careers outside the field of psychology, but will do so in areas that rely upon an understanding of human thought and behavior. Psychology is an appropriate major for those who plan to work, for example, in business, law, the health care professions, education, public affairs, nonprofit agencies, and computer science.

To prepare for a career in psychology or an allied profession, such as social work or counseling, students must earn a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate programs in psychology are selective and take into consideration a student's academic record, letters of recommendation, field and research experience, and, in most cases, GRE scores. A number of American Psychological Association publications, including the APA Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology, are useful when making academic and career plans.

Baruch offers a 25-credit BA major in Psychology. This includes one required course in research methods, 12 credits of foundation courses, and 9 credits of electives.

You are required to meet with a faculty advisor in psychology to declare a major. The faculty advisor will discuss with you the foundations and elective courses that best meet your career goals. Students who wish to develop their research skills should consider pursuing an independent study or honors thesis project. It is also recommended that students take courses in other departments that focus on the scientific method, logic, communication skills, and the understanding of cultural and social systems.

Prerequisite Courses                                     6 credits

PSY 1001

General Psychology

3 credits

Statistics for Social Science3 credits
  • Students who took STA 2000 to fulfill BBA core requirements and who change their degree objective to the BA will be given permission to use STA 2000 in lieu of STA 2100. Psychology majors may not take STA 2100 on a pass/fail basis.

Psychology Core

Required Course: 4 credits

PSY 3001

Research Methods in Psychology (formerly )4 credits

Foundation Courses: 12 credits

Choose four of the following courses

PSY 3055

Abnormal Psychology3 credits

PSY 3056

Social Psychology3 credits

PSY 3059

Developmental Psychology: Personality in 3 Childhood and Adolescence *3 credits
or

PSY 3060

Developmental Psychology: Adult Personality *3 credits
Personality and Individual Differences (formerly PSY 4061 Theories of Personality)3 credits

 

Psychology of Motivation and Learning3 credits
Cognitive Psychology3 credits

PSY 3082

Mind, Brain and Behavior3 credits

* Students may not take both PSY 3059 and PSY 3060 to fulfill the core requirement.

 

Elective Courses (3000-level or above): 6 credits

Two courses of students' choosing. They may include courses that constitute part of the required core in psychology, if not otherwise used to fulfill core curriculum requirements, as well as any other elective courses offered by the department.

Elective Course (4000-level or above): 3 credits
One course of students' choosing. It must be at the 4000-level or above, and it must be completed at Baruch College. PSY 4035 and PSY 5030-5032 do not fulfill this requirement, but can be used as 3000-level or above elective courses.

 

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The major in industrial/organizational psychology is a broadbased one. It offers courses in all areas of psychology while emphasizing the field of industrial/organizational psychology. This major is within the Zicklin School of Business. All BBA requirements apply.

For many students, the BBA in industrial/organizational psychology is a terminal degree. They may pursue careers in business, including sales, advertising, marketing, and human resource management. They may also pursue careers in a variety of governmental agencies or engage in public opinion or market research.

Some career objectives may require or recommend that the student pursue a master's (MBA or MS) or PhD degree in industrial/organizational psychology.

Base Courses                                     7 credits

No credit toward the major

PSY 1001

General Psychology

3 credits

STA 2000

Business Statistics3 credits
Required Courses                               24 credits

PSY 3001

Research Methods in Psychology4 credits

PSY 3181

 Industrial and Organizational Psychology3 credits

PLUS three of the following:

PSY 3056

Social Psychology3 credits

 

Personality and Individual Differences (formerly PSY 4061 Theories of Personality)3 credits

PSY 3067

Psychology of Motivation and Learning3 credits

PSY 3081

Cognitive Psychology3 credits

PSY 3082

Mind, Brain, and Behavior3 credits
 

Elective Courses

Three of the following:

PSY 4010

Diversity in the Workplace3 credits

PSY 4013

Advanced Personnel Psychology3 credits

PSY 4181

Advanced Organizational Psychology 3 credits

PSY 4182

Occupational Health Psychology3 credits

PSY 4183

Psychology of Career Development and Planning3 credits

PSY 4184

Leadership and Managerial Development (formerly PSY 3184)3 credits

PSY 4185

Psychology of Organizational Training and Development3 credits

 

The Minor

The minor comprises three courses in Psychology, at least one of which must be a foundation course in psychology and at least one of which must be a capstone course at the 4000 level or above. The capstone course should be one of the department’s communications-intensive options and must be taken at Baruch College. The selection of a suitable capstone should take the student’s background in the discipline and academic interests into account and should be determined in consultation with the Department of Psychology.

Foundation Courses:      3-6 credits

PSY 3055

Abnormal Psychology3 credits

PSY 3056

Social Psychology3 credits

PSY 3059

Developmental Psychology: Personality in 3 Childhood and Adolescence *3 credits
       or

PSY 3060

Developmental Psychology: Adult Personality *3 credits
Personality and Individual Differences (formerly PSY 4061 Theories of Personality)3 credits

 

Psychology of Motivation and Learning3 credits
Cognitive Psychology3 credits 

PSY 3082

Mind, Brain and Behavior3 credits

* Students may not take both PSY 3059 and PSY 3060 to fulfill the foundation requirement.

Elective courses               0-3 credits

PSY 3030

Thought and Reality   ( )3 credits

PSY 3035

Philosophy of Psychology  ()3 credits

PSY 3036

Psychology and Culture3 credits

Special Problems in Psychology Series I

3 credits

PSY 3054

The Psychology of Sleep3 credits

PSY 3057

Psychology of Religion3 credits

PSY 3058

Small Group Processes3 credits

PSY 3062

Psychology of Stress Management3 credits

PSY 3063

Health Psychology3 credits

PSY 3069

Psychology and the Law3 credits

PSY 3071

Psychology of Gender3 credits

PSY 3101

Political Psychology   ()3 credits

PSY 3181

Industrial and Organizational Psychology3 credits

PSY 3185

Environmental Psychology3 credits

PSY 3220

Experimental Philosophy   ()3 credits

PSY 3288

Psychology of Advertising 3 credits

PSY 3730

Literature and Psychology  ()3 credits
Capstone CourseChoose one the following: 

PSY 4010

Diversity in the Workplace3 credits
Evolution of Modern Psychology 3 credits 

PSY 4013

Advanced Personnel Psychology3 credits

PSY 4051

Psychology of the Family3 credits
Sensation and Perception3 credits
Advanced Organizational Psychology 3 credits 
Occupational Health Psychology 3 credits 
Psychology of Career Development and Planning3 credits
Leadership and Managerial Development3 credits
 Psychology of Training and Development3 credits

PSY 4900

Psychological Approaches to Contemporary Problems3 credits

 

Independent Study in Psychology

(requires departmental permission)

3 credits

 

Courses

Courses in Psychology (PSY)

PSY 1001

General Psychology

2 lecture hours; 2 recitation hours ; 4 credits

3 hours; 3 credits (effective spring 2016)

PSY 3001

Research Methods in Psychology

2 recitation hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

PSY 3030

Thought and Reality (

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3033

Practice in Laboratory and Research Methodology I

3 field hours; 1 credit

PSY 3034

Practicum in Laboratory and Research Methodology II

3 field hours; 1 credit

PSY 3035

Philosophy of Psychology ()

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3036

Psychology and Culture

3 hours; 3 credits

 

Special Problems in Psychology Series I

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3041

Psychology of Women

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3049

Psychology of Stress Management

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3050

Special Problems in Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3053

Tests and Measurements

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3054

The Psychology of Sleep

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3055

Abnormal Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3056

Social Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3057

Psychology of Religion

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3058

Small Group Processes

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3059

Developmental Psychology: Personality in Childhood and Adolescence

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3060

Developmental Psychology: Adult Personality

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3062

Psychology of Stress Management

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3063

Health Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

Personality and Individual Differences (formerly PSY 4061 Theories of Personality)3 hours; 3 credits
The Psychology of Motivation and Learning 3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3069

Psychology And Law

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3071

Psychology of Gender

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3075

Psychology and the Internet

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3081

Cognitive Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3082

Mind, Brain, and Behavior

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3083

Psychology of Learning

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3101

Political Psychology ()

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3181

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3185

Environmental Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3220

Experimental Philosophy ()

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3288

Psychology of Advertising

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 3730

Literature and Psychology ()

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4010

Diversity in the Workplace

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4012

Evolution of Modern Psychology

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4013

Advanced Personnel Psychology

"3 hours, 3 credits"

PSY 4035

Practicum in Community Psychological Services

6 hours; 4 credits

PSY 4039

Psychopathology of Childhood

3 hours; 3 credits

Special Problems in Psychology Series II

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4041

Psychology of Death

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4051

Psychology of the Family

3 hours; 3 credits

PSY 4060

Sexuality: Alternative Life Styles and Identities

3 hours; 3 credits

Sensation and Perception3 hours; 3 credits
Advanced Organizational Psychology 3 hours; 3 credits 
Occupational Health Psychology3 hours; 3 credits 
Psychology of Career Development and Planning 3 hours; 3 credits 

Leadership and Managerial Development

 
3 hours; 3 credits 
Psychology of Training and Development 3 hours; 3 credits 

PSY 4900

Psychological Approaches to Contemporary Problems

3 hours; 3 credits

 

Independent Study I-V

hours and credits to be arranged

PSY 5030

Research Practicum in Psychology

Variable (3 to 9 hours; 1 to 3 credits)

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology3 hours; 3 credits 

PSY 6001H

Psychology Honors I

3 hours; 3 credits per semester

PSY 6002H

Psychology Honors II

3 hours; 3 credits per semester