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Psychology

Courses:

  • PSY 141: Introduction to Psychology I (4)
  • PSY 142: Introduction to Psychology II (4)
  • PSY 144: The Development of Human Behavior (4)
  • PSY 202: Learning (4)
  • PSY 202L: Laboratory for Learning (2)
  • PSY 204: Social Psychology (4)
  • PSY 205: Research Design I (4)
  • PSY 208: Analysis of Behavioral Data (4)
  • PSY 210: Research Design II: Practical Research Skills (4)
  • PSY 271: Intimate Relationships (4)
  • PSY 272: Evolutionary Psychology (4)
  • PSY 273: Human Sexuality (4)
  • PSY 290: Independent Study in Psychology (2 or 4)
  • PSY 312: Tests and Measurements (4)
  • PSY 315: Motivation and Emotion (4)
  • PSY 316: Sensation and Perception (4)
  • PSY 317: Biological Psychology (4)
    Also listed as BIOL 317.
  • PSY 318: Human Memory (4)
  • PSY 319: Cognitive Psychology (4)
  • PSY 323: Animal Behavior (4)
    Also listed and described as BIOL 323.
  • PSY 323L: Laboratory for Animal Behavior (2)
    Also listed and described as BIOL 323L.
  • PSY 329: Human Neuropsychology (4)
  • PSY 342: Principles of Abnormal Behavior (4)
  • PSY 346: Intelligence (4)
  • PSY 350: Special Topic - Introduction to Personality (4)
  • PSY 351: Behavior Disorders of Childhood (4)
  • PSY 352: Behavior Therapy (4)
  • PSY 360: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (4)
  • PSY 365: Eating Behavior and Disorders (4)
  • PSY 370: Personnel Psychology (4)
  • PSY 390: Independent Study in Psychology (2 or 4)
  • PSY 399: Internship in Psychology (4)
  • PSY 425: History and Systems of Psychology (4)
  • PSY 470: Senior Seminar in Psychology (4)
  • PSY 490: Senior Honors Thesis (4, 4)

Up

Requirements for a Major in Psychology (B.A.):
13-14 courses (52-54 credits)

  • Core Courses:
    PSY 141: Introduction to Psychology I (4)
    PSY 142: Introduction to Psychology II (4)
    PSY 202: Learning (4)
    PSY 202L: Laboratory for Learning (2)
    PSY 205: Research Design I (4)
    PSY 425: History and Systems of Psychology (4)
    PSY 470: Senior Seminar in Psychology (4)

  • CMPS 160: Computer Science I (4) or
    CMPS 200: Microcomputers in the Business World (4)

  • PSY 208: Analysis of Behavioral Data (4) or
    STAT 140: Introduction to Statistics (4) or
    STAT 251: Statistical Methods (4)

    Students are also encouraged to take additional courses in computer science and statistics as appropriate to their interests and plans. Further, students are strongly advised to consider the relevance of courses in all divisions in terms of career preparation and in the context of a broad liberal arts education.

  • Experiential Component (at least 4 credits):
    This requirement can be fulfilled by taking PSY 210: Research Design II or by completion of a psychology-related internship (PSY 399 or Short Term internship), an independent research project (PSY 290 or 390), or a senior thesis (PSY 490). All internships and research projects must receive prior approval from the department.

  • The areas of focus and the required courses within each are as follows:
    BIOLOGICAL: PSY 317, 329, and either PSY 315 or 316
    CHILD: PSY 144, 351, 352
    CLINICAL: PSY 312, 342, and any two of the following: 351, 352, or 365
    COGNITIVE: PSY 318, 319, 329, 346
    INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL: PSY 204, 312, 360, 370
    GENERAL: PSY 470 and any two other PSY courses (one at the 300 level)
    SOCIAL/PERSONALITY: PSY 204, 350, and any two of the following: PSY 271, 272, or 273.

Any required course in any focus area may be replaced by an independent study approved by the department. The student may take additional courses in her area of focus.

PSY 141 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for all courses in the department except as noted. A score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Psychology exam will substitute for credit for PSY 141.

Requirements for a Major in Psychology (B.S.):
16-17 courses (66-74 credits)

Required Courses in Psychology:

  • Core Courses:
    PSY 141: Introduction to Psychology I (4)
    PSY 142: Introduction to Psychology II (4)
    PSY 202: Learning (4)
    PSY 202L: Laboratory for Learning (2)
    PSY 205: Research Design I (4)
    PSY 208: Analysis of Behavioral Data (4)
    PSY 210: Research Design II (4)
    PSY 425: History and Systems of Psychology (4)
    PSY 470: Senior Seminar in Psychology (4)

  • Experiential component (at least 8 credits)
    PSY 290/390: Independent Study (8) or
    PSY 490: Senior Honors Thesis (8)

  • Focus area: at least three courses in one of the focus areas described above (12)

Required Allied Courses:

  • CMPS 200: Microcomputers in the Business World (4)
  • 12 additional credits in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and/or physics (at least one course with a lab, 200 level or above recommended) chosen in consultation with advisor


Requirements for a Minor in Psychology:
5 courses (20 credits)

  • PSY 141: Introduction to Psychology I (4)
  • PSY 142: Introduction to Psychology II (4) or
    PSY 144: The Development of Human Behavior (4)
  • Three additional psychology courses at the 200 level or above (12)

091807

Psychology:

Courses

Major Requirements

Faculty

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To view the academic catalog course listings, click here.



My experience at Hollins better prepared me for my graduate work at my current school. I felt ahead of my current classmates, and I contribute that to the wonderful professors at Hollins. The professors really took the time to make sure I knew the material and would go the extra mile to help me in any way they could. My senior honors thesis was a huge success thanks to Professors Flory and Bowers -- allowing, encouraging, and helping me to use my interests and imagination to take my research to a new level. I feel Hollins not only prepared me for graduate school, but for my life. 

Kimberly Milton '04
Currently a graduate student at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, School of Counseling




The psychology department prepared me to pursue what I expect will be a rigorous but rewarding career in academia. The faculty was and continues to be some of the warmest and supportive individuals I know. The department encouraged me to challenge myself and complete multiple clinical internships and research projects. I have worked at Johns Hopkins University as a research assistant on a project concerning HIV since graduation. I plan to enter the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the University of Central Florida, where I will study eating disorders and body image.

Cathy Pearte '04




Coby Wilmer

Coby Wilmer '06 (left), a psychology major, volunteered at the Rockbridge Area Occupational Center during the summer of 2004.   The Center has provided jobs for people with disabilities in the Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County (Va.) area for over thirty-five years. Her volunteer experience at the Center has helped her to gain experience in working with people with special needs, and has afforded her the opportunity to learn more about the field of vocational rehabilitation.