Mar 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2007-2008 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2007-2008 [Archived Catalog]

Psychology


The field of psychology uses scientific methods and procedures to study all aspects of behavior and cognitive processes. Knowledge acquired about such topics as motivation, perception, learning, memory, personality, and social interaction is of major practical value in many settings (e.g., industry, education, health care).

Through the applied focus of many of its course offerings, the department provides a wide range of practical skills and knowledge that are useful in many different employment settings. At the same time, all undergraduate psychology students are equally well prepared for graduate work.

The department’s philosophy is to provide each student maximum flexibility in devising a specific Plan of Study. Psychology major requirements include the completion of five basic psychology courses (PSYC 1200 General Psychology, PSYC 2310 Experimental Methods and Statistics, PSYC 4370 Cognitive Psychology or PSYC 4410 Sensation and Perception, PSYC 4310 Advanced Experimental Methods and Statistics, and PSYC 4990 Undergraduate Thesis) and the completion of at least 12 additional credit hours within the department. The latter courses are electives and students will choose them in consultation with departmental advisers.

In addition, students must complete the basic degree requirements in physical, life, and mathematical sciences. Again, students will consult with their advisers in selecting specific courses to meet these requirements in accordance with their individual interests and goals.

As is evident in the typical four-year program outlined below, PSYC 1200 General Psychology is usually taken in the first year, PSYC 2310 Experimental Methods and Statistics in the second year, PSYC 4370 Cognitive Psychology or PSYC 4410 Sensation and Perception and PSYC 4310 Advanced Experimental Methods and Statistics in the third year and PSYC 4990 Undergraduate Thesis in the fourth year.

Due to the flexibility permitted in course selection, individual curricula may vary considerably within the framework of basic Institute degree requirements. Students are encouraged to supplement basic requirements in science and mathematics whenever feasible in order to take full advantage of Rensselaer’s education opportunities. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required to complete this curriculum.

First Year


Fall


  • Science Sequence Option I Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • IHSS 1964 - Fist Year Studies Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Science Sequence Option II Credit Hours: 4
  • Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 4

Second Year


Fall


  • Science or Math Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Psychology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Humanities Elective (2000 level) Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Social Sci. Elective (2000 level) Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4

Third Year


Fall


  • Psychology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Psychology Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Human or Social Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    [same code 2000 level]

Spring


  • Hum. or Soc. Sci. Elective Credit Hours: 4
    [same code 4000 level]
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • PSYC 4310 - Advanced Exper. Meth. and Stats. Credit Hours: 4

Fourth Year


Fall


  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4 
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4  

Spring


  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4 
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4  

Footnotes


  1. The science sequence may be selected, with the assistance of the student’s adviser, from among 1000-level introductory sequences in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or physics, including CSCI 1100, CSCI 1200, ERTH 1030, ERTH 1040. See the handout on the science core available from the School of Science.
  2. BIOL 1010 is not required if first major is Engineering.