About

Are you interested in scientific theories aimed at describing and explaining human and animal behavior? Do you want to develop the intellectual, methodological and analytic skills required of the behavioral scientist?

East Carolina's BA degree in psychology is designed to provide students with both a broad exposure to the major areas within the behavioral sciences as well as a focused appreciation for statistical analysis and research design as core competencies within the discipline. Program instruction serves equally well as preparation for a research or teaching career in psychology, or for entry into various professional fields that focus on behavioral challenges. The major may prove useful to students planning professional careers in such fields as medicine, law, education, business, social work, or counseling, as well as to students interested in a general background in the behavioral sciences.

Psychology majors benefit from opportunities provided by activities available both in and outside of the classroom. A wide range of course offerings are scheduled regularly so that students may learn about broad content areas and special focal topics, essential skills as well as major conceptual perspectives, and basic behavioral science in addition to applied psychology. Students can gain field and research experiences as well as complete full-blown research projects similar to those required in graduate school. All majors are also encouraged to participate in Psychology Club or Psi Chi (the honors society for psychology majors).

ECU Advantage

East Carolina's BA degree in psychology is designed to meet educational standards established by the American Psychological Association. Thus, students are trained in accordance with goals outlined by an internationally recognized organization of experts. Class sizes are typically small (ranging from 66 students to only 20 for writing intensive and laboratory classes), providing students with many opportunities for classroom activities and interaction with instructors. Options for becoming involved in research and applied experiences through one-on-one instruction are especially rewarding and unique hallmarks of the program. The BA degree in Psychology is also offered in an online format.

The BA in psychology is among the largest program of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, with approximately 600 majors each year. Students completing the major often pursue graduate study in psychology or a related field. The BA in psychology, coupled with an appropriate minor, can also lead to entry-level employment in mental health or human services fields, in business and industry, or in research-related occupations.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Michael Baker (112 Rawl Building; 252-328-6059; bakermich@ecu.edu)

In order to declare a major in psychology, an undergraduate must have at least 40 s.h. of completed coursework, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 and at least a grade of "C" in PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1060. A faculty advisor will be assigned to each student to aid in planning an overall program. A student desiring to minor in psychology should consult the major department faculty advisor or the director of undergraduate studies of the Department of Psychology to determine the most appropriate sequence of courses for the minor. Undergraduate students majoring in psychology are encouraged to minor in biology, business, chemistry, child development and family relations, mathematics, philosophy, or sociology or to take a composite minor approved by the faculty advisor and chairperson. An online option is also available. 

The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:

1. General education requirements - 40 s.h.

(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)

    2. Demonstrated foreign language proficiency through level 2004 - 12 s.h.

    (For information about the foreign language requirement view Special Requirements for the BA Degree in the Academic Advisement, Progression and Support Services section and Placement Testing, Foreign Language in the Admission and Readmission section.)

      3. Core - 35 s.h.
      • PSYC 1000 - Introductory Psychology OR
      • PSYC 1060 - Honors Introduction to Psychology

      • BIOS 1500 - Introduction to Biostatistics OR
      • MATH 2228 - Elementary Statistical Methods I OR
      • MATH 2283 - Statistics for Business OR
      • PSYC 2101 - Psychological Statistics

      • PSYC 2210 - Research Methods in Psychology
        • Choose one from learning and cognition group:
        • PSYC 3225 - Psychology of Learning OR
        • PSYC 3226 - Cognitive Psychology OR
        • PSYC 3227 - Learning Theories and Applications
        Choose one from biological bases group:
        • PSYC 3310 - Introduction to Neuroscience OR
        • PSYC 3311 - Neuropsychology OR
        • PSYC 3312 - Sensation and Perception
        Choose two from general course group:
        • PSYC 3206 - Developmental Psychology
        • PSYC 3221 - Social Psychology
        • PSYC 3300 - Psychology of Personality
        • PSYC 3325 - Introduction to Psychological Testing
        • PSYC 3375 - Abnormal Psychology
        Choose one from capstone group:
        • PSYC 4000 - Advanced General Psychology
        • PSYC 4250 - Advanced Topics Seminar
        • PSYC 4280 - History of Psychology
        • PSYC 4402 - Senior Thesis/Project
        • PSYC 4602 - Senior Honors Thesis
        Choose 9 s.h. of electives from any psychology course below 6000
        4. Minor - 18-30 s.h.
          5. General electives to complete requirements for graduation.
            For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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