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Apr 03, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Psychology Major, BA
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The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a research-driven education in the science of behavior and mental processes. Students explore foundational areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, individual differences, social behavior, and mental health, with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research participation, and career-focused coursework.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in human services, research, education, and business, as well as for advanced study in psychology, law, medicine, and related fields.
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Campus: Knoxville, Distance Education**
For additional information regarding distance education programs, including Admissions Requirements, visit https://volsonline.utk.edu/ Not every course is offered each term or available in all modalities. Students should review their degree audit regularly and work closely with their academic advisor to plan their courses and ensure timely progress toward degree completion based on course availability in their declared modality. **Honors Concentration not available for Distance Education Prerequisites (GPA of at least 2.0)
(grade of C or better in all Prerequisite courses) Select one course: (3 Credit Hours)
Select one course: (3 Credit Hours)
Select one sequence from the following: (5 - 8 Credit Hours)
Major Requirements
The major consists of 31 hours of Psychology at the 200 level or higher and at least 20 of which must be at the 300-level or above. No more than 6 hours from courses offered outside the psychology department may be counted toward the major. No more than 6 hours from PSYC 289 , PSYC 373 , PSYC 382 , PSYC 394 , PSYC 399 , PSYC 486 , PSYC 489 , PSYC 491 , PSYC 492 , or PSYC 493 may be used in this major. Continuation in the psychology major requires maintenance of a GPA of 2.0. Students placed on Academic Probation will be informed in writing that they are on probation and their records will be reviewed. Students who continue on Academic Probation will be dropped from the major. Core Courses (22 Hours)
To ensure that all psychology majors are exposed to the breadth of psychology as a hub science, including the diversity of human experience, all psychology majors are required to complete coursework in seven core areas. 1. Scientific Foundation of Psychology
3. Cognition and Learning
4. Connections to the Biological Sciences
5. Connections to the Social Sciences
6. Connections to Mental Health and Applications
7. Individual Differences and Human Diversity
Electives (9 hours)
Psychology majors will choose a minimum of 3 additional courses, at least one of which must be at the 400-level. No more than 6 hours of PSYC 382 , PSYC 399 , PSYC 394 , PSYC 489 , PSYC 491 , PSYC 492 , PSYC 493 may be counted toward the major and no more than 6 hours from courses offered outside the psychology department. Proficiencies (0 hours)
To support the department’s assessment efforts, students are required to complete one 0-credit course, typically at the end of the student’s degree program. Honors Concentration – Psychology
The Psychology Department offers an honors concentration that is a specially designed individualized mentorship program for high achieving students. Chancellor’s Honors students and psychology majors with psychology GPAs of 3.5 or better and cumulative GPAs of 3.25 or better may apply. Concentration Requirements
Complete:
- all the requirements of the psychology major
Footnote:
1 Distance Education students are required to take PSYC 110* and PSYC 245 . 2. Not every course is available in both modalities or offered every term. Students should regularly review their Degree Audit Report System, i.e., DARS, and consult with their academic advisor to plan their courses and ensure timely progress toward degree completion based on course availability. * Meets Volunteer Core Requirement |
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