Psychology students at MSU may pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Both degrees provide a strong foundation in psychology while allowing students flexibility to explore different academic and career pathways.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Recommended for students interested in:
Social sciences and humanities.
Counseling, education, law, business, or human services.
Graduate or professional paths with less emphasis on advanced science coursework.
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Recommended for students interested in:
Research and laboratory experience.
Healthcare and medical professions.
Neuroscience or natural science coursework.
Graduate programs requiring additional math and science preparation.
Degree Structure
Click each tab to learn more about each set of requirements.
The Writing Requirement is completed in two tiers:
Tier I: WRA 101, 195H, or a waiver or credit from a high school exam (e.g. Advanced Placement, IB, etc.).
Tier II: fulfilled by the completion of a designated course in your major (course titles are typically followed by a “W”).
Mathematics Requirement
Students are encouraged to begin math coursework early, as PSY 295 requires completion of the mathematics requirement before enrollment (usually during sophomore year).
College algebra is required for all PSY majors. Students who earn a 15 or higher on the MSU Math Placement Service Assessment may waive College Algebra.
BA in Psychology
Complete one of the following options (1 or 2):
Complete both:
College Algebra: MTH 103, MTH 103A&B, or placement waiver
One additional course: MTH 101, 102, 114, 124, 132, 152H, or 201; STT 200 or STT 201
OR
Complete one:
College Algebra and Trigonometry: MTH 116 (5 credit fast paced course)
BS in Psychology
Complete both of the following (1 and 2):
College Algebra: MTH 103, MTH 103A&B, MTH 116, or placement waiver
AND
Calculus: MTH 124 or MTH 132
Additional Major in Psychology
Complete one of the following (1 or 2):
Complete both:
College Algebra: MTH 103 or MTH 103A&B, or placement waiver
One additional course: MTH 101, 102, 114, 124, 132, 152H, or 201; STT 200 or STT 201
OR
Complete MTH 116
Integrative Studies Requirement
Students must complete 24 credits of Integrative Studies coursework across three areas:
* For PSY BS students, an Alternative Science Track allows approved science coursework (commonly CEM 141, BS 161, and BS 171) to fulfill university science requirements.
Some flexibility may apply for transfer students who have not previously attended MSU.
Diversity Distribution Requirement
Each IAH and ISS course is assigned a diversity designation (found at the end of its course title):
I = International Diversity
N = National Diversity
D = Multicultural Diversity
Your IAH and ISS courses must include two different diversity designations out of the four courses taken: N, I, or D.
Complete a minimum of 120 credits with a 2.0 or better cumulative MSU GPA.
Achieve a 2.0 or better Psychology cumulative GPA at MSU.
Complete a minimum of 30 credits at MSU with a minimum of 27 credits on the East Lansing campus after junior year. MSU online courses are allowed in the 27 credits.
Earn a minimum of 20 credits while in the major.
Courses used to satisfy specific degree requirements may not be taken for CR/NC
Residency requirement: no more than 10 of your last 30 credits may be transferred without prior approval (usually reserved for study abroad seniors).
Up to 60 community college credits can be applied toward your bachelor’s degree.
Note: Before taking a course at another institution, visit our Course Information page to learn more about other relevant policies.
Complete a minimum of 31 credits in Psychology courses with a minimum of 2.0 PSY GPA.
All course descriptions, restrictions, and prerequisites can be found in the MSU Course Descriptions. All PSY courses require PSY 101 as a prerequisite at a minimum.
Core Curriculum (10 credits):
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology (4 credits)
PSY 295 Data Analysis in Psychological Research** (3 credits)
PSY 395 Design and Measurement in Psychological Research (3 credits)
In addition to the courses used to fulfill the University Natural Science Requirement, PSY BS student compete a minimum of 15 credits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses from the #6 list on this page.
All students must complete an approved 3- or 4-credit experiential learning activity before graduation. This can be completed within or outside the major.
Complete a minimum of 30 credits in courses numbered at the 300-level and above.
The "12/12/20 Rule" applies:
You may apply up to 12 independent study credits, 12 internship/practicum/field experience credits, and no more than 20 total combined to your degree.
PSY 371/372 and PSY 381 do not count toward this limit.
Courses applied to University requirements may not also be counted toward the CSS graduation requirements.
Only credits in courses graded on the numerical, Pass-No Grade, or S-NS systems may be counted toward CSS and major requirements. In other words, courses taken for CSS and major requirements may not be taken on a Credit-No Credit basis.
General Electives are courses that do not fulfill a specific University, College, or Psychology requirement. They are your opportunity to customize your degree.
You will typically complete 19–34 elective credits, which count toward the 120 credits required to graduate.
You can use electives to:
Explore new interests.
Build skills for careers or graduate school.
Complete a(n additional) minor, additional major, or second degree.
Some electives (300+ level) can also help you meet upper-level credit requirements.
Popular options for PSY majors include:
ADV - Advertising
CEP - Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education
COM - Communication
HDFS - Human Development and Family Studies
HRLR - Human Resources and Labor Relations
KIN - Kinesiology
SOC - Sociology
SW - Social Work
TE - Teacher Education
Electives can be broad or focused depending on your goals.
Adding Minors, Additional Majors, and Second Degrees:
Minors
Explore a focused area of interest. Some are interdisciplinary, while others are department-based.
Additional Majors
Combine Psychology with another discipline without completing a second degree.
Second Degrees
Pursue a fully separate degree with its own requirements and diploma.
Considering adding PSY as a second major or degree? Visit our Becoming a PSY Major page to get started.
Psychology Major Four-Year Plan
We’ve created a sample four-year plan for a student completing a minor. While this can be a helpful guide while adding courses to your Shopping Cart, we strongly encourage you to connect with a PSY advisor for a personalized plan each semester.
