Listed below are the requirements for the Neuroscience, BA major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Degree Requirements

The program requires at least 120 credits, which include University-wide , 24 credits of mandatory preparatory courses, 23-24 credits of required core courses, 11 credits of elective courses within the major, a research experience course at the end of the coursework, and additional elective courses to fulfill the overall credit requirement.

An overall GPA of 2.000 on all coursework attempted at 51���� is required for this degree. In addition, students must achieve a 2.000 GPA on all coursework attempted, including transfer work. A minimum 2.000 GPA must be earned on all 300-level and above courses taken to satisfy the advanced requirements. Students satisfy the residency requirement for the degree at 51���� by completing at least 15 credits in the upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in the major.

¹

These independent study courses may be counted toward the research requirement in the Neuroscience major only with approval of the student's Neuroscience faculty advisor.

²

If not taken to satisfy research experience requirement.

Listed below are the requirements for the Psychology, BA major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Psychology Major Requirements

The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51����. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. The undergraduate major consists of at least 32 credits in psychology, at least 15 of them at the advanced level (300 or above) taken in residence at 51����, including the following core courses:

¹

PSYCH 211 with the topic “First Year Foundation” for 1 credit does not satisfy this requirement. All other topics of PSYCH 211, for 3 credits, satisfy this requirement.

Research Experience

The College of Letters and Science requires that students complete a research experience in their major. The Department of Psychology has structured its advanced laboratory courses to satisfy that requirement. In these laboratory courses, students run multiple experiments, collect and analyze data quantitatively, and write up the results in a standard journal article format, integrating the results with a critical survey of relevant professional literature. The Systems and Foundations courses are non-laboratory, upper-level courses designed to provide in-depth knowledge on specific topics in psychology. Students are welcome to take additional Systems and Foundations courses as electives.

Cross-Listed Courses

One of the following courses offered by other academic units may be used to fulfill requirements of the undergraduate major in psychology (in Systems and Foundations):

We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.  

The Psychology Bachelor of Arts and the Psychology minor are available for completion entirely online. Learn more about how online programs operate.

Financial Aid

Various financial aid options are available to support your educational journey. 51����’s Student Financial Services team will guide you through the financial aid process, helping you identify and apply for the best options to fund your bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships

51����’s scholarships encompass a wide variety of awards, including academic excellence and need-based opportunities. Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing.  regularly as you make progress on your degree.

Admissions

Applicants must meet 51����’s general admission requirements to be considered for admission.

Our online psychology degree consists of fundamental and upper-level courses that emphasize active learning and communication skills as you creatively design studies and review data. Elective classes allow you to explore specific topics through a psychological lens such as gender, addiction, hormonal changes and stress management. 

From foundational courses in statistics and psychological methods to advanced topics like psychophysiology and neurobiology, you will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of psychology while sharpening your critical research and analytical skills. 

Psychology Major Requirements

The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51����. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. The undergraduate major consists of at least 32 credits in psychology, at least 15 of them at the advanced level (300 or above) taken in residence at 51����, including the following core courses:

¹

PSYCH 211 with the topic “First Year Foundation” for 1 credit does not satisfy this requirement. All other topics of PSYCH 211, for 3 credits, satisfy this requirement.

Research Experience

The College of Letters and Science requires that students complete a research experience in their major. The Department of Psychology has structured its advanced laboratory courses to satisfy that requirement. In these laboratory courses, students run multiple experiments, collect and analyze data quantitatively, and write up the results in a standard journal article format, integrating the results with a critical survey of relevant professional literature. The Systems and Foundations courses are non-laboratory, upper-level courses designed to provide in-depth knowledge on specific topics in psychology. Students are welcome to take additional Systems and Foundations courses as electives.

Cross-Listed Courses

One of the following courses offered by other academic units may be used to fulfill requirements of the undergraduate major in psychology (in Systems and Foundations):

A psychology bachelor’s degree opens doors to a wide range of professional paths with organizations such as non-profits, social service agencies, municipal and government offices, law firms, media companies, ad agencies and sports teams. Our graduates emerge with versatile skills — keen insight into human behavior, strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication. 

These assets led to alumni success in the following roles:

• Adoption Specialist, Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin
• After School Programs Coordinator, Houston Independent School District
• Associate Attorney, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Attorney, Northwestern Mutual
• Attorney, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Council
• Behavioral Health Technician, Aurora Health Care
• Business Process Analyst, American Red Cross
• Career Counselor, Fox Valley Technical College
• Claim Examiner, Wausau Insurance
• Data Analyst, Agnesian Health Care
• Development Director, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
• Employee Relations Specialist, Wisconsin Energy Corporation
• Family Care Coordinator, Rosalie Manor
• Financial Systems Analyst, Rockwell Automation
• Housing Coordinator, New York City Dept. of Housing
• Human Resources Specialist, BVK Ad Agency
• Human Resources Specialist, Home Depot
• Human Resources Specialist, The Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin
• Inside Sales Manager, Metal ERA Inc.
• Intake Specialist, Rogers Behavioral Health
• Line Therapist, Autism Behavioral Network
• Marketing Manager, HO Bostrom Company
• Membership Coordinator, American Society for Quality Control
• Parole Agent, State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections
• Patient Care Coordinator, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
• Program Coordinator, Easter Seals
• Recruitment Manager, The Novo Group
• Sales Account Manager, Kohler
• Training and Sales Director, Marcus Corporation
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

If you are interested in careers that serve patients or clients, a graduate degree in psychology, social work, education or other related program that leads to state licensure is required.

Listed below are the requirements for the Psychology, BS major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Psychology Major Requirements

The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51����. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. The undergraduate major consists of at least 32 credits in psychology, at least 15 of them at the advanced level (300 or above) taken in residence at 51����, including the following core courses:

¹

PSYCH 211 with the topic “First Year Foundation” for 1 credit does not satisfy this requirement. All other topics of PSYCH 211, for 3 credits, satisfy this requirement.

Research Experience

The College of Letters and Science requires that students complete a research experience in their major. The Department of Psychology has structured its advanced laboratory courses to satisfy that requirement. In these laboratory courses, students run multiple experiments, collect and analyze data quantitatively, and write up the results in a standard journal article format, integrating the results with a critical survey of relevant professional literature. The Systems and Foundations courses are non-laboratory, upper-level courses designed to provide in-depth knowledge on specific topics in psychology. Students are welcome to take additional Systems and Foundations courses as electives.

Cross-Listed Courses

One of the following courses offered by other academic units may be used to fulfill requirements of the undergraduate major in psychology (in Systems and Foundations):

We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.  

While the bachelor of science version of psychology is not available to complete fully online, the bachelor of arts version is. Learn more about how the online program works.

Requirements

The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at 51����. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.

The undergraduate minor consists of 18 credits in psychology, at least 9 of them at the advanced level (300 or above) taken in residence at 51����, including the following core courses:

¹

Please note: If you are considering a potential major in Psychology, it is recommended highly that you take and as these are required for the major.

²

with the topic "First Year Foundation" for 1 credit does not satisfy this requirement. All other topics of , for 3 credits, satisfy this requirement.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

Application must be made to the Graduate School.

Applicants are admitted only at the beginning of each academic year. Applications must be submitted by December 1. Important: It is essential to consult the department’s website for important information, including the .

An applicant must meet  requirements plus the following departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Completion of an undergraduate major in psychology (or neuroscience).
2. Receipt of positive recommendation by the Departmental Admissions Committee.

Admission is based on evaluation of an applicant’s entire record. In evaluating each application, the Admissions Committee examines such factors as grades, research record (e.g., research apprenticeships, publications, presentations, and senior or honors theses), and letters of recommendation.

Students without an undergraduate major in psychology or neuroscience are welcome to apply, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  If they are offered admission, they will be informed about any additional course​s that would need to be taken at 51���� (in addition to the required graduate coursework) to fill gaps in training.

As part of their doctoral requirements, PhD students must earn a master’s degree in psychology that includes a thesis derived from empirical research; they do this by fulfilling the requirements of the “General Psychology Track” for the MS degree while enrolled simultaneously in the PhD program. An exception is that students who already have earned a master’s degree based on an empirical thesis in psychology or neuroscience from another college or university are exempt from the requirement of earning the MS in our department.

Credits and Courses

General Psychology Track

Students in the general psychology track must be simultaneously enrolled in the doctoral program. The minimum requirement for the MS is 30 graduate credits of psychology, 24 of which must be earned in formal coursework (excluding practica) and 6 of which must be earned through an acceptable thesis.

Thesis

The student, under the direction of an advisor, must develop an acceptable thesis based on empirical research. The student must pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within three years of initial enrollment.

Specialization in Health Psychology

Health psychology is concerned with the psychological variables that influence physical health and illness. The MS program in health psychology offers training in research and theories relevant to health promotion. The program of study consists of core health psychology coursework, research coursework, psychology breadth coursework, and an optional field placement. Current research topics include gender and health, cancer prevention and health education, reproductive health and STD prevention, patient advocacy and self-care behaviors, the effects of stress and mechanisms of coping with it, and child abuse prevention. Research is conducted in the laboratory as well as in clinical settings, and many members of the faculty have strong ties to the Milwaukee community.

Course of Study

The course of study consists of at least 36 credits, distributed as follows:

The MS specialty in health psychology emphasizes the application of psychological theories to health-related issues. Although students are exposed to theories and applications in coursework, the field placement option offers a further opportunity to learn by doing. Students are encouraged to take at least 3 credits of PSYCH 812 in their area of interest.

Additional Requirements

Advising and the Major Professor

Graduate School and departmental regulations require students to have a major professor to direct their research activities. It is important for students to start their research early in their graduate studies. Admittees are assigned to a major professor they have chosen during the admissions process.

Before the end of the second semester, the student must form an advisory committee of three departmental faculty members, including the student’s major professor. Students are free to change their major professor at any time. The Department also provides a Graduate Program Coordinator, who advises about courses and program requirements and who approves programs of study. The Graduate Program Coordinator is also available to help students who wish to change their major professors to find new ones.

Thesis or Project

The student, under the direction of an advisor, has the option of developing either an acceptable thesis based on empirical research or an acceptable project (a review or theoretical paper). In either case, students must demonstrate their ability to formulate a research idea and pursue independent and original investigation. The student must pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis, but no oral examination is required for a project.

Time Limit

The student must complete all requirements within seven years of initial enrollment.

Teaching and Research Assistantships are the primary form of financial support for graduate students. These positions provide a salary and tuition remission. Some small scholarships and awards are also available, often to help defray the cost of mandatory student fees. Click below for more details.

Application to all graduate programs are completed through the 51���� Graduate School. Please see their website for detailed information about the application process and contact them with questions.

We also have provided information about applying to one of the psychological-brain-sciences graduate programs and our admissions criteria:

How to apply for the PhD in psychological-brain-sciences

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

Application must be made to the Graduate School.

Applicants are admitted only at the beginning of each academic year. Applications must be submitted by December 1. Important: It is essential to consult the department’s website for important information, including the departmental admissions brochure.

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements and the following departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Completion of an undergraduate major in psychology (or neuroscience).
2. Receipt of a positive recommendation by the Departmental Admissions Committee.

Admission is based on evaluation of an applicant’s entire record. In evaluating each application, the Admissions Committee examines such factors as grades, research record (e.g., research apprenticeships, publications, presentations, and senior or honors theses), and letters of recommendation.

Students without an undergraduate major in psychology or neuroscience are welcome to apply, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If they are offered admission, they will be informed about any additional course​s that would need to be taken at 51���� (in addition to the required graduate coursework) to fill gaps in training.

As part of their doctoral requirements, PhD students must earn a master’s degree in psychology that includes a thesis derived from empirical research; they do this by fulfilling the requirements of the “General Psychology Track” for the MS degree while enrolled simultaneously in the PhD program. An exception is that students who already have earned a master’s degree based on an empirical thesis in psychology or neuroscience from another college or university are exempt from the requirement of earning the MS in our department.

Credits and Courses

The minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at 51����.

Departmental Doctoral Curriculum

Only courses numbered 700 or above and a few departmentally-designated undergraduate/graduate courses, including �ʳ��۰����510 and �ʳ��۰����610, may be counted in the doctoral curriculum, which is specified in the department’s .

Clinical Psychology Curriculum

The Clinical Psychology curriculum consists of a sequence of required clinical courses, including courses in professional ethics, issues, and research methods in clinical psychology; developmental psychopathology; foundations of psychotherapy; assessment (two semesters); and empirically-supported interventions. Other required courses include a two-course statistics sequence, history of psychology, multicultural issues in counseling or clinical psychology, and lifespan developmental psychology. Also, Clinical Psychology students must fulfill American Psychological Association (APA) requirements by completing one course from each of the following areas: biological bases of behavior, cognitive/affective bases of behavior, and social bases of behavior.

In addition to classroom courses, students also must complete a sequence of practicum and community placement courses for intensive training in assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and professional practice and, later, a pre-doctoral, extramural, full-time (2,000 hours) internship. Students should consult the department’s for details.

Completion of a departmental minor is optional for clinical students (available areas: Cognition and Perception, Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuroscience, and Quantitative Methods).

The clinical program strongly adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training. It is designed to train psychologists as generalists. However, our faculty members interests cluster in three primary areas including neuroscience/neuropsychology, cognitive/behavioral and behavioral therapies, and pediatric/health psychology. As a result, students often leave the clinical program with a focus in one or more of these areas. The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).¹ The program has been accredited continually since 1980.

In addition, the clinical program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Membership in the Academy is granted only after a thorough peer review process. Our membership in the Academy indicates our commitment to excellence in scientific training and to using clinical science as the foundation for designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment and intervention procedures.

¹

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242. Phone: 202-336-5979.

Health Psychology Curriculum

The Health Psychology curriculum consists of a core course in health psychology, two other courses in health psychology chosen in consultation with the major professor, a two-course statistics sequence, completion of two departmental minor areas of study (available areas: Cognition and Perception, Developmental Psychology, Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Quantitative Methods) and one breadth course chosen in consultation with the major professor. Students should consult the department’s  for details.

Health psychology, which is concerned with the psychological variables that influence physical health and illness, has become a dominant force in the health sciences. The program offers training in research and theories relevant to health promotion. Faculty members and students work together on projects focused on gender and health, cancer prevention and health education, reproductive health and STD prevention, patient advocacy and self-care behaviors, the effects of stress and mechanisms of coping with it, and child abuse prevention. Research is conducted in the laboratory as well as in clinical settings, and many members of the faculty have strong ties to the Milwaukee community.

Neuroscience Curriculum

The Neuroscience curriculum includes four core courses (behavioral neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and proseminar in biological psychology). Other required courses include a statistics course, seminar in neuroscience (three semesters of official enrollment), and three electives, chosen in consultation with the major professor. Students should consult the department’s  for details.

Neuroscience is devoted to the study of the nervous system. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the intellectual and technical skills necessary for a productive career in academics or industry. Students are part of the greater Milwaukee Area Neuroscience group, which includes faculty members and students from various departments at 51����, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Marquette University. Students learn a wide range of techniques working with laboratory animals and human subjects. These include experimental design, behavioral testing and analysis, neurophysiology, aseptic surgical techniques, quantitative protein and mRNA assays, immunohistochemistry, eyetracking, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Current research topics include cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory; mapping brain areas involved in memory and emotion in humans and rodents using fMRI; effects of exercise on cerebral blood flow; mechanisms of recovery from brain damage; visual attention; effects of aging on learning and memory; and the role of calcium and calcium-binding proteins in ischemic cell death.

Additional Requirements

Advising and the Major Professor

Graduate School and departmental regulations require students to have a major professor to direct their research activities. Entering students are assigned to the major professor they have chosen during the admissions process. Students are free to change their major professor at any time. The Department provides a Graduate Program Coordinator, who advises about courses and program requirements and who approves programs of study. The Graduate Program Coordinator also is available to help any student who wishes to change their major professor.

Multicultural Requirement

Clinical students must complete a course in multicultural issues in clinical or counseling psychology.

Developmental Psychology Requirement

Clinical students must complete a graduate-level lifespan developmental psychology course.

Extradepartmental Minors and Certificates (optional)

If they wish, and with the approval of their major professors, students may complete, in another department, a coherent program of at least 8 graduate credits (undergraduate/graduate courses taken for graduate credit apply). They may also, if they wish, complete one or more graduate certificate programs.

Residence

The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements. Please note the requirement of earning at least 27 graduate credits at 51����. For more information on residence, see the Graduate School Doctoral Requirements���貹����.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

Students must pass a doctoral preliminary examination to qualify for formal admission to candidacy for the degree. The preliminary examination can be taken only after the master’s degree has been earned and all relevant coursework has been completed satisfactorily. The format of the examination depends on the program. Specific guidelines for preliminary examinations can be found in the department’s .

Clinical Internship Requirement

With the approval of the department’s Clinical Training Committee, clinical students are eligible to begin a required one-year, 2,000-hour internship after they have passed the preliminary examination and the doctoral dissertation proposal hearing.

Clinical Coursework for Dissertators

Clinical students are permitted to take practicum courses PSYCH 811 and PSYCH 842 after achieving dissertator status. This is an exception to UW System policy regarding coursework loads for dissertators that is approved because of the nature of the clinical program.

Dissertation Defense

The candidate must write a dissertation that demonstrates the ability to formulate a research topic and pursue independent and original investigation. A doctoral dissertation committee must have at least four members, at least three of whom must be tenure-track or tenured faculty in the 51���� Department of Psychology who hold Graduate Faculty status. A maximum of two committee members can be individuals who have doctoral degrees but who do not have Graduate Faculty status at 51����.

Final Oral Examination

The candidate must, as the final step toward the degree, pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within seven years of initial enrollment (four years if entering with a master’s degree), excluding internship.

For additional information on the PhD, see the Graduate School Doctoral Requirements���貹����.

Teaching and Research Assistantships are the primary form of financial support for graduate students. These positions provide a salary and tuition remission. Some small scholarships are also available. Click below for more details.