College of Social and Behavioral Science
Department Office: 502 Social and Behavioral Science Building
Mailing Address: 380 S. 1530 E., Room 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0251
Phone: 801-581-6124
Website: psych.utah.edu

Department Chair: Sarah Creem-Regehr, Ph.D. 
Director Undergraduate Studies: Jeanine Stefanucci, Ph.D.
Advisors: Psychology Undergraduate Advising
Gardner Commons Student Success Center, Suite 2455
Social & Behavioral Science Building, Rooms 521 & 522
801-213-1144
advisor@psych.utah.edu

About

Our undergraduate program takes the concept of Psychology as a “hub science” as a foundation. This conception of our field emphasizes the breadth within our field and the multi-disciplinary connections between our field and other arenas. Psychologists study human behavior with the goals of (1) understanding how people and function in their respective natural worlds; (2) building a science of behavior based on that understanding, and (3) understanding, predicting, and alleviating behavioral and psychological maladjustment. Psychology is one of the broadest fields of academic study and practical application. Some branches of Psychology deal with personal behaviors, such as a single individual's mental life and personal development, while other branches deal with more abstract and philosophical issues such as the nature of knowledge and how that knowledge depends on individual and cultural experience and on biological variables.

Basic foundations and the breadth of our field are realized through (1) a common "backbone" of the major required of all students: Psy 1010 (General Psychology), Psy 2010 (Psychology as a Science and Profession), Psy 3000 (Statistics), and Psy 3010 (Research Methods); and (2) a requirement to take four “core area” courses chosen from five defined areas: Cognitive, Developmental, Clinical, Social, and Behavioral Neurosciences. Students develop depth of training via a requirement for additional elective courses that allow students to focus on core areas of interest. We also provide specialized opportunities for undergraduates in the form of formal programs (Honors program, Human Factors Certificate, Infant Mental Health Certificate, and Quantitative Certificate) and specific course offerings and opportunities that represent "signature experiences" for undergraduates (Research Experience, Internships and Field Experience, Independent Study, Peer Advising, and Teaching in Psychology). Together, these experiences are aimed at graduating students who demonstrate competence in five APA learning outcomes: 1) knowledge about psychology; 2) critical thinking and research skills in psychology; 3) the ability to write and communicate about psychological science; 4) social and ethical responsibility in a diverse world, and 5) professional/career development within psychology.

The departmental major is intended for students who wish to concentrate on understanding human behavior as they pursue a liberal arts education. In addition, the departmental major provides the background necessary for graduate study in Psychology and related disciplines and orientation for post-baccalaureate careers in fields that draw directly on psychological knowledge. Other career options for those with a degree are also presented in the curriculum.

Undergraduate Program

Psychology B.S. can also be completed 100% online. You can learn more about the online-only Psychology program by visiting UOnline: https://online.utah.edu/ug-programs/psychology/index.php

Information about the Psychology major is also available at the department's website: psych.utah.edu. Students considering study in Psychology are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor where they can obtain advice in planning a course of study. Academic advising appointments can be made by visiting the department's website: psych.utah.edu/undergraduate/advising.php.

Admission Requirements
There are no additional requirements for admission to the Psychology B.A./B.S. and online programs. Additional requirements are needed for admission to the Psychology H.B.A./H.B.S. programs. See the program pages for more information.

Graduation Requirements
It is the student's responsibility to meet with an academic advisor before their intended graduation date to ensure that all requirements for graduation have been met. In order to be awarded a degree in Psychology, students must be declared in major or minor status by an academic advisor before applying for graduation.

Please see the program pages for more information.

Preparation for Graduate School
Students who plan to pursue graduate studies in Psychology are encouraged to take at least one course from each departmental area (clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, social) in order to ensure adequate breadth of knowledge. While all students are encouraged to gain experience by taking research hours (PSY 4800 to PSY 4806), doing an internship (View CSBS internship options at https://internships.csbs.utah.edu/), being a teaching assistant (PSY 4910), peer advisor (PSY 4860), or doing the Honors Psychology track, students who plan to go to graduate school are especially encouraged to do so.  Please see an academic advisor early and regularly to learn about getting involved.

Transfer Students
Transfer students should meet early with an academic advisor upon entrance to have transfer classes evaluated for the Psychology major or minor requirements.

Graduate Program

Please see the Psychology M.A., M.S., Ph.D. listed in the Program and Course Offerings section. However, interested students should note that acceptance is only into the Ph.D. program in the department for graduate study. We do not offer a terminal master’s degree.

 Areas of Specialization

• Clinical

  • Adult Psychopathology

  • Clinical Child and Family

  • Clinical Health and Behavioral Medicine

  • Clinical Neuropsychology

  • Human Sexuality

• Social

• Cognitive and Neural Science

• Developmental psychology

These four areas provide a home Area for students; however, students move easily across these areas pursuing research and projects. Cross-areas are available in health and cross-interests are available in sexuality, developmental psychopathology, and biological bases in behavior. Students may also pursue interests in quantitative psychology. The graduate program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The Psychology graduate handbook can be found on the department’s website: https://psych.utah.edu/_resources/documents/graduate/graduate-handbook-psychology-9-24-24.pdf .