Department of Psychology

The undergraduate psychology major (BA) is designed to introduce students to the understanding of behavior, cognition, emotion and their underlying processes. Emphasis is placed on the areas represented by our present department faculty: cognitive and brain sciences, behavioral neuroscience and clinical psychology. Psychology is a science; therefore, the program emphasizes an empirical methodological approach to understanding behavior, cognition, emotion and other topics. The goal of the program is to provide students with the framework of the scientific method, which they can then use to evaluate any topic in psychology. Most courses are geared toward a general understanding of the diverse psychological phenomena and the methodology used to approach them. The program is especially designed for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology and related areas or in other areas of specialization. The research orientation of the program is evident in the number and diversity of courses offered that include a scientific approach and in the efforts of faculty to involve undergraduate students in hands-on research.

Students interested in majoring in psychology are advised to seek information directly from the psychology academic advisor no later than their fourth semester, and preferably earlier. It is very important for transfer students intending to major in psychology to contact the psychology undergraduate academic advisor when they arrive on campus. In order to declare their major, students should go to the Psychology Department Advising Office (Science 4, Suite 175) or schedule an appointment with an advisor through B-Successful. Meeting with the advisor to go over the major requirements is highly encouraged. For potential and declared psychology majors, several resources are available on our advising website discussing topics such as careers in psychology, major requirements, honors in psychology, research opportunities, internships and the Psi Chi (national honor society) chapter at Binghamton.

Honors Program

Outstanding students are urged to consider the honors program in psychology. To graduate with honors in psychology, known as distinguished independent work in psychology, the student must attain a 3.5 GPA for all courses attempted that count toward satisfaction of the psychology major requirements and for all psychology courses taken, as well as a 3.0 GPA for all courses necessary for graduation. Students in the psychology honors program must propose a research project in conjunction with a faculty advisor who will sponsor the work. An honors committee composed of at least two Psychology Department faculty members, selected by the student in consultation with the advisor, evaluates the senior honors thesis proposal, the completed written thesis, and either an oral defense of the thesis or final poster presentation. Students doing honors thesis work should register for two credits of PSYC 498 the semester they are preparing to submit their thesis proposal, and should register for four credits of PSYC 499 the semester the degree award is expected. Alternatively, students may register for two credits of PSYC 499 each semester of their senior year, not exceeding four credits total. These credits will not count towards Harpur’s 16-credit limit on independent work.

See our website for more information.

Exceptional students who lack one or more of the psychology major requirements may petition the undergraduate program director for acceptance into the psychology honors program.

Graduate Programs

The psychology graduate programs provide the student with a basic knowledge of the discipline of psychology and intensive training in theory and research in one of three areas:

All three programs are considered full-time in-residence programs. There is a strong emphasis on direct research experiences. The programs allow flexibility for individual students and encourage inter-area and interdisciplinary endeavors.

Students may also receive formal training and experience in the teaching of psychology and exposure to didactics regarding ethical issues involved in research and education. Each student’s faculty mentor, along with the student’s master’s thesis, qualifying examination and doctoral dissertation committees are critical in helping the individual student to develop a personalized program of study. It is important for students to work closely with their mentors and area heads to ensure progress toward their career goals.

Transfer Students

Transfer students, including those who enter with a master’s degree, are required to qualitatively satisfy all core-course requirements. This may be done by taking specified Binghamton courses or transferring credit for equivalent courses taken elsewhere and completed with a grade of B or better (this may account for now more than two thirds of students’ required course work).

Master’s theses accepted by other institutions are reviewed by the departmental faculty in order to ensure equivalence of work to that required at Binghamton.

Review of transfer students’ qualifications should be completed either prior to arrival or early during the first semester in residence.