IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS:

Beginning Fall 2027, PSY226 (Statistical Methods in Psychology) and PSY305 (Experimental Psychology) will be replaced by a new course sequence: PSY 302 (Research Methods I) and PSY 303 (Research Methods II). Both new courses will be offered in person only. If you would like to complete the current PSY226/PSY305 sequence, you must complete PSY226 by Spring 2027 and PSY305 by Fall 2027. Students who do not complete PSY 226 by Spring 2027 will be required to complete the new in-person PSY302/PSY303 sequence.

Unsure how this change affects you? Please schedule an appointment with a Psychology advisor.

The Psychology Department at Lehman College offers two programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (PSY-BA)
Minor in Psychology (PSYC-MIN)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (PSY-BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (PSY-BA) is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in psychology and related fields, but the skills and knowledge gained are applicable to a wide range of occupations.

Total Credits: 35 credits in Psychology courses

Core Courses (14 credits): PSY166-General Psychology (3 credits), PSY302- Research Methods I (4 credits),
PSY303- Research Methods II (4 credits), PSY348-History of Psychology (3 credits)
Distribution Block 1 (6 credits): Two courses from designated option groups covering developmental, clinical/personality, and applied areas of psychology.
Distribution Block 2 (6 credits): Two courses from designated option groups covering cognitive and biological areas of psychology.
Major Electives (9 credits): Additional Psychology courses at the 200, 300, or 400 level.

Optional Opportunities
Psychology majors who want additional research experience may pursue Independent Study or Honors in Psychology. These opportunities require eligibility, faculty permission, and advance planning.

PSY485- Independent Study in Psychology (3 credits): Provides an opportunity to complete an individual research project under the supervision of a Psychology faculty member. Students may earn a maximum of 6 credits of Independent Study; however, only 3 credits may count toward the Psychology major.
PSY495- Honors Research in Psychology (3 credits): Provides an opportunity to complete an original empirical research project. The Honors project includes a departmental presentation and an APA-style research paper. PSY 495 is required for students seeking to graduate with Honors in Psychology.

Students interested in pursuing Independent Study or Honors Research in Psychology should contact a faculty member whose research interests align with their own to inquire directly about available research opportunities and the possibility of working together.

Minor in Psychology (PSYC-MIN)

The Psychology minor (PSYC-MIN) is designed for students majoring in other fields who want to strengthen their degree with knowledge of human behavior, research methods, and psychological principles. This minor complements virtually any major and adds valuable skills applicable across diverse career paths.

Total: 15 credits in Psychology courses

PSY 166 - General Psychology (3 credits) - Required
12 additional credits in Psychology courses

Learning Goals

There are three primary goals and interrelated objectives that constitute the mission of the Department of Psychology at Lehman College.

Demonstrate understanding of the empirical basis of Psychology.
Clearly demonstrate, especially in writing, understanding of the empirical basis of psychological theories/content. Students will be able to coherently describe key Psychological constructs in their own words. Students will be able to write according to the conventions of APA style.
Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.Students will be able to identify, critique and appropriately apply research designs that are widely used in the field of Psychology. Students will be able to correctly interpret and explain quantitative analyses.
Demonstrate multicultural, global and ethical awareness.
Demonstrate multicultural, global and ethical awareness of diverse peoples and communities. Students will be able to describe the ethical and social responsibility of people working in the field of Psychology, including responsible conduct of research. Students will be able to analyze the generalizability of psychological research and consider the potential impact of cultural and individual differences. Students will be able to correctly use culturally sensitive and inclusive scientific language.