The Psychology major focuses on several areas in the field of psychological science: biological, clinical, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, perception, developmental, and social and personality.
Students in the major have opportunities to:
- learn about the multiple content areas of scientific psychology;
- develop the ability to think critically and quantitatively;
- enhance communication skills in the classroom and in writing;
- prepare for the most rigorous graduate and professional programs;
- apply the science of psychology to the well-being of citizens of Wisconsin and the global community.
Some students will go to graduate school and become the next generation of psychological scientists and educators who will create and disseminate new knowledge. Others will choose careers in other areas, including business, medicine, law, education, and counseling. Through its strong interdisciplinary connections with the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and medical sciences, scientific psychology is positioned well to influence critical issues for society. Because all courses in psychology emphasize critical thinking and the analysis of research, the Psychology major prepares students to take on the challenges of and fully participate in an increasingly complex, multicultural world.
How to Get in
Students who successfully complete PSYCH 202 (or equivalent) with a grade of C or better are eligible to declare the major.1
Please refer to the Department website for instructions on how to declare the major.
- 1
Equivalents include a score of 4 or higher on the IB Psychology exam or or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
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| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
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| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
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| Language | Complete one:
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| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
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| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
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| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | the third unit of a language other than English |
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits, which must include both:
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| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
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| Quality of Work |
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Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The major requires the completion of the six categories below (Foundation, Biology, Breadth, Depth, Capstone and Electives) and a minimum of 30 credits in PSYCH coursework.
Foundation
Foundation courses provide a grounding in basic psychological facts and an understanding of the methodologies used to produce those facts. Foundation courses are required with grades of C or better in each course;
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Psychology—one course: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Statistics—one course: | 3 | |
| Basic Statistics for Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering | ||
| Data Science Modeling II | ||
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Research Methods—one course: | 4 | |
| Research Methods | ||
Biology
Foundational knowledge in biology is critical to the study of psychological science and the understanding of human and animal behavior, as well as the brain sciences.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Biology—complete one of following: 2 | ||
| BIOLOGY/ZOOLOGY 101 | Animal Biology | 3 |
| BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 151 | Introductory Biology | 5 |
| BIOCORE 381 & BIOCORE 383 | Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Cellular Biology | 6 |
Breadth
Breadth courses familiarize students with the breadth of psychology in the following area groups: Biological, Clinical, Cognitive & Perceptual Science, Development, and Social & Personality. Complete one course from three different area groups for a total of three courses:
Biological
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 449 | Animal Behavior | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 450 | Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 454 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3-4 |
| PSYCH/ZOOLOGY 523 | Neurobiology | 3 |
Clinical
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 401 | Psychology, Law, and Social Policy | 3 |
| PSYCH 405 | Adult Psychopathology | 3-4 |
Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 406 | Psychology of Perception | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 414 | Cognitive Psychology | 3-4 |
Developmental
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 460 | Child Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 462 | Adolescent Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 464 | Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
Social and Personality
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 403 | Psychology of Personality | 3 |
| PSYCH/SOC 453 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
| PSYCH 456 | Social Psychology | 3-4 |
| PSYCH/GEN&WS 522 | Psychology of Women and Gender | 3 |
Depth
Depth courses allow students to engage in depth with material in specific content areas in psychology. Depth courses include both a lecture component and a required discussion/lab section for all students, and they help students develop a deeper understanding of particular areas of psychology. Two courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 501 | Depth Topic in Social Science (multiple separate topics offered each semester) | 4 |
| PSYCH 502 | Cognitive Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 503 | Social Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 505 | Depth Topic in Biological Science (multiple separate topics offered each semester) | 4 |
| PSYCH 507 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 4 |
| PSYCH 508 | Psychology of Human Emotions: From Biology to Culture | 4 |
| PSYCH 510 | Critical Issues in Child Psychopathology | 4 |
| PSYCH 513 | Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | 4 |
| PSYCH 515 | Animal Cognition | 4 |
| PSYCH 526 | The Criminal Mind: Forensic and Psychobiological Perspectives | 4 |
| PSYCH 528 | Cultural Psychology | 4 |
| PSYCH 532 | Psychological Effects of the Internet | 4 |
Capstone
Capstone courses allow students to explore current research in psychology in a seminar setting. One course is required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 601 | Current Topics in Psychology (many separate topics each semester) | 3 |
| PSYCH 603 | Epigenetics and the Brain | 3 |
| PSYCH 607 | Introduction to Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYCH 612 | Neuropharmacology | 3 |
| PSYCH 626 | Issues in Prisoner Reentry | 3 |
Electives
In addition to completion of the courses required above, students must complete at least 3 additional credits in PSYCH in courses numbered 300 and above. Students may complete any additional PSYCH course(s), including courses from: the Breadth, Depth, or Capstone areas, or directed/independent study and mentored research.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all PSYCH and major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence 3
- 15 credits in PSYCH, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Honors in the Major
Students who are declared psychology majors may opt to pursue Honors in the Major. Honors in the Major is especially appropriate for students who want more in-depth exposure and experiences in psychology courses, as well as substantive research involvement in the Department. Honors in the Major also provides opportunities to develop leadership, writing, and critical thinking skills beneficial to a wide range of graduate programs and career choices.
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 within the Psychology major as well as minimum GPA of 3.3 overall, and have met with a Psychology Advisor regarding Honors in the Major in order to declare their intent to complete Honors in the Major in Psychology.
Please refer to the Department website for instructions on how to declare intent to complete honors in the major.
Honors in the Psychology Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in Psychology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA in all PSYCH and major courses
- Complete the following courses with Honors and a grade of B or higher:
- PSYCH 380 (Junior year) or two semesters of PSYCH 686 Senior Thesis Seminar in Psychology (requires Fall and Spring enrollment)
- Three Psychology Breadth and/or Depth courses OR Two Psychology Breadth and/or Depth courses and one of the following: PSYCH 210 Basic Statistics for Psychology or PSYCH 225 Research Methods
- A two-semester Senior Honors Thesis in PSYCH 681 and PSYCH 682 for a total of 6 credits.
Footnotes
- 1
Equivalents may include credit awarded by appropriate scores on AP, IB, or A-level exams or transfer credit.
- 2
A score of 4 or better on the IB Biology exam, or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam will satisfy the Introductory Biology requirement.
- 3
PSYCH 300–699 are upper-level in the major.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain an appreciation for the contributions that psychology is making to our understanding of human and animal behavior.
- Learn to analyze and construct arguments, define and solve problems, and understand and apply scientific reasoning.
- Learn to communicate their ideas in a clear, organized, and compelling way.
- Gain a specific understanding of how to use data and research methodology in their critical thinking.
- Acquire an appreciation of and respect for individual differences and diversity of experiences and background.
- Acquire the statistical and research skills used in the behavioral sciences.
- Have the opportunity to evaluate the diverse professional opportunities in psychology.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A | 3 | Psych Breadth Course | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 1011 | 3 |
| Language (if needed) | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| PSYCH 202 | 3-4 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Breadth Course | 3 | PSYCH 210 (satisfies QR-B)2 | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | INTER-LS 210 (optional) | 1 |
| Physical Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 | Psych Breadth Course | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSYCH 225 (satisfies Communication B) | 4 | Psych Depth Course (may be taken in Fourth Year) | 4 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Psych Elective (3 PSYCH elective credits needed)3 | 3 |
| Intermediate/Advanced MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT (if needed for the BS) | 3 | Electives | 8 |
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Psych Depth Course (Fall and/or Spring) | 4 | Electives | 15 |
| Psych Capstone (Fall or Spring) | 3 | ||
| Intermediate/Advanced MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT (if needed for the BS) | 3 | ||
| Electives | 5 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
Other courses satisfy the Biology requirement for this major. Consult the Requirements page and adjust your plan accordingly.
- 2
Other courses satisfy the Statistics requirement for this major. Consult the Requirements page and adjust your plan accordingly. We recommend a Psych Breadth course before completing the statistics requirement.
- 3
PSYCH 300-699 are electives in the major.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Any current UW–Madison undergraduate student interested in the Psychology major is welcome to schedule an appointment using Starfish with a Psychology academic advisor.
For more information about psychology advising visit psych.wisc.edu/undergraduate-program/advising.
Are you a prospective student? The Department of Psychology welcomes prospective students to attend our Information Sessions held throughout the year. Please visit the Office of Admissions’ Visit Bucky website for information on dates and times of our Psychology Major Information Sessions. Read more: psych.wisc.edu/undergraduate-program/prospective-students/
Careers
Students who major in Psychology enter a wide variety of careers, both with and without education beyond a Bachelor’s degree. The American Psychological Association with the Center for Workforce Studies has recent statistics on What do you do with a Psychology degree? CWS Data Tool: Careers in Psychology.
There are several campus resources to guide students in their career search. Students who are unsure about their desired major/career are encouraged to visit the Career Exploration Center. The SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science offers a variety of opportunities ranging from career assessment, resume writing, interviewing techniques, internships, graduate school, and more. Additionally, the Department of Psychology offers career support and resources for current students who have declared a Psychology major.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students