Psychology

Chairperson: Molly Kretchmar-Hendricks
Professors: S. Leigland, N. Worsham, M. Kretchmar-Hendricks
Associate Professors: M. McBride, M. Bodamer
Assistant Professors: T. McCulloh, A.M. Medina, M. Bartlett, M. Nelson, G. Thorne

The Department of Psychology offers courses that focus upon the scientific study of human and animal behavior; most courses offered in the department, however, stress observable and experiential aspects of human behavior. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Because psychology is related to a wide variety of other disciplines, majors are encouraged to pursue studies in related fields such as sociology, biology, communication arts, literature, business, mathematics, education, and philosophy.

Beyond General Psychology, Statistics (MATH 121), and Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 207) are required for entry into most upper division courses. These courses provide students with an initial understanding and appreciation of the scientific method in psychology. General Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods constitute the lower division requirements for both the major and the minor.

Psychology minors are required to complete 12 credits of upper-division psychology coursework. Majors are required to complete 24 credits of upper-division coursework, 18 of which must be selected from particular cluster areas as described below. Majors are also strongly encouraged to take at least one writing-intensive seminar, which, in many cases, will also fulfill one of the cluster area requirements. Last, majors must pass a comprehensive examination or earn a grade of B or better in PSYC 455: Advanced Research Methods to complete the comprehensive requirement (PSYC 498-499). Students usually take the examination or PSYC 455 during their final year, once they have completed the majority of their course work. Students who plan to pursue graduate studies are encouraged to take additional upper division courses, particularly those in the advanced theory/research cluster (Area D).

Psychology majors are required to take at least one non-psychology course in satisfying the social science core requirement.


B.A. Major in Psychology: 34 Credits
Lower Division (10 credits)
PSYC 101 General Psychology 3 credits
MATH 121 Introductory Statistics 3 credits
PSYC 207 Research Methods in Psychology 3 credits
PSYC 207L Research Methods in Psychology Lab 1 credit
Upper Division (minimum 24 credits)
PSYC 300-334 (Area A)
*minimum 3 credits from PSYC 300-320		 6 credits
PSYC 335-364 (Area B)
*minimum 3 credits from PSYC 335-340		 6 credits
PSYC 365-399 (Area C) 3 credits
PSYC 450-497 (Area D) 3 credits
PSYC 300-497* 6 credits
PSYC 498 or PSYC 499 Comprehensive 0 credit

Minor in Psychology: 22 Credits
Lower Division
PSYC 101 General Psychology 3 credits
MATH 121 Introductory Statistics 3 credits
PSYC 207 Research Methods in Psychology 3 credits
PSYC 207L Research Methods in Psychology Lab 1 credit
Upper Division
PSYC 300-497* 12 credits
* majors and minors may take either PSYC 406 or PSYC 408 (but not both) and either PSYC 460 or PSYC 462 (but not both) to fulfill three required credits. Both courses will not count towards either the major or minor.


Complete Course List
Core Curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences

The core curriculum or common body of knowledge of the College of Arts and Sciences consists of 59 to 62 credits which are common to and required of all degree programs in the College: the first 31 credits (of which there is a more complete description in the General Degree Requirements and Procedures section of this catalogue) form the University Core, while the remaining 28 to 31 credits are common to all Arts and Sciences degrees.
Students should attempt to spread the core curriculum over their entire fours years at Gonzaga.

  1. Thought and Expression (7 credits): ENGL 101, SPCO 101, and PHIL 101 (preferably in the same semester).
  2. Philosophy (9 credits): PHIL 201, PHIL 301, and  PHIL  400 level elective.
  3. Religious Studies (9 credits): RELI 100, 200, and 300 levels: one course from each level.
  4. Mathematics (3 credits): one MATH (not CPSC) course on the 100 level or above; NURS 320 is substituted for a MATH course for BSN students; MATH 203 fulfills this requirement only for students who graduate with certification in Elementary Education.
  5. English Literature (3 credits): ENGL 102 or 103H or 105 or 106.
  6. History (6 credits): HIST 101 and either HIST 102 or HIST 112 in their first year. If they are unable to complete all six 100-level HIST credits in their first year, HIST 201 or 202 may be substituted for one 100-level course after the first year.
  7. Fine Arts (3 credits): one course in either VART, MUSC, or THEA from courses approved by Dean of Arts and Sciences.
  8. Laboratory Science (4 credits): one course with laboratory in either BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS.
  9. Mathematics or Natural Science (3 credits): one course in either MATH, CPSC, BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, or ITEC.
  10. Literature (3 credits): one British or American literature course (ENGL 201 - 285).
  11. Social Science (6 credits): CRIM 101, ECON, SOCI, POLS, or PSYC: two courses from these departments.
  12. Foreign Language or Culture (3 credits): one course in any foreign language (classical or modern) or one (foreign culture) course approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences.  Foreign-language speaking students from foreign cultures who have completed the nine English core credits at Gonzaga prior to their fourth year (last thirty credits) may petition the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for a waiver of the foreign language or Culture requirement..
  13. Social Justice (3 credits): One course on Social Justice issues related to experiences of difference (like race, class, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation), from courses approved by the Dean of Arts & Sciences; (may be combined with other core or major requirements).