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Planning Courses in Psychology

The Psychology major is designed to move students from foundational knowledge to advanced research and seminar experiences. Thoughtful sequencing—especially around the research methods courses—will help you stay on track and make the most of the major.

The major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours in Psychology, distributed across three tiers. The required courses across all three tiers total 29 credit hours at minimum; students typically complete the remaining hours through additional Perspectives courses, Experiences in Psychology courses, or both. 

For official degree requirements and course listings, consult the Undergraduate Bulletin. This page provides guidance on sequencing and planning.

Tier 1: Foundations of Psychological Science

These courses provide the shared knowledge base and methodological skills that all subsequent psychology coursework builds on.

All majors complete:

The Research Methods sequence must be completed at Wake Forest.

Planning guidance:
Students are strongly encouraged to complete both research methods courses during the sophomore year if possible. If needed, PSY 212 may be completed during the junior year, but it should be finished no later than the spring of junior year.

Tier 2: Perspectives in Psychological Science

These courses expose students to the breadth of the discipline, from biological and cognitive approaches to social and applied perspectives.

Students complete coursework across three “Perspectives”:

At least 3 credit hours must be completed in each Perspective. Some courses appear in more than one Perspective; these may count toward either, but not both. One Perspectives course must be completed before declaring the major.

Planning guidance:
Perspectives courses are flexible and may be taken at any point during a student’s time at Wake Forest. Many students begin them in the first or second year and continue rounding them out as their interests develop. Some Tier 3 courses require specific Perspective prerequisites; we encourage students to think ahead to the Tier 3 courses they may want to take when planning their Perspectives courses. 

Tier 3: Skill-Building in Psychological Science

These courses give students hands-on experience applying critical thinking and research skills in smaller, more focused settings as they advance in the major.

Students complete:

Tier 3 coursework must be completed at Wake Forest and is typically concentrated in the final two years.

Planning guidance:
Some Seminar and Research courses have specific Perspectives prerequisites. Consult the Undergraduate Bulletin to identify Seminar and Research courses that interest you. Then, work backward to ensure you take the needed prerequisites in a timely manner. Students should also be aware that not all Tier 3 courses are offered every term or every year, so it’s worth looking ahead and discussing options with your advisor.

Special Planning Considerations

Double Majoring
Students are welcome to combine a Psychology major with a major in another field. However, students who are double-majoring cannot use the same course to meet requirements in both of the majors. This is particularly relevant for the small number of courses taught by another department at Wake Forest but can be used for Psychology elective credit (see Undergraduate Bulletin). 

Study Abroad
Students can study abroad and complete the major on time with advance planning. Because the research methods sequence must be completed at Wake Forest, early completion of PSY 211 and PSY 212 is important.

Honors
Students interested in Honors must complete PSY 211 and PSY 212 before the spring of junior year and may not study abroad after the fall of junior year.

Transfer & Outside Credit
Limits apply to transfer credit and courses taken outside the department. Please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin for current policies.

Questions?

Declared majors should consult their faculty advisor. Students considering the major may contact p.