M. Gawain Wells, Chair
1001 SWKT, (801) 422-4287
Undergraduate Coordinator
1150 SWKT, (801) 422-5356
Graduate Coordinator
1001 SWKT, (801) 422-4560
College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Advisement Center
151 SWKT, (801) 422-3541
Admission to Degree Program
All undergraduate degree programs in the Department of
Psychology are open enrollment.
The Discipline
Psychology is a traditional discipline in the liberal arts and
sciences and is rooted in the Western intellectual tradition. Since
its founding in the late nineteenth century, psychology has
distinguished itself primarily as a science with a wide scope of
interests. Many psychologists also provide treatment for a broad
range of disorders, and others work to solve pressing social issues.
The diverse world community of academic and professional
psychologists is devoted to expanding our understanding of
individual and collective behavior and applying that
understanding toward improving the human condition.
The department joins students and faculty together to make a
scientific and applied contribution to the discipline of psychology.
Its faculty members and administrators are committed to an
educational experience that excites learning and understanding in
personal and collaborative settings. At the same time the
department honors the restored gospel as vital for psychological
theory, as a guide for professional conduct, and as a source of
unique insight. Aware of the history of psychology and as active
participants therein, faculty members hold students to high
standards of individual and collective performance and
understanding. Students are expected to respond to multiple
styles of teaching and broad opportunities for engagement in
research and application with serious and sustained interest and
effort. In this way the department distinguishes itself as a
community of scholarship, moral principle, and devotion to the
elevation of humankind.
Career Opportunities
The psychology major is a gateway to professional employment
and to advanced study in psychology. Psychologists engage in a
variety of academic roles as teachers, researchers, and
administrators and also provide counseling, clinical, and
consulting services to individuals and organizations.
Psychologists are employed by colleges and universities, public
and private schools, clinics, and hospitals. They work in private
practice and for corporations and government entities. The study
of psychology has particular value for family life and for civic and
cultural roles generally. The psychology major provides a well-informed
perspective on human and organizational behavior in
preparation for occupations in law enforcement, law, or business.
Most professional positions require a master's or doctoral
degree, although a bachelor's degree may be sufficient to gain
employment in mental health care, detention and probation
services, auxiliary social work, personnel, or human resources.
Further, the psychology major gives students a particularly strong
background leading to graduate study in business, law, or
medicine.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in
addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following
university requirements:
- The university core, consisting of requirements in general and
religious education. (See the University Core section of this
catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet
university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
- A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
- A minimum of 120 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Undergraduate Programs and Degrees
| BS |
Psychology |
| Minors |
Psychology
Psychology Teaching |
Students should see their college advisement center for help or
information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs and Degrees
| MS |
Psychology |
| PhD |
Psychology |
| PhD |
Clinical Psychology |
For more information, see the BYU 2006–2007
Graduate Catalog.
