Psychology
Program Details
Xavier's psychology major highlights the science of behavior and mental processes, including the scientific approach to the understanding of human behavior and personality. Students graduate from the program prepared to work in business and community agencies, enter grad school or find employment in personnel, writing, community service, health, teaching, management, research and sales positions.
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Psychology major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- BIO 102 Life: Human Biology............ 2cr.
- BIO 132 Life: Human Biology Lab............ 1cr.
- CORE 100 First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: (GOA I)............ 0cr.
- MATH 105 or 120............ 3cr.
- second language I............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101 English Comp OR 115 Rhetoric............ 3cr.
Spring
- PSYC 130 Psychology Science Perspective............ 2cr.
- PSYC 131 Psych-Science Perspective Lab............ 1cr.
- PSYC 200 Orientation to the Major............ 1cr.
- PSYC 231/261/277 Dev/Soc/Ab Psych............ 3cr.
- MATH 140 Concepts of Calculus............ 3cr.
- second language II............ 3cr.
- Core 102 (Goa: II)............ 0cr.
Fall
- PSYC 210 Statistical Techniques............ 3cr.
- PSYC 212 Statistical Techniques Lab............ 1cr.
- PSYC 221 Research Methods & Design I............ 2cr.
- PSYC 223 Research Methods & Design I Lab............ 1cr.
- PSYC 231/261/277 Dev/Soc/Ab Psych............ 1cr.
- PHIL 100 Intro to Ethics............ 3cr.
- Creative or Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
Spring
- PSYC 222 Research Methods & Design II............ 2cr.
- PSYC 224 Research Methods & Design II Lab............ 1cr.
- PSYC 231/261/277 Dev/Soc/Ab Psych............ 3cr.
- THEO 111 The Ignation Imagination............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200 Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- PSYC Elective............ 3cr.
- PSYC 460 Learning & Behavior or PSYC 427 Cognitive Psych............ 3cr.
- THEO 200 Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- General University Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- PSYC Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 300 Elective............ 3cr.
- General University Elective............ 3cr.
- General University Elective ............ 3cr.
- General University Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- PSYC 301 History & Systems in Psych............ 3cr.
- PSYC 499 Capstone in Psychology Science............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
Spring
- Ethics/ Religion & Society Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 499 - Reflection on XU Core............ 0cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
- General University Elective/Minor............ 3cr.
Sample Courses
Xavier is known for providing an education that's both challenging and personal. Here are some courses that are part of the Psychology major at Xavier:
Psychology Science Perspective/Lab (PSYC 130/131) - Designed to provide an introduction to the scientific method used in psychological research within the context of the field of psychology.
Developmental Psychology (PSYC 231) - Factors influencing a person's life span. Application to stages of physiological maturation, developmental tasks, social learning, personality integration.
Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 277) - Dynamics of the disturbed personality; symptoms, causes, treatment of psychoneuroses, psychoses, deviant personalities.
Student Clubs
The Psi Chi chapter is an official chapter of the National Honor Society of Psychology. Psychology Club is open to all students of any major or minor in an effort to raise awareness and interest in all fields of psychology. Both clubs work as one to increase awareness for and interest in psychology.
Career Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the psychology major, are employed, in grad school or in a volunteer position within 6 months of graduating. (Class of 2021).
Top Jobs: Advertising, Health, Education, Research, Management, Sales, Client Services Analyst, Clinical Research Coordinator, Human Resources Director, Patient Representative
Top Employers: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, The Christ Hospital, Mercy Health, Good Samaritan Hospital, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, TriHealth, Anthem
Take the Next Step
Research Opportunities for Psychology Majors
As a psychology major, you'll have the unique opportunity to gain real hands-on experience of choosing, creating and presenting a research project to your faculty and peers.
Psychology Club for Psychology Majors
Psychology majors meet other students in the Psychology Club and explore research, service, and jobs. Club members present at local, regional and national conferences.
Graduate Programs for Psychology Majors
Psychology majors often stay for additional degrees including the Master of Science in either Industrial-Organizational Psychology or General Experimental Psychology. Xavier also offers a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Psychology Major at Xavier University
The undergraduate Psychology program at Xavier University acquaints students thoroughly with the content and methods on scientific psychology. While emphasizing the scientific approach to the understanding of human behavior and human personality, the psychology courses aim to show the student that this branch of science is complementary to and compatible with a sound philosophy of human nature. In addition to the program leading to the Bachelor of Science, the School of Psychology provides courses in the University Core Curriculum. The School of Psychology also offers a minor in Psychology.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."