Psychology Major

Psychology Major

Psychology

Major

Psychology majors will gain skills and knowledge that allow them to better understand the people they will lead. Majors can choose from two different tracks.

The study of psychology is interdisciplinary and investigates human behavior, cognition, and emotion by analyzing the complex interactions between environmental, social, cultural, and biological influences.      

Psychology majors can be found in every sector of the professional world: in the military, industrial, retail, non-profit, consulting, academic, and research & development sectors. 

The major offers a pre-med track for those interested in medical school. This major offers an honors track. 

 

Applied Track

Focused on applying knowledge of psychology to improve the development, performance, and well-being of individuals (soldiers) 

 

Organizational Track

Focused on applying knowledge of psychology to select and develop leaders, and improve the effectiveness of groups, teams, and organizations. 

 

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership.

Psychology Major

Required Courses

 

PL361 RESEARCH METHODS I 

PL383 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 

PL387 FOUNDATIONS OF COUNSELING 

PL462 ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS

 

Applied Psychology Track

Required Courses

 

PL250 NEUROCOG FNDTNS OF BEHAVIOR 

PL373 LIFE CYCLE & HUMAN DEVEL

PL376 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

 

Sample Electives

 

MG379 LEADING TEAMS 

PL360 PSYCH ELITE PERFORMANCE

PL363 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 

PL390 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 

PL392 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

PL398 LEADERSHIP THEORY & DEVEL 

PL470 TOPICS-BEHAVIOR SCI/LDRSHIP

PL471 LEADERSHIP IN COMBAT

PL479 LEADING ORGNZS THRU CHANGE

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Psychology:  Applied Psychology Major Curriculum.

 

Organizational Psychology and Leadership Track

 

Required Courses 

 

MG379 LEADING TEAMS

PL398 LEADERSHIP THEORY & DEVEL 

PL479 LEADING ORGNZS THRU CHANGE

 

Sample Electives

PL250 NEUROCOG FNDTNS OF BEHAVIOR 

PL360 PSYCH ELITE PERFORMANCE 

PL363 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

PL373 LIFE CYCLE & HUMAN DEVEL 

PL376 PERSONALITY & AB PSYCH 

PL390 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY  

PL392 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 

PL470 TOPICS-BEHAVIOR SCI/LDRSHIP

PL471 LEADERSHIP IN COMBAT

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Psychology:  Organizational Psychology and Leadership Major Curriculum.

 

 

Cadets in this majors can apply for a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience. They also have the opportunity to travel on trip sections as well as present their work at various academic conferences. 

Honor Societies:
Omicron Delta Kappa - National Leadership Honor Society
Psi Chi - The International Honor Society in Psychology
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership or the West Point Leadership Center.