The psychology department’s goal is to provide majors with broad exposure to basic areas of psychology, along with an in-depth understanding of the methods by which psychological research is conducted. Regardless of whether your ultimate career goal is to become an applied psychologist (e.g., clinical psychologist, counselor, social worker, or consultant), to conduct behavioral research, to become a college professor, or to enter another profession altogether (e.g., law, business, medicine), a psychology major can be useful. This is because it provides in-depth knowledge about human thought, emotion, and behavior, which is

  • relevant to any career; and
  • through learning how psychologists research human thought, emotion, and behavior,
  • students develop intellectual skills that allow them to generate and evaluate knowledge in many areas, including but not limited to psychology.

Thus, the Wake Forest psychology department aims to provide a rigorous and stimulating undergraduate education in both content and methods of psychology. Our department, like most undergraduate liberal arts departments, emphasizes research over applied work and research is a central component of many courses. A research emphasis in an undergraduate program provides the best preparation for applied graduate work as well as a strong foundation for a wide array of jobs.

PSY 151 is a prerequisite to all courses of a higher number. Courses numbered below 151 do not count toward Division IV requirements or toward the major in psychology. PSY 310, PSY 311, PSY 312, or special permission of the instructor is prerequisite for some 300-level courses. See individual course descriptions for specific information. A minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher in psychology courses is required to graduate with a major or minor in psychology.

Contact Information

Department of Psychology
Greene Hall 415, Box 7778 
Phone 336-758-5424