Objectives Psychology is the science of behavior and the mind. In both the B.A. and the B.S. programs, the study of psychology provides an understanding of basic processes of sensation, perception,
learning, cognition, development, and personality along with principles of social psychology, clinical psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Knowledge of psychological principles and of scientific methods for evaluating
theories and research in the social sciences is essential in our rapidly changing society.
Acceptance Criteria Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall. Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses before full acceptance.
Provisional Acceptance Students who have completed 60 credits but have not completed the prerequisite courses or have not achieved the minimum GPA of 2.5 may be provisionally accepted.
The Department of Psychology at UB, established in the 1920s, is situated in Park Hall with additional labs in Hochsetter. These modern buildings provide state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for psychological research.
About Our Courses
The typical class size for: Freshman/introductory courses: 400 Sophomore/intermediate courses: 200-300 400-level/advanced courses: 30-40
Please visit our department website for additional information about our faculty.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience Many opportunities are available for undergraduate students to become involved in research in psychology with department faculty and graduate students.
Current research programs include language processes, auditory, music and speech perception, memory, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, social interactions, personality, anxiety disorders, small-group processes,
close relationships, behavior therapy, human psychophysiology and biofeedback, and neurochemical and electrophysiological investigations into the physiological bases of behavior. The department's computerized research
facilities include measures of brain activity, eye tracking, cardiac and muscle response measures, motion capture, and real-time systems designed to measure behavior and physiological processes. The Psychological Services
Center provides facilities for therapy and assessment with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Students can receive course credit through PSY 498 Undergraduate
Research.
Independent Study PSY 499 Independent Study is available to students who have completed PSY 207 Psychological Statistics and PSY 250 Scientific Inquiry. This course allows students to pursue a program of specialized study, for a semester or longer, that would not be available through regularly scheduled courses. Enrolling requires permission of a
faculty sponsor.
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships Students must earn the following GPA in all psychology courses in order to graduate with departmental honors: 3.2 with distinction; 3.5 with high distinction;
3.75 with highest distinction.
The Psychology Honors Program is a year-long program designed to enable students to complete an individual research project (i.e., Honors Thesis) under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The Honors Program
consists of two parts. The first part is the Honors Seminar, which meets only during the Fall semester. The topics covered during the Honors Seminar are intended to help students design, execute, write, and defend their
Honors Thesis. In addition, there will be discussion of issues relevant to choosing a career path in psychology and other areas. The second part of the Honors Program is completion of the Honors Thesis, which students
work on throughout both the Fall and Spring semesters, and defend in an oral examination at the end of Spring semester.
The Honors Program is challenging. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of skill not only in conducting research but also in professional scientific writing and oral defense of their work. If students
successfully complete the program (both the written Honors Thesis and the oral examination), their transcripts will indicate graduation with Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors in psychology.
The Honors Program is particularly beneficial for students who plan to pursue graduate study in psychology or related disciplines. The skills learned in the Honors Seminar and in the conduct and completion of
an Honors Thesis not only augment graduate applications, but also provide an excellent foundation for graduate level work in any field. Most importantly, participating in the Honors Program gives students a chance to
get hands on experience with research, which is key in helping students to determine if they would like to pursue a career in research.
The Psychology Honors Program is independent of the University Honors College at UB.
The Honors Program is open to seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and within psychology who have secured a faculty advisor to supervise their work. Prior or concurrent completion of PSY 450 Advanced Research Methods is a requirement for participation. Prior research experience (PSY 498) and prior or concurrent completion of PSY 405 Data Analysis Techniques are recommended. Students interested in the Honors Program should obtain a detailed program description in 283 Park Hall during their junior year.
The Undergraduate Psychology Association (UPA) is open to all students. This organization sponsors guest speakers on topics of interest to psychology students, workshops on topics such as applying to graduate
schools, social activities for students and faculty, travel to regional and national psychology conferences, and an undergraduate graduation ceremony.
Psi Chi [The International Honor Society in Psychology]
Psi Chi was founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to psychology majors who have a minimum
GPA of 3.1 overall and 3.4 in psychology courses. The UB chapter of Psi Chi sponsors workshops on careers in psychology and social activities for students and faculty.