Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceRequirements for the AB in Psychology for students who matriculated at Duke beginning Summer 2018, OR students who matriculated earlier than Summer 2018, but formally opted to follow the new requirements
Requirements for the AB worksheet
1. Introductory Psychology. Completion of PSY 101 or equivalent transfer course. Students who have earned scores of 5 on the AP exam or 7 on the higher level IB exam may request credit for PSY 11; however, PSY 11 does not count toward the major. Ideally, students should take PSY 101 as their first psychology class at Duke.
2. Statistics. The required course is Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychology (PSY 201L). The course completed to satisfy this requirement will also count as one of the 11 courses required for the major. The following courses are also acceptable: MATH 342; STA 101, 102, 104, 111, or 250. Other courses may be substituted only with advance permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students who plan on taking courses in the Department of Statistical Science should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Psychology & Neuroscience prior to enrolling in their initial statistics class. Multiple introductory-level statistics classes will not satisfy PSY elective requirements.
3. Methods Requirement. Research Methods in Psychological Science (PSY 202L; formerly 202 and 301). Students are strongly encouraged to complete statistics prior to enrolling in research methods.
4. Timeline for Completing the Foundational Courses. PSY 101, PSY 201L (Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychology) or another approved statistics course, and PSY 202L, 202, or 301 (Research Methods in Psychological Science) all should be completed prior to the end of the junior year.
5. Distribution Requirement. At least three area survey courses, where students must complete
(a) At least one of the following:
PSY 106 or 107 (Biological), PSY 102 (Cognitive)
[and]
(b) At least one of the following:
PSY 105 (Abnormal), PSY 103 (Developmental), PSY 104 (Social).
Note: Although students must complete at least three of the above courses, some students may wish to complete more than that. Up to four of these courses may count toward the major (see #8 - Eleven-Course Requirement - below).
6. Seminar Requirement. One upper-level seminar in psychology. Seminars are identified by course numbers ending in the letter 'S'. Freshman seminars, PSY 89S, and FOCUS courses, such as PSY 190FS, do not satisfy this requirement.
7. One Additional Upper-Level Course. One additional course at the 300 level or above. It is recommended that this course be taken in an area where a survey course was completed. Independent Study courses (PSY 393, 394, 493, or 494) cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
8. Eleven-Course Requirement. All majors must complete a total of at least 11 courses in psychology. Courses completed for other requirements listed above (i.e., PSY 101, PSY 201L or equivalent, PSY 102-107, etc.) count toward this requirement. Note, however, that no course numbered <100 (e.g., PSY 89S) or FOCUS course (e.g., PSY 190FS) may count toward the major. Additionally, a course that is cross-listed with another department (e.g., BIO 224, NEUROSCI 101) may count, so long as the course is not also being used to satisfy an extra-departmental co-requirement (i.e., as a natural science elective for the BS.)
