Program: Psychology - Cognitive Science Concentration, (B.A.) - University of Memphis

Jun 27, 2025

2025-2026 UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG

Objectives for the BA in Psychology with a Cognitive Science Concentration are based on the recommended guidelines of the American Psychology Association for undergraduate psychology programs. These objectives are described below.

OBJECTIVE 1. Students will develop content knowledge and applications from the field of psychology.

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological and cognitive science

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields in addition to the fields within cognitive science including linguistics, computer science, and philosophy.

1.3 Portray significant aspects of the history of psychological and cognitive science

1.4 Apply psychological content to solve practical problems

1.5 Provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes

OBJECTIVE 2. Students will develop scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills.

2.1 Exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena

2.2 Interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research

2.3 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific research practices

2.4 Use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings

2.5 Develop and connect ideas and research from different disciplines within the cognitive sciences

OBJECTIVE 3. Students will develop the values of psychological science.

3.1 Employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts

3.2 Develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness

3.3 Apply psychological principles to strengthen community and improve quality of life

OBJECTIVE 4. Students will develop communication skills, psychological literacy, and technology skills.

4.1 Interact effectively with others

4.2 Write and present effectively for different purposes

4.3 Provide evidence of psychological literacy

4.4 Exhibit appropriate technological skills to improve communication

OBJECTIVE 5. Students will experience personal and professional development.

5.1 Exhibit effective self-regulation

5.2 Refine project management skills

5.3 Display effective judgment in professional interactions

5.4 Cultivate workforce collaboration skills

5.5 Demonstrate appropriate workforce technological skills

5.6 Develop direction for life after graduation

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See University General Education Program for the General Education requirements.

College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (6-12 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements and are listed above.

The Major (39 hours in Psychology)

Psychology Core

Complete the Following Four Courses:

PSYC 1030 - General Psychology** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 1300 - Careers in Psychology ** Credit Hours: (1)
PSYC 3010 - Research and Statistics I ** Credit Hours: (4)
PSYC 3020 - Research and Statistics II ** Credit Hours: (4)
NOTE: PSYC 3010 and PSYC 3020 may only be repeated twice (taken three times) to earn a minimum grade of C-. No more than 9 upper division (3000/4000 level) psychology credit hours may be attempted prior to completion of PSYC 3010 with a grade of C- or better.

Content Areas

Complete one course from each of the following three areas.

Cognition and Physiological Psychology:
PSYC 3303 - Thinking/Cognitive Processes ** Credit Hours: (3)
Social, Cultural, and Developmental Psychology:
PSYC 3103 - Child Psychology ** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3106 - Social Psychology ** Credit Hours: (3)
Applied Psychology:
PSYC 3102 - Psychopathology** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3508 - Indust/Organizatnl Psyc Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3509 - Applying Psyc/Community Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3512 - Health Psychology ** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3518 - Psychology of Organizational Behavior Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 3520 - Legal/Forensic Psyc Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4030 - Issues Psychotherapy Rsrch Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4101 - History of Psychology ** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4102 - Child Psychopathology Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4401 - Intro to Clinical Psychology ** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4507 - Psyc Internship Credit Hours: (3)

Psychology Field Test

All majors must take a Psychology Field Test during their senior year.

Cognitive Science Concentration and Electives

Choose two courses from the following:

PSYC 3304 - Perceptual Psychology Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3305 - Psyc Learning/Memory** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3306 - Physiological Psyc** Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 3530 - Psychology of Language Credit Hours: (3)
PSYC 4305 - Mind/Brain/Intelligence ** Credit Hours: (3)

Choose 1 of the following Paths:

Thesis Path (12 hrs)

9 elective hours in psychology (6 must be upper division)
PSYC 4998 - Thesis/Cognitive Science Credit Hours: (3)
or
PSYC 4999 - Honors Thesis/Cognitive Sc Credit Hours: (3)

Non-Thesis Path (21 hours)

Choose 2 Courses from the following:
COMP 1800 - Problem Solving/Computers Credit Hours: (3)
COMP 1900 - CS1: Introduction to Programming Credit Hours: (4)
COMP 2700 - Discrete Structures Credit Hours: (4)
COMP 4001 - Intro to Python Programming Credit Hours: (3)
IIS 1010 - Introduction to Intelligent Systems Credit Hours: 3
Choose 1 Course from the following:
ENGL 3511 - Intro to Linguistics ** Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3460 - Nature/Mind/Knowledge Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 3621 - Formal Logic Credit Hours: (3)
PHIL 4421 - Philosophy of Mind Credit Hours: (3)
12 Psychology Elective Hours (9 hours must be upper division)

General Electives

Elective hours must be added to bring total number of hours to 120.