Suggested Course Sequence
You have a lot of flexibility in building your class schedule over your time at
ISU. Please work closely with your academic advisor in crafting a class schedule
that meets your educational and professional goals.
In general, you can use the first digit of a course number to determine in
which year it is suggested that you take the course. For example, students
majoring in psychology typically complete PSY 101 (Introductory Psychology) in
their first year. We recommend that students take PSY 201 (Introduction to
Research Methods) early in their college career, typically in the second semester
of their first year or in the first semester of their second year.
Sample schedule of classes over 8 semesters at ISU:
First Year at ISU:
Fall Semester:
- PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (1st of 5 required courses)
Spring Semester:
- PSY 150: Introduction to Careers in Psychology (2nd of 5 required courses)
Second Year at ISU:
Fall Semester:
- PSY 201: Introduction to Research Methods (3rd of 5 required courses)
- 100-level or 200-level elective (e.g., PSY 100; 1st of 3 electives)
Spring Semester:
- 200-level core course (e.g., PSY 266; 1st of 5 core courses)
- 200- or 300-level core course (e.g., PSY 270 or PSY 310; 2nd of 5 core courses)
Third Year at ISU:
Fall Semester:
- 300-level core course (e.g., PSY 344; 3rd of 5 core courses)
- PSY 375: Statistics in Psychology (4th of 5 required courses)
Spring Semester:
- 300-level core course (e.g., PSY 362; 4th of 5 core courses)
- 200-level or 300-level elective (e.g., PSY 338; 2nd of 3 electives)
- PSY 384: Interviewing Skills (required for PSY 484; may be used as 3rd elective)
Fourth Year at ISU:
Fall Semester:
- PSY 376: Advanced Research Methods (5th of 5 required courses)
- PSY 485: Psychology and Society** (Gen Ed Capstone; may be used as 3rd elective)
Spring Semester:
- PSY 484 or 486 (Required culminating experience)
- 300-level core course (e.g., PSY 368; 5th of 5 core courses)
**PSY 485 fulfills the Gen Ed Capstone requirement for Psychology
majors. PSY 485 is a revolving topics course. Please consult with your academic
advisor at the beginning of your Junior year to discuss upcoming topics for PSY
485. This course is open to second semester Junior Psychology majors and to Senior
Psychology majors.
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