Psychology and Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) Double Major

Psychology is a science that studies behavior from psychological, biological, and social perspectives. Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience - from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, “the understanding of behavior” is the enterprise of psychologists.

Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) is an interdisciplinary program that centers on the histories, experiences, and cultural expressions of women and racial or ethnic groups not only in the United States but also across the world. Our approach is intersectional in that it explores the connections among race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and other socially constructed hierarchies. WEST emphasizes cultural responsiveness, critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, creative and innovative teaching, community engagement, and local and global awareness.  We aim to create an equitable and sustainable world by analyzing structural inequality from a historical and cultural perspective and exploring strategies to achieve these goals. WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, travel courses, and a range of scholarship opportunities.

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Women’s and Ethnic Studies requires the following:

• A minimum of 33 credit hours of PSY course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of WEST course work. At least 21 of those hours must be upper division.
• A grade of C- or better in PSY courses applied to the major, and a grade of C or better in WEST courses applied to the major.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all PSY and WEST course work.
• Completion of the Psychology Senior Accountability Exam during the final semester before graduation.

Additional course work is required to complete the Psychology and Women’s and Ethnic Studies, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.