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Sample Academic 4-year Plan

Although there is flexibility in the major, there is also structure.  It is important to understand that the following is only a model, not the norm, and not exactly how one’s schedule should look.  If a student is accelerated due to having college equivalent psychology courses in high school, this model still applies in basic structure and requirements, but the student may need to adjust the time frames.  Whatever the situation, it is important to take note of this model, and modify it if necessary.

The best strategy to successfully complete the psychology major in four years or less is to complete PSYC 111, 221, and 235 during the first year and sophomore year. Then, take an even amount of psychology classes each semester until graduation (about 8 credits a semester your junior and senior years).

Psychology sample 4-year plan:

A sample model of a 4-year plan:

  • PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology (fall or spring)
  • PSYC 221 – Applied Behavioral Statistics (fall concurrent with 111, or spring)
  • Complete an Academic Advisor Request Form to have an advisor in the department assigned to you.
  • PSYC 235 – Research Methods (fall or spring, must have completed 221)
  • Elective #1 (usually in concurrence with or after 235 completion) – check prerequisites for 300-level courses
Fall Semester:

8 credits in psychology (possibly 305, 310, 320, 330, 340, 360, 370, 381, or 390, or electives)

Spring Semester:

8-12 credits in psychology (possibly 304, 310, 320, 331, 341, 347, 349, 360, 370, 381, or 390, or electives)

Fall Semester: 

(possibly one or two from this group)

  • Psychology 392 – History of Psychology
  • Psychology 393 – Psychology Seminar (4) Does NOT Fulfill Ethics Seminar Requirement.
  • Psychology 396 – Senior Thesis (1-4) Full Year
  • Honors 398 – Senior All College Thesis (1-4) Full Year
  • Psychology 397 – Psychology Internship
Spring Semester:
  • 4-12 elective credits in psychology (or above listed courses, except for Senior Project)

Additional Resources:

College of Saint Benedict
Saint John’s University

Dr. Robert Kachelski
Chair, Psychology Department
CSB Main 368
320-363-5573