BA in Psychological & Brain Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychological & Brain Sciences offers rigorous training in research design, statistical methods and psychological theory. Students are immersed in the study of abnormal, developmental and social psychology, as well as cognitive neuroscience. And they have the flexibility to choose electives and independent study to suit their interests.

More broadly, students learn how to approach and solve issues within communities and societies, making psychology a widely applicable degree to pursue a variety of career paths.

 

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Honors Information

 

Undergraduate Research Requirement

Declaring a Major

When you declare a Major in Psychological and Brain Sciences, we strongly recommend that you discuss your plans with an advisor in your area of interest. To be assigned such an advisor during the Major Declaration process, please:

1. Get the major declaration form from the Undergraduate Advising online portal.
2. Fill out the form with the courses that you have taken and will take toward the major. The list of courses should add up to a major in Psychological and Brain Sciences as listed in the GW Bulletin.
3. If you would like to discuss your courses with an advisor, contact one of the PBS faculty in your preferred area of interest listed on this page to schedule an appointment. If you are undecided, please contact the department and an advisor will be assigned to you.
4. After a PBS advisor approves your declaration form, please return it to the Undergraduate Advising online portal.
5. If you do not want to meet with an advisor, complete your major declaration form and send it to the PBS advising team. After reviewing the form, a PBS advisor will sign and return it to you. Please send the approved form to the Undergraduate Advising online portal.

Interest Areas: 

Applied Social Psychology

The Applied Social Psychology Program uses social psychological theories, such as attitudes, social cognition, social influence, and decision making to understand and address areas related to social and health behaviors using rigorous scientific methods. These areas include the influence of prejudice and discrimination on health disparities and inequities, the effect of social pain on substance use, and the role of cognitive dissonance on promoting physical exercise and healthy eating. Advisor: Dr. Ellen Yeung. 

Clinical Psychology

The specialty of Clinical Psychology involves engaging in research, assessment, intervention, or consultation to understand, prevent, or ameliorate behavioral and mental health problems. Areas of focus include adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions; emotional and psychological problems; interpersonal or social problems; behavioral problems (e.g., substance abuse), and intellectual, cognitive, and neurological conditions. Advisor: Dr. Christina Gee.

Cognitive Neuroscience

The cognitive neuroscience field is concerned with building fundamental theories about human cognition and behavior and understanding how they are implemented by the brain. Cognitive neuroscience is also concerned with the development of experimental and computational methods that link neurobiology, cognition and complex behavior. Advisor: Professor Haeder Abuirqueba.

Undecided

If you have not identified a specific content area, please contact the PBS advising team and a general advisor will be assigned to you.

Course Requirements