Undergraduate Major
LSU offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at the undergraduate level. This degree program allows breadth of training in many areas of psychology and emphasizes the scientific methodology in psychological research. In addition, it provides a strong background for graduate training in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and related degrees. The department has offerings in biological bases of behavior, human development through the life span, industrial psychology, cognitive science, abnormal behavior and social psychology, to name a few. Psychology is one of the most popular majors on the LSU campus and the department is known for its excellence in teaching and research.
If you intend to pursue a career in psychology, the department also offers many opportunities for independent study. An honors program is available for upper division students who wish to conduct their own research projects. A new '3+3' Pre-Law program is also available for students interested in creating an efficient path from their undergraduate work to a post-baccalaureate law degree.
For a short description of the degree, see the major in psychology page.
For a description of the recommended path, see the path description in the course catalog.
See the current Course Catalog
Concentrations
In addition to the general Psychology B.S. degree detailed above, there are two concentrations available for interested students. For students interested in human brain activity and cognitive processes, we offer a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. For students interested in the intersection of psychological services and the judicial system, we offer a concentration in Forensic Psychology.
See the concentration requirements in the course catalog.
If you would like to declare a concentration in addition to your general degree, please make an appointment with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. See the HSS Advising page for more information on booking an appointment.
Honors Program
The Psychology upper division honors program consists of 12 credit hours:
- Honors 3000, taken fall of the junior year
This is a seminar on psychological research taught by a psychology faculty member. - Psychology 4999, with an honors-option.
Directed reading under the student's prospective thesis advisor.
A thesis proposal is normally presented at the end of the spring semester. - Honors 4000, taken for 3 credits each semester of the senior year.
A thesis project is conducted and completed in the senior year, ending with an oral exam by three faculty members including the thesis advisor and at least one faculty member not in the department of psychology.
The students who complete this program with a 3.5 G.P.A. graduate with upper division honors. The department currently has the most active honors program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
3+3 Pre-Law Program
The Psychology department is one of many in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences offering students the option of completing their first year of LSU Law Center coursework in their senior year of undergraduate work. This effectively reduces what is a 3-year law school post-baccalaureate program into a 2-year post-baccalaureate program. This also allows Louisiana resident students with TOPS funding to use that funding for their first year of Law School, because it is applied during their 4th year of funding as an undergraduate student. Please click the links below for more information.