Admission to the Major
Are you considering becoming a psychology major? Start by learning about our program in psychology. You might find our curriculum page particularly useful. The following is a general guideline of how to become a Psychology Major at James Madison University. (Incoming transfer students will find our transfer student page useful.)
Note: Once a student is fully-admitted to the Psychology major, the student must complete a two-semester methodology core focusing on psychological statistics and research methods. This methodology core must be completed before students can complete most other sectors of the Psychology major.
- Declare the Psychology Major. (Change your major on MyMadison. Instructions for MyMadison.)
- Apply to become a “Fully-Admitted” Psychology Major.
- After the Fall/Spring semester ends, students will be admitted to the major if they meet the admission requirements described below.
Admission Requirements
- Complete PSYC 101. General Psychology, with a grade of “C-“ or better. Equivalent courses completed at other institutions that transfer to JMU are acceptable.
- Complete MATH 220, 205, 231, 235 or another acceptable Math course with a grade of “C-“ or better. Equivalent courses completed at other institutions that transfer to JMU are acceptable.
- Complete any General Education Psychology course (PSYC 101, 122, or 160) with a grade of “B” or higher. Earning a 4 on the AP Psychology exam meets this requirement. With departmental approval, grades from other institutions can fulfill this requirement.
- Apply to become a “Fully-Admitted” Psychology Major.
*In the case of repeated classes, we will take the highest grade earned. Repeat forgive is optional for GPA enhancement, but not required for admission.
If you have any questions about the admission criteria for the Psychology major, please email us at ugpsyc@jmu.edu.
