Psychology

FAQs

• I see that there are two online majors: A 45-credit degree option and a 60-credit option. What is the difference? Which one should I pick?

  Great question! The 45-credit option and 60-credit option share identical curriculum with the following exceptions: 1.) The 60-credit option includes one additional statistics course (PSY363: Intermediate Statistics and Research Methods), 2.) the 60-credit option requires the completion of 14 -17 elective credits (rather than 4-7 as per the 45-credit major), and 3.) students pursuing the 45-credit major must complete a second program of study (either a second major or a minor).
  
  Students should pick the degree option that best-aligns with their-long term plans. The 45-credit major is intended for students interested in combining a background in psychology with fields such as social work, family studies, law and justice, business, forensics, primate behavior, and other fields in which training in behavioral science would be useful. The 60-credit major leads to additional training in research methodology. It is especially recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology.

• What courses will I take for the Online Psychology Major? What courses will I take for the Online Psychology Minor?

  The courses pursued in the online psychology major mirror those completed in the traditional major. See this webpage for details.

  Like the online major, the requirements for the online psychology minor mirror those included in the traditional minor. Please see this website for details.

• Will I get the same degree that on-campus students get if I pursue the online major or minor?

  The courses, instructors, and student learning objectives are equivalent for both the online major(s)/minor and the in-person major(s)/minor. The only difference is how the curriculum is delivered.

• Can I be an online major or minor student even if I live in Ellensburg?

  At this time, the online major is reserved for those without access to the main campus.

• Can I be an online major or minor student for just one quarter?

  The online programs are reserved for students who intend to complete their entire course of study online. The size of our programs do not allow for accommodations to temporarily assigned a student to the online major.

• I am an on-campus student. Why can’t I enroll in online psychology classes?

  You can! While many online psychology courses are reserved for online majors during early registration periods, all students may access them during open enrollment, if there is space available. Further, some courses maintain no reserves at any time. Every online psychology courses is open to all students during the summer as well.

• What are the admission requirements for the Online Psychology program(s), how do I apply?

  I. Apply to CWU

  • Apply for admission to Central Washington University online at CWU admissions You should request to be added to the web campus.
  • Submit official electronic or hard copy transcripts to Admissions for processing.

  ​II. Apply to the Psychology major or minor

  • Prior to gaining entrance to the Online Psychology major, one must earn a C (2.0) or higher in Psychology 101. The student must also have earned at least 45 college-level credits with a 2.25 or higher cumulative GPA. Additionally, a math course in finite mathematics, statistics, or pre-calculus* as well as an Introduction to Biology or an Anatomy class are highly recommended elements of a general education program likely to support the student's success in the major.
    
    
  • Once admitted to the university and your previous courses have been officially articulated within MyCWU, you may apply to the online major by:

  1. Log in: Go to my.cwu.edu and sign in with your CWU credentials. 

  2. Navigate: Click on the STUDENT tab. 

  3. Select Records: In the left-hand menu, select the RECORDS section. 

  4. Request to Apply/Drop Program: Click on REQUEST TO APPLY/DROP PROGRAM. 

  5. Select Your Program: Choose "REQUEST TO APPLY TO AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM" and select your desired major or minor. You may need to enter a program code, which can be found on the department's website. 

  6. Submit: Click the submit button to finalize your application request.

  If you decide to switch between the small or large plan major or the minor you can submit a new REQUEST TO APPLY/DROP PROGRAM

  Applicants will typically receive a response within 3-5 business days.

  Note: The online major is not available to students who live close to the main campus. Only apply to the online major or minor if you live beyond the Ellensburg area. For online applicants, it is not necessary to meet with an advisor prior to applying.

  Applications are reviewed through the last full day of instruction for admission into the program the following quarter with admission to the programs occurring in Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.

• How long does it take to complete my degree if I major in Psychology via the online program?

  The length of time to complete the online psychology major is dependent on the courses transferred into the university, course availability, and student credit load. Most students enter the major with a completed DTA. On average, those students typically complete their degrees in about two years.

• If I transfer from another school, how does it affect my progress in the major?

  If you are transferring from a community college without a completed associate degree, you will need to complete the basic and breadth requirements for your bachelor’s degree. If you have completed an Associate degree then you only need to complete your major and enough electives (or a minor) to fulfill CWU's 180 degree graduation requirement. You may also want to review CWU's Transfer Admissions Criteria. Your general education advisor may assist you with assessing past coursework and collaborating with you to develop a plan to address any outstanding degree requirements.

  Some Washington state community college courses can be transferred as equal to some of our upper division classes in Psychology. However, it may be necessary to take some classes again in order to meet the academic requirements of upper-division credits for the major. For information, please see the CWU Transfer Course Equivalencies and Policies page. You may also consult with your transfer report within MyCWU and/or your Major advisor

  You can also find information about course substitution requirements and applications in the Department of Psychology at Transfer Course Substitutions