Psychology: Diversity Science, BSLAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Diversity Science Concentration


Diversity Science - Study of psychological research focusing on prejudice, discrimination, race, ethnicity, gender, and other areas.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Diversity Science Concentration


Please see your academic advisor. A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Academic Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours).


General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.


Minimum required major and supporting course work: Normally equates to 32-36 hours of Psychology courses.

Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level in the major must be taken on this campus.


Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.


Select one introductory course from the following:4
Intro Psych
PSYC 103
Statistics course:3-5
Intro to Statistics
Select two foundation courses from the following:6
Intro to Brain and Cognition
Behavioral Neuroscience
Images of Mind
Cognitive Psych
Perception & Sensory Processes
Learning and Memory
Select one foundation course from the following:3
Intro to Social Psych
Child Psych
Psychopathology and Problems in Living
Community Psych
Industrial Org Psych
Psych of Personality
Concentration core course:3
Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination
Select a concentration research methods course from the following:4
Social Psych Methods Lab
Social Psych in Society Lab
Clinical/Abnormal Psych Lab
Select four elective courses from the following:12
Community Psych (if not taken as the foundation course)
Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Psychology of Race & Ethnicity
Introduction to Intellectual Disability
Psychology of Gender
Social Cognition
Hate Crimes
African American Psychology
Psych and Law
Intermediate Current Topics in Psychology (approved for the concentration by the Psychology Department Diversity committee)
Adv Current Topics in Psych (approved for the concentration by the Psychology Department Diversity committee)
Total Hours35

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Diversity Science Concentration


Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements.

First Year
First SemesterHours
Free Elective course1
PSYC 1004
General Education course3
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
Composition I or General Education course4
 16
Total Hours 16
First Year
Second SemesterHours
PSYC 2353
Language Other Than English (4th level)4
General Education course or Composition I3
General Education course3
PSYC Foundation course list 13
 16
Total Hours 16
Second Year
First SemesterHours
PSYC 2073
General Education course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Second Year
Second SemesterHours
PSYC Foundation course list 13
PSYC Foundation course list 23
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
First SemesterHours
PSYC elective course3
General Education course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
Second SemesterHours
PSYC elective course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHours
PSYC Research Methods course4
PSYC elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 16
Total Hours 16
Fourth Year
Second SemesterHours
PSYC elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
 12
Total Hours 12

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Diversity Science Concentration


 1. Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral phenomena. This includes 1.1) describing key concepts, principles and overarching themes; 1.2) developing a working knowledge of the different content or program areas in psychology; and 1.3) describing the application of psychology to everyday life.


2. Students will develop scientific reasoning and problem solving skills, including effective research methods. This includes 2.1) using scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena; 2.2) demonstrating psychology information literacy; 2.3) engaging in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving; 2.4) interpreting, designing, and conducting basic psychological research; and 2.5) incorporating sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry when appropriate.


3. Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. This goal encompasses 3.1) applying ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice; 3.2) building and enhancing interpersonal relationships; and 3.3) adopting values that build community at local, national, and global levels.


4. Students will be prepared to apply psychology‐specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project‐management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation to optimize their competitiveness for securing places in a graduate school, professional school, or in the workforce. For example, students should be able to 4.1) apply psychological content and skills to career goals; 4.2) demonstrate project‐management skills and teamwork capacity; and 4.3) develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Diversity Science Concentration


department website

department faculty: Psychology Faculty

advising: Psychology advising

overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences

college website

email: psych-advising@illinois.edu