The minor in psychology is comprised of a minimum of 24 credits, 50% of which must be completed at Western Washington University. Students who plan to utilize a psychology minor for graduate school applications should plan to complete PSY 101, 210, 230, 240, 250, and research methods.

• 2024-25 Psychology Minor Checklist
• 2024-25 Psychology Minor

Available beginning Fall 2025

Behavioral neuroscience (BNS) explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. The BNS major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the systems level. For example, behavioral neuroscientists study the neurobiological basis of normal learning and memory, psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Earning a minor in Behavioral neuroscience demonstrates interest and dedication to understanding the biological substrates of behavior explored in the Psychology major. This understanding will be of benefit in a variety of career paths, especially in the allied health fields. 

Requirements:

The behavioral neuroscience minor totals 25 credits and is only available to declared psychology majors:

• Core (5 credits)
  • PSY 323 Psychopharmacology (5)
• Electives (20 credits)
  • PSY 310 Sensation and Perception (5)
  • PSY 319 Cognitive Neuroscience (5)
  • PSY 320 Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience (5)
  • PSY 321 Learning (5)
  • PSY 322 Motivation (5)
  • PSY 324 Comparative Psychology (5)
  • PSY 410 Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience (5)
  • PSY 420 Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience (5)
  • PSY 421 Seminar in Learning (5)
  • PSY 422 Seminar in Motivation (5)
• 2025-26 Behavioral Neuroscience Minor Checklist Coming Soon

A maximum of 10 credits may be applied to both the behavioral neuroscience minor and the psychology major.  

Available beginning Fall 2025

This minor is designed to provide students with a breadth and depth of understanding in interdisciplinary approaches to culture for psychological science. Specifically, the minor will focus on theoretical frameworks, research, and diverse methods and models for understanding the role of culture in psychological processes, centering an understanding of racism and intersecting structures of power and oppression, equity, and justice. Students will gain academic knowledge to enhance their coursework as psychology majors, gain applied knowledge to bring to vocational settings, and further their educational experience while working toward creating a more socially just world.

Requirements:

The CRJ minor totals 30 credits, with 15 credits in Psychology and 15 credits in Sociology or Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and is only available to declared psychology majors.

• In PSY
  • 5 credits from PSY 197 (new class to be offered Spring 2025)
  • 10 credits from any two of the following:
    • PSY 338, PSY 341, PSY 346, PSY 441
• Outside of PSY
  • 5 credits from any one of the following
    • SOC 269, SOC 271
    • WGSS 211, WGSS 212, or WGSS 213
  • 10 credits from any two of the following:
    • SOC 321, SOC 322, SOC 364, SOC 366, SOC 369, SOC 381, SOC 382
    • WGSS 310, WGSS 331, WGSS 350, WGSS 358, WGSS 367
    • Other courses approved with advisement.
• 2025-26 CRJ Minor Checklist Coming Soon

Advising:

Have questions related to course evaluation for the CRJ minor? Please contact one of the departmental CRJ advisors Drs. Anna Ciao, Alex Czopp, Kate McLean, Christie Scollon, or Adrian Villicana via office hours or email. 

FAQ:

Choosing between Sociology and WGSS is not necessary, thought it may be more credit conscious to focus on one outside area of study. E.g., if you have completed the 200-level prerequisite you may complete one SOC and one WGSS course to satisfy minor requirements.

Fulfilling CRJ minor requirements may lead to a productive and convenient double minor with your paired outside area of study (i.e., WGSS or Sociology).  

During registration, please be aware that some 300-level WGSS/SOC courses may be major restricted for the beginning of Phase I. Be sure to follow the Class Finder/Browse Classes course directions for ease of access.

This interdisciplinary program is designed to introduce the student to the discipline of sport psychology. More specifically, it emphasizes the educational and behavioral approaches to sport psychology that can be applied in recreational, exercise, and athletic settings.

• 2024-25 Sport Psychology Minor

*Cannot be combined with Sport Psychology major.