Please read the content below, and contact your adviser if you need additional assistance.

Step 1 (if not already a major): Submit Declaration

• Declare a change of major to the BA, BS, or second major in Psychology on MyMadison. MyMadison Tutorials.
• If you need advising related to this change of major, please contact Prof. DuVall, duvallkd@jmu.edu. 
• Declaration submissions will be reviewed during one of our two annual declaration windows.
  • The fall window opens on the day that add/drop ends and runs through 5pm on September 15.
  • The spring window opens on the day that add/drop ends and runs through 5pm on February 15.
  • Applications received after 9/15 and after 2/15 will be held until the next window opens. 
  • Since you cannot have more than one active declaration in MyMadison at a time, please contact ugpsyc@jmu.edu if you would like us to delete your application from our queue.

Step 2: Complete the Pre-Requisite Courses

• PSYC 101 (C or higher)
• Math requirement (C or higher)
  • MATH 220 is strongly recommended, since as of Fall 2024 it is a graduation requirement for all PSYC majors. (See the JMU Catalog.)
  • MATH 205, 231, and 235 are accepted.
  • COB 191, ISAT 151, ISAT 251, MATH 011, and other 200-level math courses are accepted, but NOT RECOMMENDED for students who have not yet completed their math prerequisite.
• Grades earned prior to Fall 2023 will be held to the prior admission standard (at least a C-). Grades earned beginning in Fall 2023 will be held to the new standard (at least a C).

Step 3: Register for PSYC 210 or PSYC 212.

• During advanced registration, enroll in PSYC 210 or PSYC 212. If the class is closed, enroll in waitlists.
• Students who do not demonstrate mastery (see Step 4) by the end of the current semester will be dropped from PSYC 210 or 212 and notified.

Step 4: Demonstrate Mastery

• Complete the prerequisite courses (PSYC 101 and 200-level Math) with a C or higher. CR (credit) is acceptable.
• Demonstrate mastery by completing one of the following:
  • B or higher in PSYC 101
  • B or higher in PSYC 122
  • B or higher in PSYC 160
  • Note:  CR (credit) from a JMU class is NOT acceptable for demonstrating a B or higher in one of these classes.
• If you earn a “B” or higher in PSYC 101, you do not need to take PSYC 122 or 160 for admission purposes. However, note that PSYC 160 is a graduation requirement for all majors as of Fall 2024.
• With Departmental approval, grades from other institutions can fulfill this requirement. Earning a 4 on the AP Psychology exam meets this requirement.

Step 5: Receive Notice Regarding Full Admission

• At the end of the current semester, we will review transcripts of all students enrolled or waitlisted in PSYC 210 or 212 for the next semester:
  • Students who have successfully completed these steps will be able to stay enrolled or waitlisted in PSYC 210 or 212 for the next semester. These students will be notified that they are now fully admitted Psychology majors.
  • Students who have not completed these steps will be administratively dropped from their PSYC 210 or 212 class. They can repeat the necessary steps to become fully admitted Psychology majors for a future semester.

Questions?

Please consult the JMU Catalog for more information. If you have any questions about the admission criteria for the Psychology major, please email us at ugpsyc@jmu.edu.