Psychology
Apply For ProgramFast Facts
- Top 150 psychology programs in the U.S.
- Organizes courses into six domains so you can customize your degree
- Prepares you for a variety of careers and/or graduate school
Introduction
Earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMBC-Shady Grove to extend beyond the classroom and prepare for your future. Our unique model helps you save on tuition while earning the same UMBC degree as four-year students. You’ll graduate with analytic and interpersonal skills that can translate into a wide range of careers.
UMBC’s psychology program is designed to give you both the flexibility and guidance to find your path. You’ll be encouraged to engage in research and internships as an undergraduate. You can also get involved on campus through student organizations like the Psychology Student Association.
Steps to Your Degree
Before Transfer
Prerequisites
The psychology department strongly encourages you to complete the following prerequisites prior to transfer:
- Introduction to Psychology
- English Composition
- Statistics
It is also recommended that you complete as many of the following courses as possible before transfer. These courses are required for graduation from UMBC and most cannot be taken at UMBC-Shady Grove:
- 3 Arts and Humanities courses (from at least two different disciplines)
- 3 Social Science courses (from at least two different disciplines; Introduction to Psychology counts as 1 of 3 courses)
- College Algebra or Statistics
- 2 Science courses (at least one must have a lab component)
- World Language Intermediate-Level (consult advisor about exceptions)
Community College Agreements
If you are completing your associate degree at Montgomery College, we encourage you to follow our articulation agreement. This agreement outlines the exact courses you should take to prepare for transfer: General Studies, A.A., SSAH / Psychology, B.A.
You can also review our Recommended Transfer Coursework for UMBC-Shady Grove’s B.A. in Psychology.
Advising & Next Steps
All students are strongly encouraged to complete pre-transfer advising before joining us at UMBC-Shady Grove. Explore pre-transfer advising options.
Admitted and current students should visit our advising FAQs.
Degree Requirements
Major Requirements
UMBC Graduation Requirements
- Minimum of 120 academic credits
- Minimum of 2.0 GPA
- 45 upper-level (300 & 400-level) credits
Minor Requirements
UMBC-Shady Grove offers a minor in psychology.
More About the Program
Faculty
Diane Alonso, Ph.D.
Program Director, Principal Lecturer
Special Assistant to the Vice Provost for UMBC at USG Academic Innovation
Department: Psychology
Phone: 443-612-1318
Email: dalonso@umbc.edu
Office: Building III, Room 4145
Research Areas: Child and Adolescent Development
Undergraduate Courses: PSYC
Diane Alonso, Ph.D., serves as the UMBC Psychology Department’s Program Director at the Universities at Shady Grove. She started the undergraduate program at the Center in 2004 and the Graduate I/O Psychology program in 2007. Diane is a lifetime Maryland resident and received her undergraduate degree (B.S.) in Computer Science and her graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). With a background in Cognitive Psychology and Human Factors/Usability, Diane has over 10 years experience working in the industry both for IBM’s Federal Systems Division and for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)’s Health and Human Services Division. While employed at CSC, Diane performed usability work for clients such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Education, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She also created and led a successful training program for new software implemented for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Systems (MMCS).
In addition to her vocation, Diane’s avocation is musical theater. For over 15 years she performed locally in community and professional theaters in the D.C. and surrounding metro areas. In 1992, during a production of an original version of the “Phantom of the Opera” at Toby’s Dinner Theater in Columbia, Maryland, Diane met her future husband, Tom Alonso, the very talented composer of the commissioned production. They were married a year later and now have two beautiful daughters.
View Dr. Alonso’s profile on UMBC Psychology Departmental web site.
Dr. Donald Knight
Lecturer
Department: Psychology
Phone: 301-738-6221
Email: dknigh1@umbc.edu
Office: Bldg. III, Room 4149
Undergraduate Courses: PSYC 211 (The Science and Profession of Psychology), PSYC 309 (Psychology: Exploration of the Discipline and Careers), PSYC 320 (Psychological Assessments), PSYC 345 (Introduction to Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy)
View Dr. Knights profile on UMBC Psychology Departmental web site.
Dr. Shariece Evans
Lecturer
Department: Psychology
Phone: 240-665-6476
Email: shariece.evans@umbc.edu
Office: Building III, Room 4143
Undergraduate Courses: PSYC 309 (Psychology: Exploration of the Discipline and Careers),
PSYC 311 (Research Methods in Psychology I), PSYC 312 (Research Methods in Psychology II)
Dr. David Banks
Email: drbanks@umbc.edu
Undergraduate Courses: PSYC 387 (Community Psychology) and PSYC 441 (Social/Health Psychology)
Research Areas: Family and community violence, personalized health, and public health.
Dr. Emily Lichvar
Email: elichvar@umbc.edu
Undergraduate Courses: PSYC 306 (Lifespan Human Development) and PSYC 307 (The Psychology of Aging)
Research Areas: Addiction and substance abuse in the areas of prevention, treatment, and integrating systems of care for adolescents and families; Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescence
Alumni Spotlight
Psychology
Drama Therapy Master's Student at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Lexi's Story
Psychology
"UMBC has helped me to grow so much, not only as a student but also as a leader."
Ciomara's Story
Psychology
PhD student at Portland State University, Junior Associate at Jernigan & Associates
Hear from HenriB.S./B.A. in Psychology Information Request