Note: All summer 2026 tuition rates and fees are pending approval.

 

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences

  • General Psychology

    CAS PS 101

    Basic introduction to the field of psychology. Topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, and social and abnormal psychology. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 12-June 26)

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 14)

    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information.

    Top

  • Introduction to Experimental Design

    CAS PS 211

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101) - Introduction to the logic and processes involved in descriptive and inferential statistics for psychology. Topics include statistical inference, significance, t-tests, ANOVAs, correlation, regression, and statistical software analysis. This is a hybrid class: class time is reserved for hands-on activities. Does not count toward the principal courses required for the major or minor. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning I. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Physiological Psychology

    CAS PS 231

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS 101). Online offering. Students may receive credit for CASPS 231 or CASNE 101, but not for both. Structure and function of the nervous system and how it controls behavior. Basic neuroanatomy, cellular basis of neurotransmission, and physiological aspects of sensation. Mechanisms of simple and complex cognitive neural function and the biological underpinnings of major psychiatric disorders. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 12-June 26)

    For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information.

    Top

  • Developmental Psychology

    CAS PS 241

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101) - Critical review of research and theories pertaining to intellectual and social development of infants and children. Role of early experiences and biological factors in later formation of personality, and intellectual and motivational behaviors; includes theories of Erikson, Piaget, and Freud. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Psychology of Personality: Theories and Application

    CAS PS 251

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101) - Emphasizes the historical development of personality theories and their application to social, research, and clinical concerns. Classic theories of personality (e.g., psychoanalytic, behavioral, trait, humanistic, cognitive, and social roles) are explored and evaluated through lectures, readings, and case materials. A consideration of trait-based approaches and personality disorder with regards to DSM 5 criteria is also included. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Social Psychology

    CAS PS 261

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101) - Provides an understanding of how behavior, feelings, and thoughts of individuals are influenced and determined by characteristics of the situation. Topics: attraction, attitudes, prejudice, social roles, aggression, person perception, and groups. Readings cover theories, experimental research, and application. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills units in the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry 1, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    Top

  • Experimental Psychology: Personality

    CAS PS 325

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS PS101; PS251; either PS 211, PS/NE 212, or CAS MA 115 and MA 116.; 1st Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Prereq: (CAS PS 101 & CAS PS 251) and First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120). In addition, PS majors must complete (CAS PS 211 or CAS PS 212 or CAS NE 212 or (CAS MA 115 & CAS MA 116)); PS minors must complete (CAS PS 211 or CAS PS 212 or CAS NE 212 or CAS MA 115). Systematic approaches to the study of personality. Experimental and observational investigations of selected aspects of personality. Demonstration of experimental procedures; student participation in laboratory and field studies. Please note that students cannot receive credit for more than one of the following experimental psychology courses: CAS PS 324, CAS PS 325, CAS PS 326. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Behavioral Medicine

    CAS PS 332

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: two principal courses in psychology, education, or a health-related discipline, or consent of instructor. Examines applications from the social and behavioral sciences and allied health professions as they are integrated in the practice of traditional medicine. Examples of interventional strategies, treatments, and procedures, including biofeedback and hypnosis. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Drugs and Behavior

    CAS PS 333

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASPS 231 or CASNE 101. - Comprehensive survey of drug influences on behavior; introduces a neuroscience approach to behavior. Several classes of drugs discussed, including abused and addictive substances and psychoactive and therapeutic agents. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    Top

  • Psychology of the Family

    CAS PS 370

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101 OR CASSO205) and PS junior or senior standing. - Survey of psychological issues related to the family. Includes examination of psychological research and data on the individual's experience in the family, with special emphasis on developmental and clinical issues. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Top

  • Psychopathology

    CAS PS 371

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS101) - A thorough review of psychopathology and related clinical issues are examined. The etiology, clinical characteristics, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all major categories of adult psychopathology, as well as evidence-based methods to promote psychological health, are covered. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    Top

  • Introduction to Clinical Psychology

    CAS PS 473

    Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS 371) and PS junior or senior standing. - Introduction to current diagnostic and treatment techniques in clinical psychology from empirical, applied, and theoretical perspectives. Covers clinical interviewing, psychological testing, and a comparison of humanistic, analytic, and systems approaches to therapy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    Top