Transfer Student Guide – Psychology & Neuroscience Majors

At CU Boulder, Psychology is considered a Natural Science. 

This means:

• You’ll take at least two science classes and likely two math courses.
• Psychology courses will include strong elements of science and math.
• The curriculum emphasizes research methods and scientific thinking.

Consider your interest in:

• Understanding and conducting psychological research.
• Building quantitative and analytical skills.
• Exploring human behavior through a scientific lens.

You can also compare Psychology to related majors like Sociology. Your advisor can help guide this decision.

Check out the Psychology BA Learning Outcomes in the CU Catalog to get a sense of the skills and knowledge you'll develop throughout the major.

Yes! The Psychology (PSYC) major includes key foundational and upper-division course requirements that benefit from early planning. We recommend reviewing the catalog listing for Psychology and connecting with an academic advisor as soon as you’re admitted to ensure you are on track.

Many students take:

• 1–2 PSYC classes
• 1–2 Gen Ed courses (if needed)
• 1-2 Elective course (will most likely need to be upper division)

Keep in mind that class availability may vary, so register on time and be flexible.

Consider your interest in:

• Understanding the biological basis of behavior and mental processes.
• Developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific research.
• Exploring the brain and nervous system through a multidisciplinary lens, including biology, psychology, and chemistry.

You can also compare Neuroscience to related majors like Psychology or Integrative Physiology. Your advisor can help you explore which path aligns best with your goals.

Check out the Neuroscience BA Learning Outcomes in the CU Catalog to get a sense of the skills and knowledge you'll develop throughout the major.

Yes! The Neuroscience (NRSC) major includes important foundational courses and upper-division requirements that require thoughtful planning. We recommend reviewing the CU Boulder catalog listing for Neuroscience and connecting with an academic advisor as soon as you're admitted to ensure you're on track.

Many students take:

• NRSC 2125 (if you have already completed the equivalent to EBIO 1210 or MCDB 1150)
• NRSC ancillary course (if needed)
• 1–2 Gen Ed courses (if needed)
• 1-2 elective course

Keep in mind that class availability may vary, so register on time and be flexible.

If you need prerequisites, you’ll follow this progression:

1. PSYC 1001 (Intro to Psychology) - You will most likely already have credit for PSYC 1001
2. PSYC 2111 (Psychology Statistics) - Requires pre-requsite Math course and PSYC 1001 with a C- or better
3. PSYC 3111 (Research Methods) - Requires pre-requsite of PSYC 2111 with a C- or better
4. PSYC Lab & Methods (See degree audit for options) - Requires pre-requsite of PSYC 3111 with a C- or better

*This series builds foundational skills for upper-division coursework.

Very! We strongly recommend completing College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus before transferring. Statistics is useful but won’t fulfill the Math Ancillary on its own for PSYC majors.

Prerequisites are strictly enforced. 

For example, you must earn a C- or better in PSYC 3111 to take most 4000-level PSYC courses, and for NRSC majors you must earn a C- or better in NRSC 2125 & 2150 to take your 4000-level NRSC classes. 

Yes! A&S majors are designed with flexibility. Consider minors or certificates that complement your major. 

Common minor/majors for PSYC majors

• Neuroscience major
• Sociology major/minor
• Philosophy minor
• Education minor
• Leadership studies minor
• Public Health major/minor
• Business minor
• Care, Heath and Resiliency Certificate 

Common minor/majors for NRSC major

• Psychology major
• MCDB major/minor
• Business minor
• Spanish minor
• Philosophy minor
• Public Health major/minor

There is quiet a bit of overlap between the Psychology and Neuroscience major so if you are interested in both majors, talk with your advisor about how to most efficiently satisfy the requirements of both majors. 

Most transfer students will need upper division electives (3000 & 4000 level classes). Your advisor can help you identify electives that match your interests and career goals.

If possible:

• Complete the Math Ancillary
  • PSYC: a college-level algebra course
  • NRSC: a collage level statistics course
• Complete Natural Science Ancillary courses
  (See our PSYC/NRSC Ancillary Guide for more info.)

Yes! Both Psychology (PSYC) and Neuroscience (NRSC) are excellent majors for students pursuing pre-health pathways at CU Boulder. They offer strong foundations in science and research, with significant overlap in required coursework for health professional schools.​

Both majors include coursework that aligns with prerequisites for medical, dental, PA, and other health-related programs.​

• Neuroscience (NRSC): This major integrates biology, chemistry, and neuroscience, covering subjects like cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and neurophysiology. These courses often fulfill pre-health science requirements.​
• Psychology (PSYC): While focusing on human behavior and mental processes, this major also offers electives in biological psychology and research methods, which can complement pre-health studies.​

Additionally, both majors emphasize research skills and critical thinking, which are valuable in health professions. CU Boulder's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience provides opportunities for undergraduate research, enhancing your preparation for professional school applications.

For more information on pre-health pathways and pre-requsites check out Pre-Health Advising at CU. 

• Transferology and your degree audit are the first step.
• Additional department review requires a syllabus.
• Approval is not guaranteed. Our PSYC and NRSC curriculum is rigorous and unique, especially in courses like PSYC 2111 & 3111 and NRSC 2125 & 2150.

It's unlikely.

PSYC 2111 and 3111 use R/R Studio and cover content that’s rarely matched at other institutions. Most students will need to take them at CU Boulder.

PSYC major:

• You must complete a course equivalent to a CU Boulder Math class with an algebraic problem-solving focus. Prior stats alone does not satisfy this requirement.

NRSC major:

• Requires a Statistics class that can be completed and transferred in from previous institution. 

We’re working on a visual flowchart and a “4 of 5” course navigation guide to help you plan. Stay tuned!

• CU Transferology Tool
• Community College Transfer Guides
• CU Boulder Pre-Transfer Advising
• Other Transfer Student Resources at CU

Tip: Think about careers early! What skills will support your goals?

• Keep checking this page! We’ll update it regularly.
• Still deciding? Reach out to a Pre-Transfer Advisor.
• Already admitted? Contact your assigned academic advisor early to plan your courses and registration strategy.