Psychology

Description

The psychology department is a scholarly community committed to helping students increase their scientific understanding of human and animal behavior, use this understanding to help others, learn to conduct research, and prepare thoughtfully and systematically for their careers. To meet these commitments, the psychology department offers its students a broad curriculum, learning experiences and professional activities beyond the classroom, and high levels of student-faculty interaction and collaboration.

The psychology major helps students develop a detailed, integrated, and science-based understanding of behavior, including mental processes. Furthermore, the major promotes the application of this understanding to benefit human welfare.

The psychology major has four components:

1. Students study the content of the major subdisciplines within psychology. Through studying these subdisciplines and their associated theories, research methodologies, and scientific findings, students learn how behavior is affected by an individual’s genetic background, physical state, cognitive and socioemotional processes, and cultural environment.
2. The content of psychology is based on science; therefore, majors begin to understand, evaluate, and apply research. They also have the opportunity to design and participate in research.
3. Psychology students learn about psychological disorders and the clinical application of psychology. They develop the knowledge and skills to help others solve personal problems, develop professional opportunities, and lead richer, fuller lives.
4. Students identify their career goals, plan the appropriate career paths to achieve those goals, learn professional ethics, and acquire skills essential to their professional interests. Psychology majors develop the intellectual, interpersonal, and technical skills to obtain employment relevant to their degree or to pursue graduate studies.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduates will be able to:

1. Think critically about major theories, concepts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2. Conduct research by choosing appropriate research designs and statistical analyses, interpreting and communicating research results, and applying ethical standards.
3. Help others by using psychological knowledge, counseling theory and skills, and ethical standards.
4. Analyze how sociocultural differences affect their personal and professional interactions.
5. Plan and pursue their ongoing professional development.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in psychology. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

Three credits of psychology electives from among the following:

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested Course Sequence

Minor in Psychology

A minor in psychology is available. Please see an academic advisor for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog. The following courses will not count toward a minor in psychology: PSY 206 and PSY 330. Other psychology electives may be used toward a minor.

Course Descriptions

See Psychology Course Descriptions