Psychology, Bachelor of Science

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Psychology provides a solid, broad-based education. Psychology addresses behavior, thought, and intelligence. It includes the study of the brain, learning, and development in children, adolescents, and adults, and social interactions and group behavior. Because psychology spans the natural and social sciences, it provides an excellent domain in which to learn skills in analytic reasoning, problem solving, statistics, and working with people. The major gives all students a solid grounding in research and writing along with the opportunity to learn from current professionals in the field.

A degree in psychology builds cutting edge skills through courses on the most profound of all questions: the why and how of human behavior and thought. For those students interested in becoming psychologists, the requirements for the psychology major have been established to provide a sound foundation for graduate work in psychology and other related fields such as social work, education, and family science.

Not all psychology majors become psychologists. Students who major in psychology enter cutting-edge careers in business, information technology, marketing, health care, law, research, education, social work, and beyond.

Program of Study

The program includes courses in the theory and application of psychology and psychological principles. Students will develop an understanding of the following: life span development, personality development, abnormal psychology, prevention, group behavior, cultural variations, research methods and design, and ethical and professional issues. Students will develop specific knowledge and skills that have broad application to many working environments. In addition, knowledge from other disciplines will enhance and broaden the student’s perspective and capabilities as a working practitioner.

Overall, the classroom courses provide a blend of theory and application. Students also have the option to explore internship opportunities in a wide variety of professional settings that provide experiences in applying knowledge and skills. In addition, the General Education Requirements courses, required of all Wilmington University undergraduates, provide a well-rounded academic foundation. The program is offered with day and evening classes in Delaware at New Castle, Dover, Dover Air Force Base, and Georgetown; the program is also offered in New Jersey at Cumberland and Mt. Laurel, as well as online.

Program Competencies

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology

Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains

1.3 Describe applications of psychology

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Students should demonstrate the ability to do scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy

2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving

2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research

2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

Students should understand ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice

3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships

3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels

Goal 4: Communication

Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

4.3 Interact effectively with others

Goal 5: Professional Development

Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals

5.2 Exhibit self- efficacy and self- regulation

5.3 Refine project- management skills

5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity

5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

Experiential Learning Options

The Office of Experiential Learning takes a 360◦ approach to experiential learning. Whether you come to Wilmington University with a vast amount of professional experience and are awarded Credit for prior learning (CPL), or you participate in a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity (Internships or Cooperative Education) embedded in your curriculum for credit, we provide a pathway to completing your degree.

This Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ accelerated option will allow eligible PSY or SOC students to have the opportunity of taking up to two selected graduate level courses in place of selected PSY or SOC courses and the opportunity to be formally accepted into the AFM program prior to completion of the B.S. in Behavioral Science or Psychology degree.

In order to be eligible, students must have completed 90 undergraduate credits, including PSY 101. Furthermore those students seeking approval for the PSY/SOC to AFM Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ accelerated option must have obtained an overall GPA of 3.50 or better. Courses taken at the graduate level will fulfill the requirements for both programs.

Students interested in making applying may secure the necessary forms and begin the approval process with the Chair of the graduate Applied Family Science program.