Program Goals
The Psychology Departments objectives are to assist students in the development of the following skills and abilities:
- Familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
- Understanding and application of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation
- Respect for and use of critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
- Understanding and application of psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues
- Ability to weigh evidence, act ethically, and conduct oneself in a manner reflective of the professionalism of psychology
- Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of socio-cultural and international diversity
- Insight into one’s own and others’ behavior and mental processes and application of effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement
Students completing a major in Psychology earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree (Psychology with a Human Services Emphasis) or a Bachelor of Science degree (Psychology with a Scientific Emphasis, Psychology with a Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis, or Psychology with a Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis).
Requirements for the Major
All students majoring in Psychology must successfully complete the following courses:
In addition each student must complete one of the following tracks:
Psychology with a Human Services Emphasis:
A minimum of two additional credits in Psychology . Recommended are additional courses in psychology and courses in biology, history of scientific thought, human development, philosophy, sociology, and social work relevant to the student’s particular interests . This track is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue masters-level education in a variety of fields, such as counseling, organizational psychology, and guidance; of students who desire a broad undergraduate education and graduate education in areas outside psychology, such as business, law, and education; and of students who seek a broadly applicable undergraduate degree. Students completing this track earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Psychology with a Scientific Emphasis:
Students planning on graduate school in psychology are advised to take at least one course in calculus . It should also be kept in mind that graduate schools may require a reading knowledge of a world language, usually French, German, or Spanish. This track is designed for students most interested in the scientific aspects of psychology, particularly for those who are considering graduate work in experimental or clinical psychology . Most Ph .D . programs in experimental or clinical psychology require the types of undergraduate courses included in this track . Students completing this track earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Psychology with a Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis:
(four hours of PSYC 470 or BIOL 205 may be substituted for PHED 240 and 341; also PSYC 220 may substitute for either PHED 240 or 341)
Recommended courses are:
Psychology with a Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis:
The Pre-Occupational Therapy track prepares students for graduate study in Occupational Therapy . Occupational therapy teaches patients with brain injuries, neurological disorders, or developmental disorders skills to overcome their deficits. Since this field involves behavioral and cogitative training to overcome physiological programs, this track emphasizes anatomy and physiology, behavioral adjustment, mental illness, and developmental issues by requiring in addition to the psychology core courses the following:
Psychology with a Pre-Art Therapy Emphasis:
Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-marking, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship . This track prepares the student for graduate education in counseling psychology with a specialization in art therapy.Students completing this track earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In addition to psychology core courses, the following are required:
Psychology with a Sports Psychology Emphasis:
The sports psychology emphasis focuses on the mental side of sport and exercise, applying principles of psychology to improve athletic and exercise performance . This track prepares the student for graduate education in clinical or experimental psychology with a specialization in sports psychology.
In addition to psychology core courses the following area required: