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Psychology
Part of the Behavioral Sciences Division
Highlighted Undergraduate Research Projects:
Natalie Peaso found her Senior Study topic in studying the differences between Eastern and Western cultures. Read more about how Peaso studied areas in which yoga could possibly reduce stress and improve other areas of health and behavior.
When Andrew Salpas chose his Senior Study topic, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. Salpas found that few scientists are researching how Man’s Best Friend can decrease children’s autistic severity. Read more to find out how he chose to study the effect of a service dog on an autistic child’s pragmatic language skills.
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The Major in Psychology provides the student a broad curricular experience in psychology as preparation for graduate school. The Major in Psychology with a Counseling Track specifically prepares students for graduate programs in a wide variety of counseling fields. For students who do not plan to go beyond the B.A. degree, the psychology curriculum is useful preparation for any career in which the understanding of individual and group behavior would be beneficial. Major requirements for Child Development and Learning may be found under its own listing.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describes how the interaction of mind, body, and the socio-cultural environment affects behavior.
Understands the nature of diversity
Recognizes the wide variety of behavior that can be considered normal, as well as the multiple causes of varied behaviors
Compares and contrasts major psychological systems
Relates behavior to different developmental levels across the life-span
2. Critically reviews and analyzes psychological research.
Uses and interprets quantitative and qualitative information appropriately
Identifies relationships and synthesizes information
Considers ethical issues
Uses basic psychological terminology
3. Demonstrates ability to solve problems using the scientific mode of inquiry.
4. Expresses oneself clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking professionally.
Gives formal presentations
Uses APA style in written communications as appropriate
5. Demonstrates empathy for and sensitivity to individuality and the influence of the human condition.
6. Utilizes and integrates appropriate technology to enhance professional and communication activities.
The Major in Psychology requires 46 credit hours with 36 hours in major courses and 10 hours in related areas. Required are:
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 224: Introductory Neuroscience (3 hrs.)
PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology (2 hrs.)
PSY 312: Experimental Psychology (4 hrs.)
PSY 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology (4 hrs.)
MTH 221: Inferential Statistics (3 hrs.)
Either of the following courses:
SOC 101: Introductory Sociology (3 hrs.)
or
SOC 211: Cultural Anthropology (3 hrs.)
Eighteen (18) additional hours in psychology electives, at least 6 hours of which must be at the 300 or 400 levels. Psychology electives must include 3 hours from each of four domains. Note that some courses fall into multiple domains but may be counted toward fulfilling the requirement for only one domain.
Cognitive:
PSY 314: Cognitive Psychology (4 hrs.)
PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning (3 hrs.)
PSY 327: Sensation and Perception (3 hrs.)
Developmental:
PSY 211: Child Development (3 hrs.)
PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
PSY 222: Adult Development and Aging (3 hrs.)
PSY 306: Language Development (3 hrs.)
PSY 334: Culturally Diverse and Exceptional Children (3 hrs.)
Social:
PSY 221: Social Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 224: Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 301: Theories of Personality (3 hrs.)
Clinical:
PSY 301: Theories of Personality (3 hrs.)
PSY 331: Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 333: Counseling (3 hrs.)
A double major in Psychology and Child Development and Learning is not permitted.
The Major in Psychology with a Counseling Track requires 46 credit hours with 33 hours in major courses and 13 hours in related areas. Required are:
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.)
One of the following:
PSY 211: Child Development (3 hrs.)
PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
PSY 222: Adult Development and Aging (3 hrs.)
PSY 244: Introduction to Neuroscience (3 hrs.)
PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology (2 hrs.)
PSY 301: Theories of Personality (3 hrs.)
PSY 312: Experimental Psychology (4 hrs.)
One of the following:
PSY 314: Cognitive Psychology (4 hrs.)
PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning (3 hrs.)
PSY 331: Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 333: Counseling (3 hrs.)
PSY 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
BIO 113: Principles of Organismal Biology (4 hrs.)
MTH 221: Inferential Statistics (3 hrs.)
PHR 235: Group Facilitation (3 hrs.)
One of the following:
SOC 101: Introductory Sociology (3 hrs.)
SOC 211: Cultural Anthropology (3 hrs.)
SOC 215: Sociology of Marriage and Family (3 hrs.)
The Minor in Psychology consists of 15 hours in psychology with no fewer than two 300-level courses. The Minor in Psychology is not open to students majoring in Child Development and Learning.
CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
The Major in Child Development and Learning or the Major in Psychology provides preparation for certification as a Child Life Specialist. Certification through the national Child Life Council is obtained by completing a major in Child Development and Learning or Psychology that includes a relevant practicum, an internship under the supervision of certified Child Life Specialists and passing the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. Careful planning of one’s degree program is necessary and internship placements are competitive.
Core Curriculum Requirements
Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.