2021-2022 Course Catalog
Psychology (BA)
The major course work is organized in a common structure for the baccalaureate curriculum: a required introductory course, three methodology courses, six advanced content courses, and the integrated capstone experience.
Common elements of the curriculum include active and collaborative learning, research projects, fieldwork, practice and community service, discussion of ethical issues and values, and courses and research methods that heighten the student’s understanding of diversity in human behavior. Learning about psychology occurs in multiple settings: the classroom, internships, participation in psychology Psi Chi (the National Honor society for Psychology), and attendance and presentation of research at regional and national conferences. The program places a strong emphasis on effective student advising that goes beyond guidance in course selection and information about institutional procedures. The intent is to motivate students to explore and develop their values, interests, abilities, and career and life goals and to encourage students to consider post-baccalaureate educational possibilities, including graduate and professional school.
The psychology curriculum enables students to think scientifically about behavior and mental processes, to appreciate and respect others, and to pursue a variety of post-baccalaureate alternatives, including employment and graduate or professional school. This major is applicable to any career in which an understanding of human thought and behavior is central, including the health sciences, personnel/human resources, social work, introductory level counseling, interviewing, and data collection.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Psychology major, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts and empirical findings related to Human Development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts and empirical findings related to Biological Bases of Behavior.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts and empirical findings related to Learning and Cognition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts and empirical findings related to Social Influences of Behavior and Individual Differences.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of research methods for implementation of quasi-experimental, correlational and/or qualitative research with the use of statistical software packages.
- Apply critical thinking to determine the credibility of information and develop, defend and criticize arguments.
- Demonstrate skills in written and oral communication including the presentation of scientific and own ideas in a public forum.
- Demonstrate awareness of how basic psychological principles and theories may apply differently across cultures.
- Demonstrate personal development through fulfillment of student responsibilities and the application of psychological knowledge to self-development.
- Demonstrate professional development and professionalism through appropriate use of supervision/advising, career exploration and participation in career related internships and/or independent studies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues and behavior in relation to the treatment of human and non-human research subjects, and in the application and practice of psychology.