Psychology, BS
A psychology major presents a broad study of human behavior and insight into psychology as a scientific discipline and professional career. Graduate work is required to certify for practice in most agencies and for licensure as a private therapist. A major in Psychology may lead to entry-level jobs in crisis intervention centers, counseling clinics, community service agencies, or other social agencies. This major is primarily designed to be used in preparation for graduate studies in psychology, psychotherapy, professional counseling, or social work. The psychology major also supports graduate work in experimental, applied, academic, theoretical, or professional psychology (clinical, counseling, or school psychology, or marriage and family therapy).
Program Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout these programs. After completing program requirements,
- Students will be able to identify, explain, and apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology and social work to behavioral problems.
- Students will be able to use research design and data analysis to generate insights into behavioral and psychological phenomena.
- Students will be able to use scientific reasoning and theory to solve problems and examine behavioral and mental processes.
- Students will be able to identify and evaluate ambiguity in scientific evidence, and the complexity of sociocultural diversity.
- Students will be able identify and explain good practice that reflects ethical values that contribute to positive outcomes in home, work, and public life.
- Students will be able to write a clear and precise scientific argument, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity in different formats.
- Students will be able to reflect on their own and others' behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management, teamwork, self-improvement and vocational preparation.
- Students will be able to discern the relationship between faith and science and articulate their own view of the world.
These Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) are also representative of the guidelines adapted from the American Psychological Association (2013) APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0 ( http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx).
Requirements for the BS in Psychology
General Education Core 38 hours
(The following general education requirements are covered in the major: Social and Behavioral Science. MAT 1103 or MAT 2413 is required to satisfy Quantitative Competency.)
Psychology Major 47 hours
Major Core - 15 hours
Major Core: Choose 9 hours
Mental Processes: Choose 3 hours
Laboratory Core: Choose 8 hours
Early Childhood: Choose 3 hours
Adult Development: Choose 3 hours
Specialized Subjects: Choose 6 hours
| PSY 3313 | Intro to Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 3403 | Intro to Psychotherapy and Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3413 | Substance Abuse and Addictive Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 3423 | Diversity and Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 4413 | Intro to Marital and Family Systems | 3 |
| PSY 4423 | Psychology of Group Processes | 3 |
Additional Chair-approved course options in the Specialized Subjects area:
PSY 3063, PSY 4911, PSY 4912, PSY 4913, PSY 4921, PSY 4922, PSY 4923.
Electives 35 hours
Total Credit Hours: 120