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 based on the recommendations of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2013) and its guidelines for the program learning outcomes of undergraduate psychology programs (http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx).
After completing program requirements:
- KNOWLEDGE BASE IN PSYCHOLOGY: Students will be able to identify, explain, and apply major concepts, theories, and findings in psychology and social work, including appropriately integrating knowledge within specific sociocultural contexts.
- SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING: Students will be able to use research design & analysis, scientific reasoning, and psychological theory to generate insights into and solve problems in behavioral and mental processes.
- ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DIVERSE WORLD: Students will be able to identify and explain good practices that reflect ethical values contributing to positive outcomes, while discerning the relationship between faith and science and articulating their own view of the world.
- COMMIUNICATION: Students will be able to write clear and concise scientific arguments, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, and explain the ideas of themselves and others with clarity in different formats.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Students will be able to reflect on their own and others’ behavioral and mental processes to apply effective strategies for self-management, self-improvement, and cooperation, while in consideration of sociocultural context and diversity.
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
| PSY 2013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3303 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| PSY 3323 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 |
| PSY 4893 | Psychology Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| PSY 4943 | Ethics in the Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
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