Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes, with application to many human and animal concerns. Students with a liberal arts education should develop an understanding of themselves and others that allows them to function effectively in diverse situations, interpersonally and intellectually. The Psychology Department offers a strong curriculum aimed at providing students with a comprehensive conceptual base from a variety of perspectives. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and thinking, and understanding the historical and theoretical framework of psychology and the methodology used in research. Students majoring in psychology are afforded an opportunity to be involved in research as well as to participate in local educational and mental health agencies. Many psychology majors continue their education in graduate school, and the department actively participates in their preparation for this goal. Should a student choose not to attend graduate school, the study of psychology successfully prepares graduates for a variety of career options. The department sponsors two student organizations: Psi Chi, which is the international Psychology honor society and Psi Alpha Omega, which is open to all students who have an interest in the discipline.
The Psychology Department has identified specific learning outcomes for our students. After completing the requirements for a psychology major, students should be able to:
- relate theoretical approaches from the history of psychology to prevailing research and practice in contemporary psychology;
- obtain practical understanding of basic statistical procedures using calculations and obtain basic level skills of the SPSS statistical computer program;
- demonstrate mastery of the design and implementation of a student-led research project;
- engage in critical thinking about psychology as a science. Students will also engage in critical thinking about ethical issues that arise in psychological research;
- obtain the ability to read and comprehend scientific literature in psychology and students will obtain mastery in skills for writing in APA style;
- demonstrate effective writing skills. Also, students will demonstrate effective oral skills
Successful completion of these learning outcomes will be assessed by various assignments in the required components of our psychology curriculum. Students seeking certification in teaching should consult with the department chair.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Professor Rebecca Singer
Majors and Minors
- Behavioral Neuroscience Minor (BNS)
- Child Development Minor (CHD)
- Psychology Major (PSY)
- Psychology Minor (PSY)
Classes
PSY163 : Life above Zero: An Introduction to Positive Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
PSY211 : Statistics for the Social Sciences
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
PSY240 : Lifespan Development
Study of human developmental processes from prenatal stages through later adulthood with an examination of the biological, psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing behavior across the lifespan.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
PSY242 : Adolescence and Adulthood
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
PSY260 : Social Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
PSY290 : Animal Behavior
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY304 : Psychology of Slavery
Credit Hour(s)
3PSY311 : Experimental Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY211 and junior standing.
Semester Offered
PSY313 : Psychology of Motivation
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY315 : Health Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY318 : Sport Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3PSY323 : Sensation and Perception
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY328 : Learning
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY333 : Cognitive Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY337 : Psychology of Women
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
PSY340 : Child Development
This course provides an overview of growth and development from conception through middle childhood. Opportunities are provided for observation in an early childhood center or participation in a service learning placement in a community organization or agency serving young children (5 hours). Special emphasis is placed on the cultural contexts of child development.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY343 : Personality
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY347 : Careers in Psychology
This course is designed to provide advanced psychology students with the opportunity to examine future career paths in and out of psychology. The course also designed to provide a foundation for professional and career development for entry level positions in human service fields as well as preparation for graduate school. We will work to accomplish these goals by lecture, guest speakers, and professional visits to outside facilities.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111
PSY350 : Relationships
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Senior standing and PSY111 or 260.
Semester Offered
PSY355 : Psychological Disorders
The study of classification, assessment, and causes of psychological disorders, reviewing contemporary issues in the study and treatment of psychopathology.
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY358 : Human Trafficking
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
PSY360 : Undergraduate Research
Implementation of psychological research processes using topics chosen by individuals or small groups of students in consultation with the professor of the course. Tutorial teaching will replace classroom teaching for most of the semester. Research methods will involve computer and/or paper and pencil techniques.
Credit Hour(s)
2 - 3Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
PSY363 : Positive Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY365 : Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY367 : Dying, Grieving, and Coping
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY375 : Tutorial Topics
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
one course in Psychology and permission of the instructor.
PSY380 : Psychology and the Law
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111 or 260.
Semester Offered
PSY411 : Senior Capstone in Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Senior standing, major in department, PSY311.
Semester Offered
PSY413 : Clinical Assessment
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111.
Semester Offered
PSY415 : Counseling Skills
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY355.
Semester Offered
PSY417 : Developmental Disorders of Childhood
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY242, 240, or 340.
Semester Offered
PSY419 : School Psychology
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
PSY425 : Brain and Behavior
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
PSY111 and BIO100 or BIO111.
Semester Offered
PSY433 : Animal Cognition
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
PSY440 : Independent Study
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
Consent of professor.
PSY460 : Enhanced Internship
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
Consent of instructor.
Semester Offered
PSY462 : Internship
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
consent of the supervising instructor.
PSY470 : Special Topics in Psychology
The study of special areas of psychology deemed of value to Psychology majors and minors.
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
PSY 111.