Psychology

Degree Awarded:  Bachelor of Arts

Students who major in psychology acquire a deeper understanding of the human condition through a variety of methods. Essential objectives for this major include an understanding of basic research design for the field of psychology, an understanding of the history of philosophical and scientific paradigms and movements, as well as the ability to understand the present and future directions. Psychology majors also gain an understanding of how the integrated study of neuropsychology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, language, thinking, intelligence, development, motivation, emotion, stress, consciousness, personality, social and abnormal psychology contribute to our understanding of behavior and mental processes. Students in this major frequently pursue further academic training, and our graduates have met tremendous success in graduate school. Our students are also offered internship opportunities to experience the variety of careers in the field and to gain practical experience.

The psychology major is designed to increase personal understanding of animal and human behavior and mental processes and to provide basic preparation for entrance into graduate school or pursuit of a professional career in the field of psychology. Students should realize careers in the field of psychology typically require further training; many of our students pursue graduate studies in this field. It is strongly recommended that all psychology majors participate in an internship (PS 250/350). Internships introduce students to a variety of careers that require this training and provide valuable hands-on experience. Psychology students have worked with the Juvenile Court, shelters, psychiatric clinics and rehabilitation agencies. All eligible psychology majors are encouraged to participate in Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology and in the Psychology Club.

Requirements for this Major:

44 semester credits including:

• PS 101 General Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 204 Statistics (4 SH)
• PS 222 Psychology of Personality (4 SH)
• PS 324 Physiological Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 325 Research Methods (4 SH)
• PS 329 Abnormal Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 400 Psychology Research Seminar (4 SH)

and 16 additional credits from the following:

• PS 220 Child Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 232 Social Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 237 Human Sexuality (4 SH)
• PS 305 Psychology of Learning (4 SH)
• PS 318 Personality Assessment (4 SH)
• PS 322 Adulthood and Aging (4 SH)
• PS 330 Juvenile Delinquency (4 SH)
• PS 335 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 336 Cognitive Psychology (4 SH)
• PS 345 Psychology and Law (4 SH)
• PS 170-79/270-79/370-79 Special Topics in Psychology (2-4 SH)
• PS 250/350 Internship in Psychology (1-5 SH)
• PS 160/260/360 Individual Investigation in Psychology (2-4 SH)

Note: There may be specific credit hour requirements for Internships. Students should review requirements with their academic advisor.

Substitutions for these requirements may be made only with the approval of a psychology faculty member. Requests must be accompanied by a written statement explaining the reason(s) for the substitution.