Mission
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with broad based knowledge in the field of psychology along with opportunities to develop their professional potential as future leaders in the field of psychology in the local and international arena. Students are provided with a foundation in scientific psychology as relevant in diverse subfields, with some emphasis in the fields of developmental and clinical psychology.
Program Objectives
The B.A. in Psychology aims to
- prepare students in communicating effectively a broad knowledge of psychological concepts and theories and apply them to individual, cultural, and social contexts,
- train students in applying ethical principles and demonstrating competence in research practices in psychology, and
- coach students in critical thinking and skeptical inquiry when applying psychological modalities to different contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the B.A. in Psychology, graduates should be able to
- demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology,
- demonstrate competence in research skills including research design and data analysis and interpretation,
- apply critical thinking to the study of psychological concepts, theories, and findings;
- apply psychological principles to the understanding of individual functioning, society, and culture,
- communicate effectively (orally and in writing) using APA guidelines,
- comply with established ethical guidelines of the profession of psychology, and
- demonstrate ability to use information technology to study and present psychological material.
Curriculum
A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, as per the following:
- Program Core Requirements (30 cr)
- Psychology Electives (15 cr)
- Other Requirements (3 cr
- LAC Core Requirement (13 cr)
- LAC Electives (21 cr)
- Free Electives (10 cr)
A senior study project is required of all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study.
Program Core Requirements (30 cr)
- PSY201 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY234 Development Across the Life Span (3 cr)
- PSY245 Research Methods I (3 cr)
- PSY295 Theories of Learning (3 cr)
- PSY322 Mind and Behavior (3 cr)
- PSY345 Research Methods II (3 cr)
- PSY355 Biological Basis of Behavior (3 cr)
- PSY425 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY466 Counseling Theories (3 cr)
- PSY499 Senior Study (3 cr)
Psychology Electives (Choose 15 cr)
- PSY202 Child Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY203 Psychology of Youth (3 cr)
- PSY204 Social Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY256 Sensation and Perception (3 cr)
- PSY267 Cultural Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY311 Exceptional Child (3 cr)
- PSY320 Theories of Personality (3 cr)
- PSY335 Industrial Organizational Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY498 Topics in Psychology (3 cr)
Other Requirements (3 cr)
- STA302 Applied Statistics (3 cr)
LAC Core Requirements (1 cr)
LAC Electives (21 cr)
Free Electives (10 cr)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Fall (16 cr)
- PSY201 Introduction to Psychology
- PSY234 Development Across Lifespan1
- LAC Electives (3 cr)
- LAC Core(4 cr)
- Free Elective (3 cr)
- Remedial English if needed
1 or PSY202 Child Psychology
Spring (15 cr)
- PSY295 Theories of Learning
- PSY204 Social Psychology
- LAC Electives (3 cr)
- LAC Core (3 cr)
- Free Elective (3 cr)
Year Two
Fall (16 cr)
- PSY245 Research Methods I
- STA302 Statistics of the Social Sciences
- PSY355 Biological Basis of Behavior
- LAC Core (4 cr)
And choose one course (3 cr) from the following psychology electives
Spring (15 cr)
- PSY345 Research Methods II
- LAC Electives (6 cr)
- Free Elective (3 cr)
And choose one course (3 cr) from the following psychology electives
Year Three
Fall (15 cr)
- PSY425 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY322 Mind and Behavior
- LAC Elective (3 cr)
- LAC Core (3 cr)
And choose one course (3 cr) from the following psychology electives
Spring (15 cr)
- PSY499 Senior Study
- PSY466 Counseling Psychology
- LAC Electives (6 cr)
And choose one course (3 cr) from the following psychology electives
Extracurricular Activities
The B.A. in Psychology encourages students to get involved in a large variety of extracurricular activities including the Psychology Lecture Series (example: ASOM), Neuroscience Student Movement, Psychology Club, Summer Research Circle, volunteer placement in the community, and SPSS workshops, among other activities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program can pursue a career in the following areas:
- Human Resources
- Schools
- Entry-level mental health facilities
- Entry-level research projects
- Humanitarian and community agencies
