Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Overview
The B.A. in Psychology prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including human resources, school settings, entry-level mental health facilities, entry-level research positions, and humanitarian and community agencies.
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 (locally and internationally) in their field of knowledge. Students are provided with a foundation in scientific psychology relevant to 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, distributed as follows:
- Program Core Requirements (30 credits)
- Psychology Electives (15 credits)
- Other Requirements (3 credits)
- LAC Core Requirements (13 credits)
- LAC Electives (21 credits)
- Free Electives (10 credits)
A senior study project is required of all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study.
Program Core Requirements (30 credits)
- 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 & 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 credits)
- PSY202 Child Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY203 Psychology of Youth (3 cr.)
- PSY204 Social Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY256 Sensation & 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 credits)
- STA302 Introduction to Statistics in Social Sciences (3 cr.)
LAC Core Requirements (13 credits)
LAC Electives (21 credits)
Free Electives (10 credits)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Fall (16 credits)
- PSY201 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY234 Development across Lifespan1 (3 cr.)
- LAC Electives (3 cr.)
- LAC Core (4 cr.)
- Free Elective (3 cr.)
- Remedial English if needed
1 or PSY202 Child Psychology
Spring (15 credits)
- PSY204 Social Psychology
- PSY295 Theories of Learning (3 cr.)
- LAC Electives (3 cr.)
- LAC Core (3 cr.)
- Free Elective (3 cr.)
Year Two
Fall (16 credits)
- PSY245 Research Methods I (3 cr.)
- PSY355 Biological Basis of Behavior (3 cr.)
- STA302 Introduction to Statistics in Social Sciences (3 cr.)
- LAC Core (4 cr.)
Plus one course (3 credits) from among the following psychology electives:
- PSY202 Child Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY203 Psychology of Youth (3 cr.)
- PSY320 Theories of Personality (3 cr.)
- PSY335 Industrial Organizational Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY498 Topics in Psychology (3 cr.)
Spring (15 credits)
- PSY345 Research Methods II (3 cr.)
- LAC Electives (6 cr.)
- Free Elective (3 cr.)
Plus one course (3 credits) from among the following psychology electives:
- PSY202 Child Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY256 Sensation & Perception (3 cr.)
- PSY267 Cultural Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY311 Exceptional Child (3 cr.)
- PSY498 Topics in Psychology (3 cr.)
Year Three
Fall (15 credits)
- PSY322 Mind & Behavior (3 cr.)
- PSY425 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)
- LAC Elective (3 cr.)
- LAC Core (3 cr.)
Plus one course (3 credits) from among the following psychology electives:
- PSY202 Child Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY203 Psychology of Youth (3 cr.)
- PSY320 Theories of Personality (3 cr.)
- PSY335 Industrial Organizational Psychology (3 cr.)
- PSY498 Topics in Psychology (3 cr.)
Spring (15 credits)
Plus one course (3 credits) from among 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, Neuroscience Student Movement, Psychology Club, Summer Research Circle, volunteer placement in the community, and SPSS workshops, among other activities.