Academic Catalog 2017–2018

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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:

  1. prepare students in communicating effectively a broad knowledge of psychological concepts and theories and apply them to individual, cultural, and social contexts,
  2. train students in applying ethical principles and demonstrating competence in research practices in psychology, and
  3. 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:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology,
  2. demonstrate competence in research skills including research design and data analysis and interpretation,
  3. apply critical thinking to the study of psychological concepts, theories, and findings,
  4. apply psychological principles to the understanding of individual functioning, society, and culture,
  5. communicate effectively (orally and in writing) using APA guidelines,
  6. comply with established ethical guidelines of the profession of psychology, and
  7. 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)

  • PSY466 Counseling Psychology (3 cr.)
  • PSY499 Senior Study (3 cr.)
  • LAC Electives (6 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.)

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.