Overview

The Psychology Program at LAU is a thriving and dynamic field of study, ranking as the third-largest program within the School of Arts and Sciences. Since its establishment in 2013, the program has attracted faculty members from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, enriching the learning environment and research opportunities for students.  The BS Psychology program offers students diverse elective courses aimed to strengthen their scientific literacy, research skills, and critical thinking, while still preparing students for their graduate studies in various subfields of psychology, be it clinical, health, child, or neuropsychology. Our undergraduate program is the first to offer students the possibility to be involved in the community, in line with the departmental mission.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology equips students with a strong foundation in critical thinking and ethical, evidence-based psychological science. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across diverse fields, including entry-level positions in mental health services, research settings, educational institutions, and humanitarian organizations.

Program Educational Objectives

After graduation, BS Psychology graduates are expected to

• Apply scientific knowledge of psychological concepts, theories, and research advancements, to understand and address human behavior across diverse settings.
• Demonstrate readiness for ethical, entry-level professional roles, in psychology-related fields and for graduate studies, with competencies relevant to mental health, education, and applied research settings.     
• Engage in evidence-based inquiry and research-informed practice by designing psychological studies, critically evaluating data, and using research findings to inform interventions, policy, and other academic- and community-based projects.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to

• Explain core concepts, theories, and principles from major subfields of psychology (e.g., biological, cognitive, developmental, social, clinical).
• Apply scientific reasoning and research methods to investigate behavioral questions and interpret data using appropriate quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Evaluate psychological issues and practices using ethical standards and an awareness of sociocultural diversity and global contexts.
• Apply ethical standards and professional guidelines relevant to psychological practice, and service in diverse real-world settings.
• Deliver coherent, evidence-based communication tailored to academic, professional, and community audiences, based in APA guidelines.

Curriculum

A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, which can be completed in three years by those entering as sophomores.

• Major Core Requirements (28 credits)
• Psychology Electives (27 credits)
• LAS (30 credits)
• Free Electives (7 credits)

Recommended Study Plan

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

• PSY201 – Introduction to Psychology
• PSY234 – Development Across the Lifespan
• PSY205 – Ethics in Psychology (1 cr.)
• LAS
• LAS
• Free Elective

Spring (15 credits)

• 3 Psychology Electives
• LAS
• LAS

Year Two

Fall (15 credits)

• PSY303 – Introduction to Neuroscience
• PSY362 – Research Methods I
• 1 Psychology Elective
• LAS
• LAS

Spring (15 credits)

• PSY363 – Research Methods II
• PSY425 – Adult Psychopathology
• 1 Psychology Elective
• LAS
• Free Elective

Year Three

Fall (16 credits)

• PSY466 – Counselling Theories
• 2 Psychology Electives
• LAS
• LAS
• Free Elective (1 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

• PSY492 – Practicum
• PSY499P – Capstone Project or PSY499R – Undergraduate Research
• 2 Psychology Electives
• LAS