The B.S. degree in Psychology is a program for students interested in a wide range of psychology professions.  For those students interested in pursuing a career immediately after graduation they will gain a wealth of experiences in the applied aspects of Psychology that will easily transfer well to various professions (see psychology careers).  Also, those interested in obtaining advance degrees will have a strong theoretical foundation for the fields of Psychology, Law, Business, Medicine, and a wide range of other graduate degrees.

 

The major requirements for the B.S. degree in Psychology consist of three areas of study: Psychology Core, Concentrations, and Seminars.  The Psychology Core is designed to ensure that students receiving the BS degree in Psychology will share a common body of knowledge needed to apply psychological principles both in the work place and academic settings.  Concentration courses allow students to delve further into areas of interest.  Seminars give students an opportunity to explore and discuss topics of interest from a multidisciplinary perspective.

 

Program Outcome Goals

A graduate of the Psychology Major will be able to:

1. Understand a full spectrum of general theoretical approaches to Psychology
2. Understand that psychology sub-disciplines are interrelated
3. Be able to relate theory to real world situations
4. Understand basic topics of research methodology
5. Understand the statistical tools appropriate to single variable and two variable analyses
6. Demonstrate competence in communication (written, verbal, numeric & graphic)
7. Demonstrate competence in critical/analytic thinking
8. Demonstrate the ability to apply Psychological theory and/or research methodology
9. Demonstrate capacity to work collaboratively to solve problems
10. Demonstrate appreciation of historical/philosophical context of psychology
11. Understand that normative human behavior and experience is diverse and multidimensional
12. Demonstrate a commitment to the ethical foundations / ethical principles of psychology

Students wishing to pursue a BS degree in Psychology will take the following curriculum:

I. General Education (60 hours)

AREA  A – Essential Skills	9	AREA D – Science, Math, and Technology	11
ENGL 1101 (English Composition I)	3	Natural Science Sequence	7
ENGL 1102 (English Composition II)	3	Information Technology choice	4
MATH 1111 (College Algebra)	3
		AREA E – Social Sciences	12
AREA B – Institutional Option	4	POLS 1101 (American Government)	3
ITEC 1001 (Introduction to Computing)	4	History Sequence	6
		Social Science Elective	3
AREA C – Arts and Humanities	6	AREA F – Program of Study	18
Arts or Literature choice	3	PSYC 1102  The Psychological Experience	3
Global Perspective choice	3	PSYC 2010  Writing in Psychology	3
		Psychology Core Specialty Area Class (2000 level)	3
		Two Area E electives	6
		Semester of foreign language	3

 

 

II. Program of Study (60 hours)

Required Psychology Courses:	30 hours
PSYC 2020 Research Methods and Analysis I            PSYC 2030 Research Methods and Analysis II            PSYC 2000 Sophomore Seminar            PSYC 3000  Junior Seminar            PSYC 4602  Senior Directed Reading            PSYC 4751  Psychology Internship            PSYC 4000  Senior Seminar            PSYC 4600  History and Systems            General Electives	4
	4
	3
	3
	1
	2
	3
	3
	7
Core Specialty Area Classes at the 2000 level (Students should choose courses not selected in Area F):	12 hours
PSYC 2100 Intro. to Cognition & Learning           PSYC 2200 Intro. to Biological & Neuroscience of Psychology           PSYC 2300 Intro. to Social/Applied Psychology           PSYC 2400 Intro. to Abnormal Psychology           PSYC 2500 Intro. to Developmental Psychology	3
	3
	3
	3
	3
Concentration I Specialized Courses*	9 hours
Concentration II Specialized Courses*	9 hours

*Concentrations are listed below.  At least one course for each Concentration cluster must be at the 4000 level.

 

 

 

Concentration Specialty Courses

 

BIOLOGICAL/NEUROSCIENCE - This area provides an understanding of the analyses of relationships between brain and behavior.  This concentration is relevant for students with interests in medicine and public health.

 

 

DEVELOPMENTAL/EDUCATIONAL – This concentration focuses on the development of children, adolescents and adults.  This interest concentration is relevant for students with interests in human development in applied settings (e.g. schools and community agencies).

 

SOCIAL/APPLIED – This area tends to focus on fundamental questions about people and their environment but can also focus more narrowly in arenas such as health, business, and law. This area is well suited for those planning careers in business organizations, human resources, benefits and administration, and employment placement agencies.

 

COGNITIVE/LEARNING – A concentration in this area attempts to understand the nature of human thought processes.   This focus is relevant for students with interests in careers in industrial consulting, human factors, problem-solving, computer software design, and artificial intelligence.

 

 

CLINICAL/PERSONALITY – This concentration area deals with the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with psychological problems.  A focus on this area is relevant for students with interests in careers in mental health, social work, and counseling.