Psychology

B. Waite, Chair; C. Andreoletti, C. Shaw Austad, L. Bowman, A. Chavarro, P. Chu,
J. Conway, J. DiPlacido, F. Donis, D. Engwall, C. Fallahi, C. A. Ford, M. B. Goldstein, S. W. Horowitz, L. Levine, C. C. Mate-Kole, L. Perdue, M. Salinas, R. Wood (Dept. phone 832-3100)

The Department of Psychology offers courses leading to the bachelor of arts degree. The Psychology curriculum provides students with a broad view of the field, its methods of study and the various specialties of modern psychology.

Many psychology majors may wish to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools of psychology. Others enroll in non-psychology Professional Programs such as law, education or social work. Still others study psychology to gain an understanding of people, for later use in management, teaching or other business-related careers. Many students enter directly into psychology-related positions in such areas as rehabilitation or human services. Psychology provides a vehicle for personal development and an avenue for pursuing a liberal arts education. The study of psychology will broaden one’s knowledge of people and their behavior and teach one how to study behavior in a scientific way.

The Department places emphasis on quality teaching and supports and encourages student research and scholarship. For students interested in experimental psychology, laboratory and computer facilities are available. For those interested in developmental issues, excellent opportunities exist for observing and interacting with children. Faculty resources are always available for student consultation.

Upon completion of a data sheet in the department office, students wishing to major in Psychology will be assigned advisors to guide their program choices. Curriculum sheets and advisory materials are also available from the department office.

The gerontology minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a solid background in different issues related to adult development and aging in order to prepare them to serve the aging population in various capacities.

Major in Psychology, B.A.

40 credits in Psychology, including the following required courses: PSY 112, 113, 221, 222, 236, 330 and 490. One course is required from each of the following categories: Social/Personality, PSY 372 or 470; Biological, PSY 342 or 450; Experimental, PSY 200, 281 or 440; Diversity, PSY 350 or 430 and 9 credits of Psychology electives.

In addition, in order to graduate, students must take a Standardized Psychology outcomes test. The test will be administered by the department twice each semester; students may take the test only once.

Note: PSY 112 (C or higher) and STAT 215 (C or higher) are prerequisites for PSY 221.

Minor in Psychology

18 credits, including PSY 112, and 15 credits of Psychology electives.

Minor in Gerontology

18 credits as follows: HHSP 342; PSY 364, 458; one three-hour practicum chosen from PHIL 440, PSY 496, PE 450 or 470, BIO 390; and 6 credits of electives chosen from HHSP 490, PE 215, PSY 380, SOC 340, SOC 440, BIO 401.

Human Growth and Development Program for Early Childhood (N–3) Certification

18 credits as follows: PSY 112, 200, 239, 365, 462 and SOC 233. Please consult with the School of Education and Professional Studies for additional requirements.