Psychology, B.A.
Program Description
The Psychology major offers the flexibility to fit your schedule with classes in both Day and Evening. Students can personalize their academic journey by choosing to align their studies with their unique interests and career aspirations.
Designed to open doors to a wide range of opportunities, the Psychology major prepares graduates for advanced study in research and applied psychology, professional programs such as medicine, law, and business, or immediate entry into a variety of rewarding careers. Whether your goal is to continue your education or launch your career, this program provides the knowledge, skills, and flexibility to help you succeed.
Why Take This Major?
Psychology is a science that seeks to understand and describe human behavior and relationships. Students in this major will continuously build their awareness of the needs of our diverse society, the role that research plays in enriching our understanding of life, and the ways in which the profession of psychology serves to improve the human condition through ethical research, practice, and application.
A major in Psychology offers a number of desirable skills. First, students develop a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of human behavior and thinking. Second, students develop quantitative and research skills that allow them to appreciate and undertake the study of human behavior and thinking. Third, students gain interpersonal skills for collaboration and teamwork. In addition, students become part of a community of scholars that includes faculty, graduate students, and fellow undergraduate students.
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Art (B.A.)
Required for Graduation
- Courses
- Major: 13
- Credits
- Major: 41
- Total: 120
- GPA
- Major: 2.0
- Cumulative: 2.0
Student Learning Outcomes
APA Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications
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SLO 1: Students will analyze psychological theories and concepts to demonstrate comprehension and application.
APA Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
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SLO 2: Students will evaluate psychological research methodology by critiquing empirical articles.
APA Goal 3: Values in Psychological Science
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SLO 3: Students will identify ethical principles in psychological research upon completing CITI training.
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SLO 4: Students will demonstrate cultural competency standards by identifying the intersection of race, gender, and class in historical and contemporary contexts.
APA Goal 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills
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SLO 5: Students will produce written work in APA style that communicates psychological concepts and research clearly and effectively.
APA Goal 5: Personal and Professional Development
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SLO 6: Students will create a comprehensive personal development plan with career goals and strategies for professional growth in psychology.
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required.
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 13 courses for this major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Level One - Core Courses | ||
| Universal Required Courses | ||
| Students must complete the following 4 courses. | ||
| ILO 8.1: Written Communication | ||
| College Writing I: Persuasion | ||
or ENG 111 | Academic Writing & Writing Lab | |
or ENG 111 | Academic Writing & Writing Lab | |
| College Writing II: Research | ||
| FYS 130 | First-Year Academic Seminar (ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives) | 3 |
| ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives | ||
| Religion Matters | ||
| Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. | ||
| ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning | 3 | |
| PSY 155 | Introduction to Psychology (ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning) | 3 |
| ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Mathematics: Myths and Realities | ||
| ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning | ||
| ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning | ||
| ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity | ||
| Universal Required Modules | ||
| Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules. 2 | ||
| ILO 7.1a | ||
Health Literacy Module | ||
| ILO 7.1b | ||
Financial Literacy Module | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Level Two | ||
| Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments. | ||
| ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience) | ||
| Select one of the following: ILO 2.2 I/O Psychology Concentration and Biopsychosocial Concentration must select PSY 481 | 4 | |
| Emotions (ILO 2.2) | ||
| Research Design II (ILO 2.2) | ||
| Select one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies | ||
| Statistics I (ILO 3.2a) | ||
| ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course) | ||
| Choose course within ILO | ||
| Select one ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility | ||
| Research Design I (ILO 10.2) | ||
| All Other Required Courses | ||
| Mathematics: Myths and Realities | ||
| Statistics II | ||
Choose One: | ||
| Dynamics of Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Societies | ||
| Dynamics of People in Diverse Environments (Formerly HBSE II) | ||
| Two 200-level Courses | ||
| Two 300-level Courses | ||
| One 200-level, 300-level, PSY 444, or PSY 460 | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130 First-Year Academic Seminar: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
- 2
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Recommended Course Sequence
We strongly recommend that students consult with their academic advisers in planning their course sequence and selection of electives.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credits | |
| PSY 155 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| MTH 150 | Mathematics: Myths and Realities | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| 200-level PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PSY 211 | Statistics I | 3 |
| SOC 262 OR SWK 281 | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| PSY 311 | Statistics II | 3 |
| 200-level PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PSY 330 | Research Design I | 4 |
| PSY 349 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| 200- or 300-level PSY elective PSY 444 or PSY 460 can be an exception | 3 | |
| 300-level PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| 300-level PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| PSY 480 or 481 | 4 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Course Descriptions
Psychology
This course provides a general introduction to the discipline of psychology. Emphasis is given to the methods, theories, and findings of psychological research. Areas covered may include biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychopathology, and social behavior.
This course provides a study of the theories and research relevant to understanding human development from conception through adulthood, with special emphasis on childhood and adolescence. Biological, cognitive, and socioemotional processes are examined.
This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence in statistics covering descriptive and inferential statistics and the logic of hypothesis testing. Emphasis in this course is on understanding the statistical technique and its meaning in making research decisions.
(Formerly PSY 310.)
Pre-requisite: MTH 150
This is an introductory course surveying the principal forms of mental disorders, with emphasis on causes, symptoms, and treatment. An analysis of the problem of maladaptive behavior and the study of certain personality and behavior patterns.
This course provides a study of the research findings and theories dealing with the phenomena of social behavior. Focuses on individual behavior as it affects and is affected by the behavior of others.
This course presents an introduction to linguistics, which is the study of human language and communication. Each major branch of linguistics is surveyed with an emphasis on the structure, content, and use of English. This course also explores language variation and the relationship between language and culture, language and the brain, and how children develop language. Students practice techniques for linguistic analysis, and clinical applications to the fields of speech-language pathology and psychology are discussed. This class is cross-listed with COSD 100.
How do we acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge? This course investigates how we make sense of our experience by examining classic and contemporary theory and research in human information processing, the representation and organization of knowledge, and the use of higher cognitive skills. Topics may include attention, perception, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, and decision making.
This course is an introduction to the neurological and endocrinological bases of behavior. Consideration is given to sensory and motor processes, motivation and emotion, and learning and memory.
This course explores the relationship between stress and health through
both a didactic method as well as experiential group exercises, journal
writing, guided imagery, and drawing. Introduction to stress-management
strategies is provided through readings and hands-on application
of demonstrated techniques.
This course examines contemporary issues in psychology (e.g., psychology
of women, drug abuse, forensic psychology, sports psychology, or
prejudice).
This course examines contemporary issues in psychology (e.g., psychology
of women, drug abuse, forensic psychology, sports psychology, or
prejudice).
This course offers an introduction to key theories and research that seek to explain how humans and animals learn. The course may explore concepts such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, social learning, and modeling. Theories of learning will be presented in light of recent experiments in animal and human learning.
This course is the second part of a two semester sequence in statistics focusing on the use of SPSS as a tool to assist in describing data, hypothesis testing, and making data supported decisions. Emphasis in this course is on the analysis of data and the communication of statistically supported findings.
This course focuses on introducing students to the techniques and methods of descriptive and inferential research, as well as research ethics, as they are applied to psychological science.
This course examines the selection, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests used in the measurement of aptitudes, achievement, interest, and personality.
This course explores the specific nature, sequence, and patterns of language development from birth through adolescence and its relation to other aspects of child development. Conditions that place infants and children at risk for speech and language disorders are explored. Patterns of normal language development are discussed as guide for the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental language disorders.
This course explores the major theoretical perspective on personality formation and development. Recent trends, research methodology, and personality measurement will be included. By the end of the class, students will have gained a broad understanding of key personality theories from different viewpoints and insights into how these perspectives help explain, predict, and modify human behavior across contexts. This course meets the Writing Intensive designation for the Core Curriculum. Formerly PSY 425.
Pre-requisites: PSY 155
This course provides an introduction to the major theories and principles that serve as the foundation for the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will explore the historical roots and key tenets behind each major theory, examine intervention techniques, and apply theories to diverse case examples. By the end of the course, students will understand the dynamics of human change that inform the nature and process of therapy.
This course is an overview of key topics, theories, and issues in Health Psychology. Topics include stress, eating, exercise, coping, and the effect of individual traits and psychological/social processes on health. Previously, this special topics course focused exclusively on stress. It has been extended to reflect trends in the fields of psychology and managed care. The intent is to help students become more prepared for entry into graduate school, medical school, or a professional setting.
This course offers a study of the application of psychological principles and theories to organizational settings. Topics examined include research methodology, employee selection and assessment, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, and characteristics of the workplace that affect employee and organizational well-being. Formerly PSY 230.
This course examines contemporary issues in psychology (e.g., psychology
of women, drug abuse, forensic psychology, sports psychology, or
prejudice).
This course is an introduction to the scientific study of adulthood, including early adulthood, middle adulthood (mid-life), and late adulthood (from youngest-old to oldest-old). The focus is on theories, processes, and research on adult development, with emphasis on the interdependency of biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. Formerly PSY 215.
Pre-requisites: PSY 155, PSY 210
This course is a survey of the theory, research, and issues related to sexuality from a psychological perspective. Topics will include the biological, psychological, and social foundations of human sexuality, human reproduction, cross-cultural perspectives on social behavior and contemporary society, gender roles and stereotypes, the expression of human sexuality, and sex-related issues and disorders. Formerly PSY 250.
Pre-requisites: PSY 155
This course provides an overview of psychological theory and research related to the study of women, including research on gender, gender socialization, and sex differences. It will evaluate traditional views and feminist perspectives. Students will learn how gender and sexism interact with ethnicity, class, and age across the lifespan to influence women's lives and understandings. (Formerly PSY 255.)
Pre-requisites: PSY 155
This course examines the beginnings and development of psychology as a science and profession; psychology's historical roots in philosophy, biology, and national culture. (Formerly PSY 430.)
This course addresses selected topics in the area of forensic psychology. The focus of the course will center on the theory, science, applications, and practices of psychology in the criminal justice system. Topics will include police and investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, legal psychology, expert witness testimony, and issues related to corrections. (Formerly PSY 245.)
Pre-requisites: PSY 155
Students will be introduced to concepts in sport psychology. Issues of individual athletes, athletic teams, and sport psychology interventions are discussed. Students are introduced to conceptualizing and presenting sport psychology issues and interventions. (Formerly PSY 260.)
Pre-requisites: PSY 155
This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.
This course is a continuation of the 444 research course. It provides the student with an opportunity to continue to conduct research with a faculty member.
This course provides students with practical, hands-on training in a professional psychology setting aligned with their interests. Potential sites include counseling & clinical services, schools, businesses, nonprofits, community mental health facilities, prisons, research labs, and child/family agencies. Students will gain vital real-world experience to prepare them for their career or graduate study. (Formerly PSY 495.)
This course is a continuation of PSY 460. Students can complete and internship at the same site or a new site. (Formerly PSY 496.)
This course examines contemporary issues in psychology (e.g., psychology
of women, drug abuse, forensic psychology, sports psychology, or
prejudice).
This course examines contemporary issues in psychology (e.g., psychology
of women, drug abuse, forensic psychology, sports psychology, or
prejudice).
This capstone course about emotion will cover basic theoretical perspectives, including biological foundations, and essential emotion processes such as emotion regulation. Individual emotions such as happy, sad, angry, etc. will be discussed. The course will culminate with coverage of emotion-related constructs such as empathy and positive psychology. The course will require lab work to apply concepts and students will be required to complete a capstone project. (Formerly PSY 405.)
This capstone course offers the application of psychological theory and research design to the development of an original research study. Each student completes a literature review, develops study aims and hypotheses, plans a research method, and writes a study proposal. Considerations for ethical conduct of research and research dissemination are discussed as well. Options are available for collecting and analyzing data during this course or in future research independent studies. (Formerly PSY 331.)