Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study and application of knowledge concerning the behavioral and cognitive processes of humans and other animals. The Psychology Department offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology. This degree prepares students for employment in applied settings or for graduate study in psychology and related fields. Students who choose not to continue toward a graduate degree may find employment in a wide variety of organizations and agencies as well as in research settings where knowledge of behavior and cognition is useful. For such students, a B.S. in psychology offers a broad liberal arts background. Those students who obtain an advanced degree (typically an M.S. or a Ph.D.) may find employment in research settings, academic settings, or private practice, although individuals with advanced degrees also work in a wide variety of other organizations.
The psychology curriculum introduces students to the basic scientific and applied areas of the discipline. It emphasizes theories, methods, and terminology, as well as research findings in each of psychology's major subareas. Students learn about various research methods used to study psychological phenomena, as well as the strengths and limitations of each. Students conduct psychological research or perform fieldwork in a setting related to psychology, gaining experience that forms the basis for the Senior Thesis Capstone course.
Prerequisite Requirements
Any student who enrolls in a psychology course without having passed all prerequisite(s) with a "C" or better grade will be required to withdraw from the course.
Undergraduate Programs
The program leading to a B.S. degree offers students experience with the basic and applied science of psychology. Students select the appropriate psychology electives and career electives in consultation with their advisors, based on the student's career goals and interests. Sample goals and interests could include counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, human resource management, and advanced graduate study in areas such as cognition, social psychology, clinical psychology, neuroscience, health, and those interested in medical school.
Psychology majors and minors cannot have a grade less than "C" in a PSYX course used to satisfy graduation requirements. Elective courses should complement the student's career goals and often include disciplines such as health and human development, business, statistics, cell biology and neuroscience, political science, and sociology.
Students should consider developing a minor or second major in an area that enhances career interests.Information regarding these options is available through Psychology Faculty Advisors, and the Psychology Department website.