Psychology

Psychology applies the scientific process to obtain reliable knowledge about the mechanisms, biological and psychological, that underlie the cognition and behavior of organisms (usually humans). Courses aim to foster scientific and critical thinking and to promote the application of research methodologies to understand how and why organisms do what they do. The major requires students to take courses that address several different areas in psychology and numerous different theoretical perspectives for understanding and explaining behavior.The psychology curriculum strives to prepare students to engage in effective critical thinking while being prepared for graduate study in an area of psychology or success in a wide range of professional work in areas such as social services, healthcare, business, and law.

Program Goals

• Knowledge Base in Psychology: The skills in this domain involve understanding fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.   

• Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.  

• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.

• Communication: The skills in this domain focus on competence in writing, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.  

• Professional Development: The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.

• Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains.

• Describe applications of psychology.

• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.

• Demonstrate psychology information literacy.

• Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving.

• Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research.

• Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.

• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.

• Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes.

• Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes.

• Apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

For additional information on the Psychology curriculum,

       see Psychology, B.A.  

       and Psychology Minor  

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