Purpose Statement
The psychology program commits itself to developing majors with pre- professional training and non-majors with basic knowledge of and skills in psychology. The program achieves this purpose when its students:
- have acquired knowledge and skills requisite for entry into selected professions, especially pre-professional careers in the behavioral sciences
- have acquired knowledge and skills requisite for entry into graduate programs in psychology and related fields
- have bridged the gap between theory and practice through internships
- can critically analyze human and nonhuman behavior through exposure to psychological theories and research methods
- have enhanced their sensitivity and appreciation of diversity and inclusion issues by studying cultural expectations and approaches to psychological adjustment different from their own
In addition to preparing its majors, psychology contributes to the general education program and serves other majors.
Students who wish to double major in psychology and sociology need have only one emphasis.
Psychology Major
Core Requirements (41 hours)
G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
PY 204 Child and Adolescent Development (3 hours)
PY/SO 303 Social Psychology (3 hours)
PY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
PY/SO 308 Counseling (3 hours)
PY/SO 335 Research Methods I (4 hours)
PY 336 Research Methods II (4 hours)
PY/SO 375 Junior Seminar (1 hour)
PY 405 Personality Theories (3 hours)
PY 415 Learning, Memory, and Cognition (3 hours)
*PY 450 History and Systems of Psychology (3 hours)
PY/SO 474 Scientific Writing for the Behavioral Sciences (2 hours)
*PY/SO 475 Senior Seminar/Thesis (2 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
Child Development Emphasis (12 hours)
PY 254 Parent-Child Relations (3 hours)
PY 354 Child Development and Social Policy (3 hours)
PY 454 Applied Behavior Analysis and Youth (3 hours)
PY 470 Developmental Psychopathology (3 hours)
Health and Human Services Emphasis (12 hours)
SO 260 Introduction to Human Services (3 hours)
SO 365 Social Work in American Society (3 hours)
PY 430 Health Psychology (3 hours)
SO 470 Social Gerontology (3 hours)
Total: 53 hours
Recommended courses for Students interested in Human Services careers
PY/SO 210 Human Sexuality (3 hours)
G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-SO 202 Minorities in the U.S. (3-4 hours)
SO 206 Social Problems (3-4 hours)
G-SO 246 Marriage and Family (3-4 hours)
As much practical experience in human service placements as possible.
Psychology Minor
Requirements (12 hours + 6 elective hours)
G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
PY 204 Child and Adolescent Development (3 hours)
PY/SO 303 Social Psychology (3 hours)
PY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
Additional Psychology elective to total 18 hours