Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the brain and behavior. Psychology majors learn about human behavior, experiences, and the functioning of the mind in relation to biological, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, and abnormal aspects. Students majoring in psychology complete requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The psychology major is designed to give students the academic foundation for success in graduate study and for employment in applied areas of psychology such as social work, counseling, education, business, and human services.

Careers in Psychology: Human service, not-for-profit organizations, and business professions offer the most entry occupations for students with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Psychology graduates often work with licensed clinicians to serve the needs of individuals, groups, and families.
Businesses, non-profit private and public agencies also recruit psychology graduates. Marketing, human resources, sales, and development are examples of areas that hire psychology graduates.
Graduate school training is required for certain careers in psychology including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, and experimental psychology. Students who intend to pursue graduate studies should plan internships and research participation as parts of their academic plan.

Degrees

Courses

PY130: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course will focus on key conceptual areas for understanding human behavior that include biological, cognitive, development, social and personality, and mental and physical health. Cross-cutting common themes in the field – cultural and social diversity, ethics, variations in human functioning, and applications – will be addressed for each topic included in the course. Students will also get to experience the integrative nature of contemporary psychology.

PY231: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course introduces the study of developmental growth and behavior throughout the life span. Frameworks for understanding physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and moral development will be addressed. Major concepts, terms, and theories in developmental psychology will be presented and evaluated.

PY233: CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 2

This course is designed for students who are interested in exploring career options available to them in the field of psychology. Students will also learn what elements are vital to academic and career success in the field. The course is centered on cultivating professional development. It will be taught in a seminar format with lectures, discussion, and activities.

PY235: ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 2

This course is a two-fold brief exploration of ethically and socially responsible standards and practices inherent in the field of psychology. Students will apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. Students will also adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels.

PY331: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course provides an introduction to the field of health psychology, which addresses the bidirectional roles of behavioral/lifestyle, physiological, psychological, and social factors on health, illness, and disease.

PY334: PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course explores the science of personality from various perspectives including biological, psychoanalytic, humanistic, socio-cultural, cognitive/behavioral, and trait theory. The course discusses cultural variation of personality, critically evaluates the nature-nurture debate and the person-situation debate and examines the ways in which personality can relate to healthy/unhealthy adaptation, including personality disorders. This course also provides an exploration of personality assessment and test construction.

PY336: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

In this course, social perception, social influence, and social relations will be explored. The way that we perceive ourselves and others; how people influence others; and what causes us to like, love, help, or hurt others will be examined. Students will also learn how social psychology research is applied to address social problems in diverse fields.

PY342: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course is offered to students who are interested in learning about the scientific study of the qualities that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The course is designed to be challenging and interactive. It will be taught in a seminar format with lectures, discussion, and activities.

PY350/350G: TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

These courses offer students the opportunity to explore additional areas of research and practice in psychology. Potential topics include multicultural psychology, community psychology, sport physiology, sport psychology, etc. May be repeated when topics vary.

PY433: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

This course surveys fundamental issues in abnormal psychology, focusing on serious mental disorders articulated by the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM V) of the American Psychiatric Association. The course is interdisciplinary, examining biological, medical, psychological, social, cultural, and political aspects of mental illness. Frameworks for understanding maladaptive behavior, the history of psychopathology, its epidemiology, cultural stigma around mental illness, and a variety of treatment models are presented and evaluated.

PY496: CAPSTONE IN PSYCHOLOGY

Credits 4

Skill

This course is intended to integrate the information learned in psychology courses and to culminate the student’s liberal education. The capstone enables students to explore current issues in the field and to draw upon knowledge and skills of their discipline using methods appropriate to the field, including relevant communication skills.