Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Program Description

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. An undergraduate specialization in this liberal arts field is useful for students who plan careers in business, industry, education, health services, personnel work, or in any of the various fields involving human relations. To become a psychologist, graduate training is necessary after completing the undergraduate major. All courses in the undergraduate curriculum will incorporate the most up to date American Psychological Association learning goals for the undergraduate psychology major. These goals include: (1) Knowledge Base in Psychology, (2) Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, (3) Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World, (4) Communication, and (5) Professional Development. All course syllabi will indicate the APA goals that they address.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will identify, describe, and compare the major systems and movements in psychology.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of psychology's historical roots, major figures, and their contributions.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to access psychological literature, identify the sections of a psychological research journal article, and summarize and evaluate the information therein.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method especially as it applies to psychological research.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to apply ethical standards in the treatment of participants within psychological research.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to posit research hypotheses and to design empirical studies to assess the validity of hypotheses by choosing an appropriate research design and analytical procedures.
• Students will demonstrate skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to report the findings of their studies in accord with the American Psychological Association?s (APA) style guidelines.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to write papers and/or communicate orally reflecting the application of psychology to a range of issues.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to break down complex and ambiguous problems into their component parts and to use empirical information to evaluate a knowledge claim.
• Students will demonstrate awareness, interest in, and respect for all groups.
• Students will demonstrate increased understanding for a variety of groups based on at least one of the following: gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, age, or mental status.

Students should be advised that this is the Direct Admission option for this program and as such does not offer conditional admission.