B.A. in Psychology

Program Purpose Psychology seeks to understand human (and animal) thinking and behavior, and is a field with relevance to virtually every aspect of modern life. Psychology research identifies the links between mind, body and the social world, and is behind the design of everything from smartphones and children's toys to online networks and public health ads. Psychology also works to identify the processes of human development and change, with the goal of helping people lead happier and healthier lives. Students are offered a wide spectrum of classes, opportunities for research assistant experiences and opportunities to intern at local mental and behavioral health agencies. Together, these learning opportunities provide a foundation for a variety of careers (e.g., medical, law, public policy, or business), in addition to a foundation for pursuing a graduate degree in psychology. The Psychology Department adheres to the expected learning outcomes articulated by the American Psychological Association, which includes one content-based goal and 4 skill-based goals. Learning Outcomes Knowledge Base in Psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems. Students completing Foundation courses should demonstrate breadth of their knowledge and application of psychological ideas to simple problems; students completing a baccalaureate degree should show depth in their knowledge and application of psychological concepts and frameworks to problems of greater complexity. 1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology 1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains 1.3 Describe applications of psychology Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods. Students completing Foundation courses should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena; students completing a baccalaureate degree should focus on theory use as well as designing and executing research plans. 2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena 2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy 2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving 2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research 2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry 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. Students completing Foundation courses should become familiar with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology and begin to embrace the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in work settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should have more direct opportunities to demonstrate adherence to professional values that will help them optimize their contributions and work effectively, even with those who don't share their heritage and traditions. This domain also promotes the adoption of personal and professional values that can strengthen community relationships and contributions.