Psychology, B.S.

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Psychology is the scientific discipline with diverse domains that encompass variables from the most basic (e.g., neuroanatomy and neurochemistry) to the interactional (e.g., sociocultural) levels. The discipline employs the scientific method to understand mind and behavior, and deliver clinical services derived from this empirical base. A major in psychology leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree and is designed for the student seeking a liberal arts degree or graduate study leading to a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in experimental (e.g., cognitive, learning, physiological, quantitative, industrial/organizational, memory, etc.) or clinical (e.g., psychotherapy, psychological assessment, child and adolescent counseling) areas of psychology. This degree is the preferred path to a career as a practitioner, researcher, or psychology professor. Emphasis is in the scientific skills and basic research areas of psychology. A total of 33 hours is required; 21 of which must be at the 300 level or above.

The following courses are required:

Discipline Foundation

PS 130 - Introductory Psychology Credit(s): 3

Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis

PS 201 - Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
PS 202 - Experimental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 301 - Advanced Statistical Methods Credit(s): 3
PS 304 - Advanced Experimental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 450 - Psychology Research Capstone Credit(s): 3

In addition, students must declare a concentration from one of the four options explained below:

Students must choose among four (4) concentrations: 1) General; 2) Clinical; 3) Experimental; 4) Social. If desired, a student may elect to complete multiple concentrations of Clinical, Experimental, and Social. The following requirements are in addition to the courses listed above as Discipline Foundation and Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis.

General Concentration

The General Concentration allows a student to select courses from the other three concentrations without choosing emphasis in any particular area. This concentration allows for exploration of multiple areas that will allow a student to have flexibility in determining future studies or careers. Students must complete 15 hours in psychology in addition to those listed above required of all majors. To complete this concentration, students must complete three (3) hours from each of the three other concentrations (total of 9 hours), and then six (6) more hours from any concentration (electives).

Clinical Concentration

The Clinical Concentration is an option to students who are considering graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. The coursework is based i\on the Scientist-Practitioner model that utilizes the interface between clinical research and clinical practice. In the best of worlds, each informs the other. Scientist-Practitioners and Practitioner-Scientists must embrace controversy and maintain an environment that is conducive to constant questioning, change, and exploration; what we accept as fact today will be overturned and replaced by a new understanding tomorrow through this process of challenge, research, and re-examination. Without this process of questioning, there is no science-merely a system of beliefs. This concentration option allows recognition that one’s elective options have focused on clinical psychology coursework.

The requirements for Clinical Concentration are PS 206 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology , three (3) hours from Experimental offerings, three (3) hours from Social offerings, and a total of six (6) hours from the following courses:

PS 206 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology Credit(s): 3 (required)
PS 20880 Psychology Research Group (if research is associated with Clinical Psychology)
PS 306 - Tests and Measurements Credit(s): 3
PS 310 - Principles of Psychopathology Credit(s): 3
PS 318 - Personality Theory Credit(s): 3
PS 342 - Child and Adolescent Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 344 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging Credit(s): 3
PS 406 - Practicum in Clinical Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 260 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 360 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3 (specifically designated Clinical Concentration)

Experimental Concentration

The Experimental Concentration encompasses three main areas. Sensation and Perception examines how we know about the world through our senses and the conscious representation of the world that builds on sensory input. Cognitive Psychology involves the experimental study of the basic aspects of mental life, including memory, attention, and executive function. Cognitive Neuroscience explores the neural underpinnings of sensation, perception, and cognition and how they arise from the activity of the brain and other neural structures.

The requirements for Experimental Concentration are three (3) hours from Clinical offerings, three (3) hours from Social offerings, and nine (9) hours from the following courses:

PS 280 - Psychology Research Group Credit(s): 1 (if research is associated with Experimental Psychology)
PS 303 - Cognitive Neuroscience Credit(s): 3
PS 306 - Tests and Measurements Credit(s): 3
PS 315 - Sensation and Perception Credit(s): 3
PS 332 - Memory and Cognition Credit(s): 3
PS 260 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 360 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3 (specifically designated Experimental Concentration)

Social Concentration

The Social Concentration focuses on a branch of psychology concerned with how social influences affect how people think, feel, and act. The way we perceive ourselves in relation to the rest of the world plays an important role in our choices, behaviors, and beliefs. Conversely, the opinions of others also impact our behavior and the way we view ourselves.

The requirements for Social Concentration are three (3) hours from Clinical offerings, three (3) hours from Experimental offerings, and nine (9) hours from the following courses:

PS 305 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS20880 Psychology Research Group (if research is associated with Social Psychology)
PS 309 - Social Cognition Credit(s): 3
PS 334 - Psychology of Stereotyping & Prejudice Credit(s): 3
PS 318 - Personality Theory Credit(s): 3
PS 260 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PS 360 - Special Topics in Psychology Credit(s): 3 (specifically designated Social Concentration)

Independent Study

For students in any program having specific needs that are not covered in any of the regular courses that are available, independent study may be available. These Independent Study courses may take the form of tutorials, directed readings or special independent projects. The student may enroll for up to two such projects in the department (with the approval of the supervising faculty member and the School Director ) for one to three credits each. The numbers used are in sequence: i.e., the first independent study course in psychology for a particular student is numbered 391; the second is 392, etc.

Capstone Research Project

All students are required to take PS 450 - Psychology Research Capstone , during which they undertake a research project with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students will then present their findings at the Behavioral Sciences Student Research Symposium or the Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium.

Teaching Psychology in Secondary Schools

Students interested in teaching psychology in high schools should see the program in social sciences described in the History Department section of this Bulletin.

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