Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior and mental and emotional processes of human beings, as well as the behavior of animals as it applies to humans. The field also encompasses the methods, procedures, and instruments necessary for the study of these processes.
The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
The department also maintains an active chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. Faculty-student interaction, in both academic and social settings is an integral part of the psychology program.
Psychology majors volunteer or are employed at various levels of the job market, including community organizations, social service agencies, county and state civil service, business and industrial companies, personnel and public relations firms, hosptials, research centers, and many others.
Some specific areas of opportunities for Psychology majors with various degrees of professional training include clinical and counseling psychology (personal adjustment of individuals as in marriage counseling), community psychology (welfare agencies or mental health organizations), developmental psychology (children's clinic or hospitals), experimental psychology (in research settings), human factors psychology (assessment of human performance), psychometric psychology (design of tests to assess individuals' abilities and interests), and social psychology (behavior of individuals).
Learning Outcomes
In 2017, the Department of Psychology approved the following student learning outcomes for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department has a standing Assessment Committee which implements an ongoing assessment of the Department's activities in each of these areas.
Program Learning Goals for the B.A. in Psychology
Program Learning Outcome 1: 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.
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
Program Learning Outcome 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.
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
Program Learning Outcome 3: 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.
3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships
3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels
Program Learning Outcome 4: Communication
Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.
4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
4.3 Interact effectively with others
Program Learning Outcome 5: Professional Development
The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation
5.3 Refine project-management skills
5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity
5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation
Program Learning Goals for the M.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Forensic Psychology
By the end of the M.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Forensic Psychology, students will demonstrate:
1. Theoretical Foundations: Explain and contrast important empirical and theoretical foundations of psychology, and identify unanswered questions stemming from those bodies of knowledge, with particular attention given to areas of psychology related to the thesis.
2. Research Methods: Identify and describe basic psychological research designs, and appropriately apply these designs to independent research leading to and including the thesis.
3. Statistical Analysis: Demonstrate their knowledge of the range of analytic techniques that are used in psychology, particularly univariate and multivariate statistical techniques.
4. Communication: Communicate critical and integrative thinking both orally and in writing at a level that is appropriate for professionals in their chosen area of specialization and utilizing advanced information literacy skills.
5. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of human diversity and apply this knowledge to engage in ethical and socially responsible research and practice.
6. Professional Competence: Cultivate their role as professionals by engaging in the relevant activities within the Psychology Department and professional community such as presenting at research conferences, assuming graduate assistant assignments, and engaging in research training, internships, and/or practicum.