Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in
psychology. This degree provides pre-professional training in the study
of human behavior and is designed for students who are preparing for
post-baccalaureate careers in psychology, health care, education, urban affairs, government, and industry.

The degree also prepares students for graduate education in major areas of psychology such as: clinical, personality, gender, sport, community, counseling, developmental, educational, school, sensory/perceptual, biological, health, cognitive, mathematical/quantitative, environmental, forensic, social, industrial/organizational, and work and careers.

Professionally oriented courses, research practical, clinical internships, and close faculty-student relationships assist students in reaching their academic and professional goals.

Research psychologists study the biological, cognitive, emotional, and
social aspects of human behavior. They formulate hypotheses and collect data to test their predictions. Depending on the research question they have posed, psychologists use a variety of investigative approaches: controlled laboratory experiments; administration of personality, performance, aptitude and intelligence tests; observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies and surveys. Students in the Department take courses that provide them with the theories and methodological skills associated with these various areas of psychological knowledge.

Coursework is complemented by activities in a state-of-the art
psychology laboratory equipped with computers, psychology-related media and software, printers, audio/video/laser disk players, biological
recording equipment, an observational gallery, and testing carrels. The
laboratory offers students opportunities for pursuing individual study
and conducting human research (Independent Study, Research Practicum, and Senior Thesis options).

ACADEMIC STANDARDS
A student must have an index or GPA of at least 2.0 in the major for
graduation. There are two conditions under which a student is required
to repeat a course in the major: 1) if a grade of "C-" or below in the
course causes the GPA in the major to drop below 2.0, or 2) if a student receives a grade of "C-"or below in a course that is a prerequisite for
another required course in the major.

ADVANCED STANDING
Students applying for advanced standing are required to meet the general advanced standing requirements of the College. Courses taken at another institution that are required or are prerequisites for required courses in the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to be counted toward the B.A. degree.