Psychology, B.A.

The College of Education and Human Development  undergraduate major in Psychology offers four different paths toward degree completion. As a student in this program you may elect to choose from on of the following pathways:

1. Psychology Concentration: Psychology provides students with the opportunity to think as scientists about behavior and experience and develop the skills and values that reflect psychology as both a science and an applied field. In attempting to meet this goal, the program seeks to assist individuals to view themselves along the scientist-practitioner model. The program strives to prepare students for graduate training in psychology and counseling or a baccalaureate level career that draws on an understanding of human behavior and functioning. The curriculum is aligned with the 2013 American Psychological Association’s undergraduate psychology learning goals and provides many opportunities to gain the knowledge base, methods, values, skills, and applications in psychology; technological literacy; communication skills; socio-cultural and international awareness; and personal and professional growth.
    
2. Concentration in Forensic Psychology: Students with an interest in the area of forensic psychology may pursue the undergraduate major in Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology. The forensic psychology concentration is aligned with the same 2013 APA learning goals as the general B.A. in psychology curriculum, with additional opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills specific to forensic psychology. The forensic psychology concentration focuses on application of the science and profession of psychology to the criminal justice and legal systems. Forensic psychologists conduct research and consult on psychological issues in the legal process, such as eyewitness testimony, jury selection, psychological assessment, and children’s testimony. Forensic psychologists also consult with lawmakers and law enforcement personnel on public policy, criminal justice, and correctional systems issues with psychological implications. Although employment as a forensic psychologist requires specialized graduate training at the master’s or doctoral level, a bachelor’s-level concentration in forensic psychology introduces the knowledge base, skills, and professional practices that prepare the student for graduate study in forensic psychology and related fields. The forensic psychology concentration also contributes to bachelor’s level preparation for careers such as law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, and juvenile detention.
    
3. Concentration in Mindfulness Studies: The mindfulness studies concentration focuses on recent trends in research and practice that utilize mindfulness as an approach to understand the human mind and to help people solve their problems. The program strives to prepare students for graduate training in psychology and related fields or a baccalaureate-level career that draws on an understanding of mindfulness-related approaches to problem solving. The curriculum is aligned with the 2013 American Psychological Association’s undergraduate psychology learning goals and provides many opportunities to gain the knowledge base, methods, values, skills, and applications in psychology; technological literacy; communication skills; socio-cultural and international awareness; and personal and professional growth.
    
4. Concentration in Pre-Clinical Psychology: The pre-clinical concentration focuses on recent trends and legislation to provide services in the community, providing treatment in the least restrictive environment, and to broaden the perspective of psychology from servicing patients to servicing persons experiencing emotional difficulties because of economic hardships, family problems, or physical or social handicaps. Graduates are prepared for employment in both privately and publicly funded agencies providing mental health services. The curriculum is aligned with the 2013 American Psychological Association’s undergraduate psychology learning goals and provides many opportunities to gain the knowledge base, methods, values, skills, and applications in psychology; technological literacy; communication skills; socio-cultural and international awareness; and personal and professional growth.

Undergraduate students who expect to do graduate study in psychology should, with the assistance of their advisor, carefully select the courses that will qualify them for admission to a graduate program. Graduate programs commonly require 24 to 30 hours in undergraduate psychology, including statistics, research methodology, cognitive/learning, developmental psychology, personality theory, experimental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.

GovState Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Psychology Majors, in accordance with APA’s Learning Goals and Outcomes

GOAL 1: Content Knowledge and Applications

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields

1.3 Portray significant aspects of the history of psychological science

1.4 Apply psychological content to solve practical problems

1.5 Provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes

 

GOAL 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena

2.2 Interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research

2.3 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific research practices

2.4 Use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings

 

GOAL 3: Values in Psychological Science

3.1 Employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts

3.2 Develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness

3.3 Apply psychological principles to strengthen community and improve quality of life

 

GOAL 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills

4.1 Interact effectively with others

4.2 Write and present effectively for different purposes

4.3 Provide evidence of psychological literacy

4.4 Exhibit appropriate technological skills to improve communication

 

GOAL 5: Personal and Professional Development

5.1 Exhibit effective self-regulation

5.2 Refine project management skills

5.3 Display effective judgment in professional interactions

5.4 Cultivate workforce collaboration skills

5.5 Demonstrate appropriate workforce technological skills

5.6 Develop direction for life after graduation

Special Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting the university admission requirements, applicants must either have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher or their G.P.A. for their last 60 hours must be a 2.0 or higher for admission to the program. Under special circumstances, consideration will be made on a case-by-case basis.