Psychology, Student Designed Specialization, B.A.

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Department Chairperson - Dr. Virginia Gonsman

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The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is designed to provide the student with a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences and the specific preparation necessary for entry into the fields of psychology, social services, and graduate study. Students will work their way through a curriculum that will include a core in the arts and sciences and courses that emphasize the practical application of psychology to alleviate suffering, including an emphasis on counseling, development, cognitive, personality, and social psychology.

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The following content labels and related descriptions delineate the areas of development expected as a result of completing the program:

1. Knowledge Base in Psychology - Students will demonstrate breadth and depth of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to complex behavioral problems;

2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking - Students will demonstrate skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena, as well as using theory and designing and executing research plans;

3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World - Students will demonstrate advanced familiarity with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology and fully embrace the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in personal and professional settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns;

4. Communication - Students will demonstrate the ability to write a cogent scientific argument, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity, as well as produce a research study or other psychological project, explain scientific results, and present information to a professional audience and others in ways that optimize information exchange and relationship development; and

5. Professional Development - Students will be able to demonstrate application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation to succeed in post-baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school.

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Based on the American Psychological Association. (2013). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/about/psymajor-guidelines.aspx

 

Students are required to choose ONE Specialization:

 

For specific requirements, please consult the department chairperson.

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