Psychology

Program Objectives

The degree program in Psychology provides specialized study in psychology within the context of the broader goals of a liberal arts education. The psychology program promotes an understanding of behavior, provides an understanding of the foundations of psychology as a scientific discipline, integrates the influence of psychology on contemporary thought, and promotes skills in scientific research. An undergraduate degree in psychology prepares students for entry into graduate and professional schools and prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping professions.

Learning Outcomes

• Content Knowledge: The ability to demonstrate knowledge of content within the discipline.
• Communication: The ability to read and discuss primary research in psychology.
• Inquiry: The ability to design and carry out a research project.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to describe evidence, draw conclusions, and write in a scientific style.

Means of Assessment

Students in psychology are offered a variety of ways to demonstrate their proficiencies. Faculty use assessments such as written exams, written papers, reports based on primary research articles, oral presentations, poster presentations, small group collaborations, completion of computerized statistical projects, participation in laboratory research, written laboratory reports, supervised field experience, and capstone research projects, all geared toward quantitative and qualitative assessment of specified learning outcomes by means of stated criteria.

Programs

• Psychology Major

• Psychology Minor

• Psychology Typical Four Year Curriculum