Psychology (Bachelor of Science Degree)

Students majoring in Psychology choose from two degree tracks depending on their short-term and long-term educational and career goals. A student should work closely with his/her faculty advisor to decide which track will best prepare a student for a particular career or graduate program.

The degree consists of a core of 12 credits of Psychology courses; a series of psychology courses that cover developmental, theoretical, and clinical areas of study; and practicum and Senior Seminar courses that emphasis application of theory and research and an additional 24 credits in psychology courses. Students will take one course each from selections in Developmental, Theoretical, and Clinical psychology and two additional psychology courses. A student may select a minor in a field other than Psychology or may take the remaining 42 credits in Electives.

The two tracks are designed to prepare students for different career paths. Track A places greater emphasis on analytical skills, quantitative analysis, and understanding of research methodology. Students planning to pursue a career in clinical or academic psychology would choose this track. The curriculum prepares students to enter graduate school immediately following graduation. Students planning to enter careers in agencies and settings providing family and community services directly following graduation would choose to follow Track B. Track B will prepare graduates as counselors and service providers in these settings. Client skills and experience in service settings are emphasized through course work and practicum experiences. Track B replaces the former bachelor degree in Human Services.

Graduates following either track would be prepared to enter a graduate program in social work in order to seek an MSW required to become a licensed social worker.

Transfer students who are enrolled in either the Bachelor of Science in Human Services or Psychology majors or who have an Associates degree in either major can complete a Bachelors Degree in Psychology in either Track.

Practicum Requirement

Participation in at least one practicum experience is required of all students. The experience gained through the practice of theory and techniques in the field is an important element of the profession. Students are placed with community agencies and private practice sites under the supervision of professionals. In addition, students attend a weekly seminar that focuses on important issues in the field and their professional development.

Print Degree Requirements.

Program of Study Requirements Credits
General Core Requirements 45
Psychology Major Courses 39
Psychology Major Core
  • Py150 Introduction to Psychology
  • Py103 Interviewing and Counseling
  • Py400 Practicum and Seminar I
  • Py402 Abnormal Psychology
12
Choose Track A or B

Track A:

  • Ma202 Statistical Methods
  • Py321 Social Research
  • Py480 Senior Seminar/Quantitative
  • Any three psychology courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)

Track B

  • Hs401 Practicum and Seminar II
  • Py250 Case Management
  • Py480 Senior Seminar/Qualitative
  • Any three psychology courses (at least one at the 300 level or above)
18
Developmental, Theoretical and Clinical Psychology Elective

Choose one from each category (at least one at the 300 level)

Development Electives:

  • Py205 Child Growth and Development
  • Py206 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
  • Py207 The Exceptional Child
Theoretical Electives
  • Py204 Family Dynamics
  • Py303 Human Sexuality
  • Py310 Social Psychology
  • Py410 Theories of Personality
Clinical Electives
  • Py208 Chemical Dependency
  • Py209 Counseling Drug/Alcohol
  • Py351 Health Psychology
  • Py402 Abnormal Psychology
  • Py403 Group Couseling
9
Minor in a field other than Psychology (optional) 18
General Electives 18-36
Total Credits 120

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