Psychology
Department Chair: Robert Kachelski
Faculty: Majel Baker, Vimbayi Chinopfukutwa, Summer Coleman, Erin Donohue, Aubrey Immelman, Amanda Jantzer, Robert Kachelski, Michael Livingston, Rodger Narloch, Scott Palmer, Rebecca Schroeder, Laura Sinville, Linda Tennison, Blaine Tomkins.
Psychology is a discipline defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Our curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate questions important to the human condition from a scientific perspective, emphasizing clear thinking, communication skills, and ethical judgment. In addition, we strive to foster the personal and professional growth of students in our department by offering extensive and varied opportunities for integrative experiential learning, including faculty/student collaborative research, service learning, and on- and off-campus internships.
Our goal is to produce graduates with a high level of reflective, critical, and complex thinking skills derived from their knowledge of the basic principles and methodology in both traditional and emerging branches of psychology. They will be well prepared to pursue advanced training and rewarding careers in psychology and related disciplines, and to be active and engaged lifelong learners prepared to make positive contributions to the people and world around them.
Major (44 credits)
Required of all majors: 111, 221, 235;
2 courses from: 320, 330, 331, 340;
2 courses from: 350, 360, 380, 381;
4 credits from the following list of capstone courses: 392, 393, 396, COLG 398;
Plus 12 elective credits for a total of 44 psychology credits. Any PSYC course counts as an elective, including additional courses from the categories above that go beyond the minimum required in each category. The following courses from other departments also count as electives in the psychology major: ECON 392, EDUC 379, EXHS 324, POLS350. *If PSYC 311 is taken as an elective, then EXHS 324 cannot also be counted toward the major.
Special Requirements:
The department recommends that 111, 221, and 235 be taken in sequence during the first and second years. These courses are prerequisites for full acceptance to the major. The psychology department also engages in a process of annual assessment in which all majors are expected to participate.
Minor (20 credits)
Required Courses:
111 plus 16 credits in psychology.