The Psychology Program is committed to the highest possible standards in teaching and facilitating learning in a student centered environment. Formally defined as the systematic scientific study of behavior and mental processes, Psychology is both a natural and social science in which people study human and animal behavior. As such it is a broad discipline, which includes basic science and the application of basic science in everyday life. Learning and teaching methods concentrate on the use of scientific methods to understand and predict behavior, to develop procedures for changing behavior, and to evaluate treatment strategies. Areas of study within psychology are social psychology, developmental psychology, comparative psychology, cognitive psychology, organizational psychology, counseling psychology and experimental psychology.
This dynamic field promotes critical thinking and cognitive skills necessary for the interpretation and understanding of other individuals. It is the study of human beings, by far the most complex phenomenon on the planet.
Some possible careers:
Personnel manager, drug abuse counselor, research assistant, research analyst, marriage/family/child counselor, high school or college counselor, college professor, test validation and development specialist, training specialist, outreach worker, behavior analyst, consultant, opinion survey designer, mental health worker, employment counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, special education teacher, psychometrics, market research analyst, recreational therapist, clergy member, penologist, criminologist, probation officer, lawyer, child psychologist.
Program Student Learning Outcome statement:
Psychology offers a diverse program with several student learning outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic research methods in Psychology;
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical perspectives in Psychology;
- Students will be able to demonstrate and engender knowledge of and appreciation for scientific inquiry and critical thinking;
- Students will be able to facilitate insight into oneself and increase knowledge of and sensitivity to others; and
- Students will demonstrate a basic body of knowledge of Psychology as a science, thus preparing them for further study in Psychology.
- Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses specific to the transfer institution of choice. University requirements vary from institution to institution and are subject to change. Therefore, it is important to verify transfer major preparation and general education requirements through consultation with a counselor in either the Counseling Center or Transfer Center.