PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

The goals of the psychology program are to:
• equip students with the theoretical perspectives and methodological skills unique to the science of psychology in its view of behavior;
• enable students to use these perspectives and skills in developing insight into themselves and others;
• prepare students for graduate work in psychology and related fields embracing knowledge of self and others; and more generally,
• prepare students with the psychological skills necessary for related career fields not requiring a graduate degree; and, to provide other college programs with appropriate courses in psychology.

OBJECTIVES

The following objectives will be fulfilled through the major in psychology and minor programs in psychology and child development. In those academic programs, students will achieve learning outcomes identified by the American Psychological Association. Students in psychology majors and minors will:
• demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology;
• understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation;
• respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes;
• understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues;
• value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science;
• demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes;
• communicate effectively in a variety of formats; and
• recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of socio-cultural and international diversity.