Program Overview

Learn how the undergraduate Psychology major prepares you to enter the workforce with just four years of study and research on human behavior. Psychology is the study of the mind and how it influences actions. Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology learn about individual behavior and that of society as a whole. Coursework includes the study of development, learning, personality, memory, perception, consciousness, sexuality, love, spirituality and more. Undergraduates learn fundamental principles and concepts of psychology and crucial problem-solving skills relevant to a variety of industries. Potential career fields include social work, therapy, public health, human resources, nonprofit sectors, sales and marketing, and law and forensics. The B.A. allows students with an interest in careers in psychology to graduate job-ready.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge Base in Psychology; Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should show depth in their knowledge and application of psychological concepts and frameworks to problems of greater complexity. 1.1 Identify key concepts, content domains, and overarching themes in psychology 1.3 Apply psychological principles to understand and solve personal, social, and occupational issues
• Scientific Inquiry and Critical thinking; The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including an understanding of effective research methods. Students should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena. 2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret and/or conduct basic psychological research. 2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving 2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry
• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World; The skills in this domain involve the development of ethical knowledge concerning conducting psychological research broadly and assessing the quality of research and research-based information in the popular press. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should also have more direct opportunities to demonstrate adherence to professional values that will help them optimize their contributions and work effectively, even with those who do not share their heritage and traditions. This domain also promotes the adoption of personal and professional values that can strengthen community relationships and contributions. 3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice 3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships by having opportunities to demonstrate adherence to professional values 3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels
• Communication; Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should produce a research study or other psychological project, explain scientific results, and present information to a professional audience. 4.1 Demonstrate effective writing 4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills
• Professional development; The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, and career preparation. The skills at the baccalaureate level refer to abilities that sharpen student readiness for post-baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school. In addition, career professionals can be enlisted to support occupational planning and pursuit. This emphasis is designed to optimize the competitiveness of graduates for securing places in the workforce. 5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals 5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation