Psychology
The program in psychology promotes the scientific approach to the study of behavior and its underlying processes in the context of a supportive community of learning and faith. The program is structured to provide students with an understanding of the major content areas of the field and their historical foundations, the necessary research and quantitative skills to understand and conduct behavioral research, and opportunities to practice and extend their knowledge of psychology outside the classroom in research and applied settings. The psychology program encourages an appreciation of both the interconnections between psychology and other fields of study and psychology’s implications for personal growth and practical issues.
To prepare students for graduate study in psychology, the major provides a strong foundation in research and theoretical principles with an emphasis on applying those principles in individual student research projects and internships. The program’s emphasis of combining the empirical study of behavior with a broad liberal arts education prepares students for further education in other fields and for careers in many settings including business, education, social services, research, law, government, church, and allied health services.
Major in psychology (B.A. degree): 27 semester hours, including PSY 234, 235, 236, 271, 272, 339 or 372, 437, three hours from PSY 334, 347, or 371, and three upper division hours of the student’s choice.
Supporting courses (B.A. degree): 21 semester hours, including MATH 133; six hours in foreign language; three hours from PHIL (upper division); nine hours from at least two different departments of ECON, SOC (except SOC 130), or POLS (upper division).
Major in psychology (B.S. degree): 34 semester hours, including PSY 234, 271, 272, 334, 347 or 371, 372, 437, 411, and 12 additional hours in psychology.
Supporting courses (B.S. degree): 29-31 semester hours, including MATH 138; STAT 374; BIO 143-144 and 6-8 additional natural science hours (BIO 147- 148, 339, CHEM 133 do not count toward this requirement); MATH 231 or STAT 375; six hours from ECON,SOC (except SOC 130), or POLS (upper division).
Minor in psychology: 18 semester hours, including a minimum of six hours of upper division courses. It is recommended that students consult with a full-time member of the psychology department concerning the course pattern that will best augment their particular interests.
Curricular/Paracurricular Plan: The university requires that all students file a formal degree plan with the Registration and Records office prior to the beginning of the junior year. The psychology department recommends that its majors also develop and maintain a more comprehensive informal plan for personal use. This should include a tentative schedule of courses needed and the sequence and semester in which these should be taken. It should also contain a plan of paracurricular experiences that will both supplement coursework and build toward personal and career goals. Some examples of the latter include active membership in campus groups such as Psi Chi and the Psychology Club, student membership and participation in national or regional psychological associations, original research under the supervision of a faculty member, active participation in the Psychology Department Colloquium, and volunteer work in a community service facility such as MHMR. These kinds of experiences are not only personally rewarding; they are evidence of maturity and breadth of development, factors important to future employers and graduate and professional schools. (Additional information for planning purposes is available through consultation with faculty advisors and from the Psychology Department Guide.)
PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 120. Psychology and Life (2:2:0)
Examines major areas of adult development from a personal management perspective. Explores how psychological knowledge can assist in understanding, evaluating, and shaping one’s personal experience and relationships with others. Not counted toward the psychology major.
PSY 131. Intro to Psychology (3:3:0)
A survey of general psychology: theories, methods, and basic principles and how these apply to human behavior.
PSY 234. Social Psychology (3:3:0)
A study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Topics include social beliefs, conformity, group influence, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism, and conflict and peacemaking. (Also offered as SOC 274.)
PSY 235. Drugs and Behavior (3:3:0)
An overview of psychoactive drugs. Topics include historical background, mechanisms of action, and predominant behavioral effects for each major category.
PSY 236. Developmental Psychology (3:3:0)
A study of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial processes of development of the individual from conception to old age. Includes field experience.
PSY 271. Quantitative Methods for Psychology I (3:3:0)
An integrated introduction to psychological research with emphases on descriptive, correlational, and non-experimental designs and analyses. Use of computers for research, data analysis and APA Format report writing. First in a two-part sequence. Required for psychology majors.
PSY 272. Quantitative Methods for Psychology II (3:3:0)
Continuation of PSY 271. Emphasis on experimental design and use of parametric inferential statistics (t-tests and ANOVA) and non-parametric tests (chi-square). Use of statistical software, preparation of a comprehensive research proposal. Second course in a two-part sequence. Required for psychology majors.
PSY 332. Abnormal Psychology (3:3:0)
An intensive survey of psychological disorders. Includes a review of major theoretical paradigms; related research; etiologies and treatment, including psychoactive medications, and an overview of ethics in practice. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 334. Cognition (3:3:0)
A study of classic and contemporary theories and research on cognitive processing. Topics include sensation and perception, attention, memory, language, concept formation, problem solving, and consciousness. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 339. Psychological Testing (3:3:0)
An introduction to theory underlying test construction, evaluation, and interpretation. Survey of major types of tests and scales and focused study of widely used instruments. Prerequisite: STAT 374 or PSY 272.
PSY 347. Physiological Psychology (4:3:3)
An introduction to the nervous system and its relationship to behavior and experience. Particular emphasis on physiological research relating to brain/behavior correlates. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 371. Animal Learning (3:3:0)
A critical examination of contemporary theories and phenomena related to animal learning and behavior. Topics include habituation, sensitization, classical and instrumental conditioning, reinforcement, and stimulus control. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 372. Quantitative Methods for Psychology III (3:3:0)
A study of advanced research methods including multiple groups, repeated measures, multiple dependent variables, and incomplete designs. Includes the design and conduct of actual experiments and coverage of survey research. Prerequisites: PSY 271, 272, STAT 374.
PSY 374. Personality (3:3:0)
A survey of psychological theories and research in the study of personality. Significant reading from the original writings of major theorists. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 379. Special Topic (3:3:0)
Topics selected by the instructor. Designed for students majoring in psychology or upper division students in the social or biological sciences. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor.
PSY 410, 420, 430. Independent Study (X:X:X)
Independent research on a problem in psychology selected by the student and advisor. Limited to majors of advanced standing with the ability to profit by the experience. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PSY 411. Senior Seminar (1:X:0)
Oral presentation before one’s peers and invited guests of the results of an independently selected research project. Students are expected to also attend the seminar on a weekly basis to participate in presentations by other students and visiting scholars.
PSY 439. Internship in Psychology (3:1:X)
Supervised field experience in a setting offering significant psychological services, e.g., MHMR center, mental hospital, independent school district. Consent of department internship director required. Arrangements must be made during the semester prior to the period of the internship.
PSY 437. History and Systems of Psychology (3:3:0)
A study of the evolution of American psychology. Reviews historical roots in science and philosophy and traces the theoretical and research interests of early schools of psychology. Significant reading requirement. Prerequisite: Senior psychology major or consent of instructor.
