The Psychology Major
 

What is Psychology?

Perhaps the three questions that are asked most often by students considering an undergraduate major in psychology are:

• What exactly is psychology?
  

• Where do psychologists work?
  

• How do I become a psychologist?
  

A somewhat oversimplified,  but acceptable answer to the first question is that psychology ("the science of individual behavior") is the science that seeks to explain "why people behave as they do." This definition allows psychology to be concerned with almost every facet of our lives. For example, psychologists are interested in such diverse areas as drug addiction, obesity, sexual behavior, attitudes toward smoking, how we learn, public opinion polls, evaluating housing designs, effective teaching, individual  testing, individual growth and adjustment, motivation, mental retardation, all types of aggression and violence, the dynamics of group behavior, physical performance, all types of prejudice and stereotyping, dreaming, memory and forgetting, emotions, and even the appropriate design of a space shuttle station. It is clear from these topics that psychologists work everywhere in our society from corporations to nursery schools, from outer space to private consulting rooms. There are thousands of jobs that B.A. level psychology graduates hold, but to be a Psychologist one must earn at least a masters' degree in psychology and to advance to the higher ranks of the profession, one must have a doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.).

The Department of Psychology

The first goal of the department is to provide broad, fundamental training in the science of psychology to its majors.  A wide array of courses are offered which demonstrate the challenging complexities of psychology.  The diversity in course offerings is designed to prepare our graduates for success in graduate programs in all areas of psychology, professional schools, education and for careers requiring a BA degree such as medicine and law.

The second major goal the department seeks to achieve is to provide a sound behavioral science orientation for all students in the university in order to enhance their liberal arts education as undergraduate scholars.

The third major goal is to provide training in the particular areas of psychology for the several schools and divisions of the university so their majors fulfill specific vocational or professional accreditation/certification requirements for courses in psychology. Our curriculum allows majors to choose 23 semester hours from any areas within the university.  These free electives can be used to fulfill requirements for entry into medical, dental or law school. All of these professional programs encourage students to major in psychology on the undergraduate level.  Along with the Department of Education, we also offer an interdisciplinary major in Learning and Behavior Disorders.

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Sequences in Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers several sequences of study.  All require that psychology majors complete the sequence that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree.  This sequence requires 13 courses in psychology, 2 each in laboratory science and math (including Math 117, Pre-Calculus), and 2 in a foreign language.  Some students choose the 5 year psychology/education sequences that involve the requirements for a psychology major as well as courses that concentrate on either special education or early childhood education.  A Master's in Teaching is obtained in the fifth year.