PROGRAM IN PSYCHOLOGY

A MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

An undergraduate major in Psychology offers a student preparation for a variety of careers. It can provide the basis for service-oriented professions such as social work, counseling, and special education. Students who pursue graduate degrees often work in teaching and research or applied human services. In addition, Psychology provides knowledge and understanding of behavior that can be used in other professions, including medicine, law, and business.


REQUIREMENTS FOR A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

Thirty hours of course work must be completed successfully to fulfill department requirements. Majors must take General Psychology (PSCL 101) and Quantitative Methods in Psychology (PSCL 282). In addition, three of the following classes are necessary:

PSCL 315 - Social Psychology (3)
PSCL 352 - Physiological Psychology (3)
PSCL 353 - Psychology of Learning (3)
PSCL 355 - Sensation and Perception (3)
PSCL 357 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSCL 370 - Human Intelligence (3)
PSCL 375 - Research Design and Analysis (3)
PSCL 382 - Psychological Measurement (3)
PSCL 393 - Experimental Child Psychology (3)

The remaining 15 hours are taken from electives chosen by the student, in collaboration with his/her advisor.* No more than nine hours of practicum courses (PSCL 334, 335, and 336) may be used toward a Major in Psychology

*Although not required for the Psychology Major, PSCL 375 (Research Design and Analysis) is a prerequisite for most of the senior capstone courses in psychology.


DECLARING A MAJOR

If you wish to declare a major in Psychology, obtain a Major Declaration for in the Office of Undergraduate Studies (Sears 357). Complete the form, then make an appointment with the Department of Psychology Chair, Dr. Thompson. You are able to choose your advisor from the Psychology faculty, or Dr. Thompson can assign you one.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS

Psychology Honors Program:  During their junior year, qualified Psychology majors are encouraged to apply to the department's Honors Program which leads to a B.A. with Honors in Psychology. The program's purpose is to provide the students with an intensive, supervised research experience in areas of their choice.

The program consists of PSCL 375 and PSCL395 and begins in Spring Semester of the junior year, when students receive instruction in research design and methodology. This provides the foundation for students to work under close supervision with a department faculty member in the fall of their senior year. At the end of that semester, the research project is written in scholarly form, and presented for consideration of graduation with Honors in Psychology.

Junior majors with a minimum of 3.25 average in Psychology and a 3.0 overall GPA may apply. The Honors Program requires a great deal of work, and only students with a serious interest in Behavioral Sciences should apply.

An important part of the Honor's program is selection of the faculty advisor. A student should select a faculty advisor with interests as close as possible to the area the student intends to research. Contact the faculty member to inquire about the possibility of doing an honor's thesis with them. You may either suggest an idea of your own or ask the advisor for a project that you might carry out. In either case, there should be a firm understanding of what will be accomplished (preferably written) before the student registers for the honor's program.


Integrated Graduate Studies Program: The IGS enables qualified undergraduates to complete the academic work for a Bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts degree within four years. It provides particularly good preparation for further graduate work in psychology or related fields such as medicine, social work, special education, sociology, biology, and management. Students accepted into the program must complete at least 27 credit hours of graduate course work during their senior year, plus a Master's thesis or comprehensive exam for a Master of Arts in Psychology degree.

The minimum standards for acceptance are: An overall GPA of 3.2, completion of the university's distribution requirements, 9 hours of undergraduate credit, and completion of a Psychology Major with at least a 3.2 grade point average. Students should apply during Spring Semester of their sophomore year, or as early as possible during their junior year. Participation in the IGS does not preclude involvement in the department's Honors Program. For more information, consult the university's General Bulletin or contact Dr. Lee Thompson.