Learning Goals for the Psychology Program
The student learning outcomes for psychology majors are those established by the American Psychological Association for undergraduate education in psychology. The learning outcomes are broadly divided into two main categories, which are as follows:
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Students will develop knowledge, skills, and values consistent with the science and application of psychology. Upon completion of the program, students should
- Be able to 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.
- Show respect for and use of 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.
- Be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline
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Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and values consistent with liberal arts education that are further developed in psychology. Upon completion of the program, students should:
- Be able to demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
- Be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
- Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
- Have developed insight into their own and others' behavior and mental processes and be able to apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
- Have realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.
- 42 required credit hours
- 27 general education credit hours
- 59 elective credit hours
Courses in psychology (PSYC) are designed to provide the student with an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human behavior and the context for understanding the behavior of the individual.
A minimum of 42 credit hours must be selected from psychology. Within the total credit hours students are required to complete the following:
| PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics | 3 hours |
| PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3550 History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4900 Senior Seminar | 3 hours |
In addition, one course must be completed from four of the following six content areas.
Biological and Evolutionary Perspectives
The roles of biological processes, structures, and inherited tendencies in explaining human behavior.
| PSYC 4300 Health Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4400 Human Sexuality | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4550 Drug and Chemical Dependency | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4650 Physiological Psychology | 3 hours |
Clinical and Counseling Perspectives
The diagnosis and treatment of mental, behavioral disorders, and adjustment problems.
| PSYC 3125 Abnormal Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3775 Personality Theory | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3900 Introduction to Counseling | 3 hours |
Lifespan Development Perspectives
Examination of how individuals grow, develop, and change throughout the lifespan.
| PSYC 2200 Child Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 2250 Adolescent Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 2300 Human Development | 3 hours |
| PSYC 2950 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging | 3 hours |
Learning and Cognitive Perspectives
Examination of the mental processes and environmental situations that underlie, shape, and control behavior.
| PSYC 3325 Psychology of Learning Processes | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3350 Cognitive Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3375 Behavioral Management | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3725 Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making | 3 hours |
Social and Cross-Cultural Perspectives
The roles of social and cultural influences on behavior.
| PSYC 3575 Organizational Behavior | 3 hours |
| PSYC 3600 Social Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4350 Cross-Cultural and International Psychology | 3 hours |
Advanced Research Methods
Advanced analysis of statistical techniques, research methodology, and psychological testing.
| PSYC 3800 Experimental Psychology | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4700 Psychological Tests and Measurements | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics | 3 hours |
| PSYC 4825 Advanced Research Methods | 3 hours |
No more than 6 credit hours obtained in practica, independent learning experiences, reading courses, and assessment of prior learning may be applied toward the 42 credit hours required for a major.
Current Webster students should petition for admission to the department on completion of no more than 45 credit hours of academic work. Transfer students are urged to petition for admission to the department at the time of acceptance to the University. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 24 approved credit hours of academic work at Webster within the major. These courses may be included as part of the residency requirement.
Courses completed with a grade below a C- do not count toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.
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