Program Objectives for the Psychology Major
Knowledge Base
Students will begin to develop an integrated understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Research and Scholarship
Students will understand the basic research, data analytic, and scholarly methods used by psychologists.
Application of Psychology
Students will begin to learn the theory, research, and skills associated with applied psychology.
Critical Thinking Skills
Students will be able to think logically and critically about behavior and mental processes. In addition, they will be able to recognize their own long-held assumptions and biases and be willing to reexamine them in the light of newly acquired information.
Ethical Standards in Psychology
Students will understand and apply the ethical standards within psychology (e.g., those that guide teaching and learning, research, counseling and psychotherapy, psychological testing, etc).
Information Literacy
Students will know how to use library resources to obtain general information about the science and profession of psychology. In addition, they will be able to access information pertinent to the discipline through appropriate electronic resources. Finally, they will be able to evaluate the quality of the information that they find and use it appropriately in their own work.
Communication Skills
Students will learn how to write competently and in a scholarly manner and to speak well publicly.
Sociocultural Awareness
Students will demonstrate sensitivity to human differences such as gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, age, religion, and sexual orientation.
Career Planning
Students will be able to identify the career paths available to psychology majors and will graduate with a realistic “next step” for their career development.
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