Psychology
Psychology Course Descriptions
Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. Students will begin to understand how individual thought, emotion, and other behavior are influenced by perception, motivation, heredity, language, learning, culture, and environment. Instruction focuses on scientific methods of inquiry to test theory and promote evidence-based application and practice with a consideration of social justice. Students pursuing the psychology major develop competence in their primary area of interest through advanced courses in the major, can complete an internship, and/or conduct research. The degree requirements allow flexibility for students to focus on classes that will best prepare them in pursuing their goals after graduation. For instance, a student may focus on courses to prepare for graduate school or jobs in child and adolescent development, social and personality psychology, clinical/counseling, community psychology, experimental/research psychology, or addiction prevention and intervention. Students also have the flexibility to take classes in more than one area of specialization (i.e., child development and clinical/counseling). Upon the successful completion of the Psychology program, students will have an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives for organizing and understanding human behavior and basic skills in psychological research methods.