Degrees & Programs

Bachelor’s Degrees
Students who complete the core in Psychology will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Utilize the concepts and theories of the discipline to explain psychological phenomena
2. Distinguish between the major perspectives of psychology (e.g. behavioral, biological, social, etc.)
3. Identify major treatment methods for abnormality
4. Apply psychological concepts, theories and research findings to everyday life
5. Utilize psychological principles to explain personal and social issues
6. Demonstrate knowledge of experimental analysis of behavior
7. Apply the scientific method to solving problems in psychology
8. Demonstrate successful hypothesis formation and testing
9. Apply critical thinking skills in a variety of contexts
10. Examine methods and issues in the scientific study of religious experience and behavior from a lifespan perspective
11. Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to ethical behavior
12. Apply spiritual principles to psychological concepts and issues
13. Demonstrate qualitative and/or quantitative research skills in behavioral science.
14. Implement appropriate APA writing format
15. Articulate strengths and limitations of various research designs

The following core courses are required of all psychology students as part of their major:

Psychology Core Curriculum:
PY 101 Principles of Psychology ............................................................................ 3 hours
PY 201 Psychology of Religion ................................................................................ 3 hours
PY 280 Seminar in Psychology ............................................................................... 2 hours
PY 307 Statistical Methods ..................................................................................... 3 hours
PY 321 Abnormal Behavior ...................................................................................... 3 hours
PY 371 Biological Psychology ................................................................................. 3 hours
PY 411 Principles of Research ................................................................................ 3 hours
PY 460 Experimental Psychology ........................................................................... 3 hours
PY 460L Experimental Psychology Lab ................................................................... 1 hour
Total ..................................................................................................................... 24 hours

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The B.A. degree in Psychology offers a broad study of behavior and provides the academic preparation required for graduate training.

Students who complete the B.A. in Psychology will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development and history of psychology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical systems through which psychology evolved.

Major Requirements:

Psychology Core Curriculum................................................................................... 24 hours
PY 401 History and Systems of Psychology ........................................................... 3 hours
Select from: PY 301 Social Psychology,
PY 319 Theories of Personality,
PY 325 Developmental Psychology, and
PY 345 Adolescent Psychology ........................................................................... 6 hours
PY Electives ............................................................................................................ 9 hours
Total .................................................................................................................... 42 hours
Minor is recommended

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The B.S. Psychology degree is designed around the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major. Students will develop an understanding of human learning, emotions, and behaviors. Learners will also develop skills in research, writing, problem solving, and critically synthesizing and evaluating information, which are valued in a wide range of professions beyond psychology. Successful graduates of this program are prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level or pursue careers in a variety of fields that employ psychological knowledge and skills, including public service, law enforcement, business, sales, market research, health care, and social services.

Students who complete the B.S. in Psychology will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Acquire proper communication skills in counseling
2. Apply counseling methods
3. Identify types of abnormality
4. Identify the causes of abnormality
5. Describe treatment methods for abnormal behavior
6. Participate in diverse mental health settings
7. Practice counseling skills
8. Apply theories in counseling

Major Requirements:

Psychology Core Curriculum................................................................................... 24 hours
Select from: PY 301 Social Psychology,
PY 319 Theories of Personality,
PY 325 Developmental Psychology and,
PY 345 Adolescent Psychology ........................................................................... 6 hours
SO 101 Principles of Sociology ............................................................................... 3 hours
Select from:
PY 331 Group Dynamics,
PY 351 Organizational Psychology, and
PY 430 Psychological Testing .............................................................................. 3 hours
PY 421 Counseling Skills or PY 423 Counseling Theories ....................................... 3 hours
PY 422-424 Counseling Practicum .......................................................................... 4 hours
PY 340 Behavior Disorders in Children, or
PY 431 Black Psychological Perspectives, or
SO 361 Marriage and the Family ............................................................................. 3 hours
PY or SO Electives ................................................................................................. 15 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 61 hours

Bachelor of Science in Psychology-Adult and Continuing Education (LEAP)
This degree program is designed specifically for the adult learner and offered in a nontraditional
format. Refer to the Adult and Continuing Education section of the bulletin for the program outline
and description of courses.

Minor in Correctional Science

PY 101 Principles of Psychology ............................................................................. 3 hours
PY 321 Abnormal Behavior ...................................................................................... 3 hours
PY 398 Psychology and the Law ............................................................................. 3 hours
PY or SO Electives .................................................................................................. 6 hours
SO 101 Principles of Sociology ............................................................................... 3 hours
SO 398 Probation .................................................................................................... 3 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 21 hours

Minor in Psychology

PY 101 Principles of Psychology ............................................................................. 3 hours
PY 201 Psychology of Religion ................................................................................ 3 hours
PY 321 Abnormal Behavior ...................................................................................... 3 hours
Select from: PY 301 Social Psychology,
PY 319 Theories of Personality, and
PY 331 Group Dynamics ......................................................................................... 6 hours
PY 421 Counseling Skills or PY 423 Counseling Theories ....................................... 3 hours
PY Elective .............................................................................................................. 3 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 21 hours

Minor in Sociology

SO 101 Principles of Sociology ............................................................................... 3 hours
SO 231 Social Problems ......................................................................................... 3 hours
SO 241 Race Relations ........................................................................................... 3 hours
SO Electives (upper division)................................................................................... 12 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 21 hours