Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Perception, learning, thinking, and motivation are studied in the context of individual development. Psychology is integrated with other fields in the liberal arts curriculum. Students learn the nature of psychological inquiry and the psychological approach to various issues encountered in the social sciences, the humanities, and the life sciences.

The Psychology Department offers a balanced program that includes a basic core series followed by concentrations in experimental, clinical/counseling, and developmental psychology. Students, in conjunction with their advisors, can individualize their programs. The program prepares students to follow a wide range of postgraduate options such as graduate study, agency work, and work in related fields or businesses. All undergraduates will participate in active learning experiences and make presentations in the context of many courses.

Department of Psychology outcomes
Students will be able to:

• think scientifically about behavior and mental processes
• appreciate and respect others, and;
• pursue a variety of post baccalaureate alternatives, including employment and graduate or professional school

To these ends, the Department of Psychology goals include:

• synthesizing the natural science and social science aspects of psychology by requiring students to take courses in both knowledge bases;
• evaluating research methods (quantitative, qualitative, archival), research designs (experimental, correlational, case study), statistics, and psychometric principles;
  appreciating the ethical practice of scientific inquiry;
• thinking scientifically, understanding the relationships between theories, observations, and conclusions; critically evaluating the empirical support for various theories and findings;
• speaking and writing effectively in the discourse of the discipline;
• respecting the diversity of behavior and experience and appreciating the rich opportunities for science and social relationships that such differences provide, and;
• understanding how the study of psychology enables individuals to make informed judgments that strengthen the community and build public policy (American Psychological Association, February, 1994).