Psychology

Full Time Faculty: Darcy Burgund (Chair), Jillian Fish, Steve Guglielmo, Ariel James, Brooke Lea, Jean-Marie Maddux, Cari Gillen-O’Neel, Joan Ostrove, Jaine Strauss, Eric Wiertelak

Lab Supervisor: Jamie Atkins

The Psychology Major advances students’ understanding of the scientific study of behavior and experience in humans and other animals. Through classroom activities, as well as continual and incremental immersion in hands-on research, the curriculum a) introduces students to the methods of investigation, conceptual analysis, and application most characteristic of a wide range of subdisciplines in psychology; b) develops students’ mastery of the specific theories and methodologies in one or more subdisciplines; and c) cultivates an appreciation for the context of psychological science by examining its cultural, social, and/or political dimensions. In these ways, the psychology major prepares students for successful graduate education in the behavioral sciences and promotes the skills and knowledge necessary for students to become critical thinkers, strong communicators, and lifelong learners.

General Distribution Requirement

All courses in psychology count toward the general distribution requirement in social science except PSYC 172 or those that are largely biological (PSYC 180 , PSYC 244 , PSYC 246 , PSYC 248 , PSYC 385 , PSYC 450 ) or topical (PSYC 194 , PSYC 294 , PSYC 394 , PSYC 494 ) or are independent projects, internships or preceptorships. PSYC 180 , PSYC 244 , PSYC 246 , PSYC 248 , PSYC 385 and PSYC 450 count toward the mathematics and natural science requirement.

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and U.S. identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Honors Program

The psychology major participates in the honors program. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations for the department are available from either the department office or the Academic Programs and Advising Office.

Further Preparation

Students concentrating in psychology, particularly those considering graduate work in psychology or related fields, may wish to take courses in the social sciences, biology, mathematics, neuroscience, and philosophy. Members of the department can help students decide which courses best meet their academic and vocational interests.

Topics Courses

PSYC 194 , PSYC 294 , PSYC 394 , PSYC 494

Topics courses change annually with course descriptions available at the time of registration. The course description will give the prerequisites and whether the course will count toward the Group A, Group B, or Underrepresented Populations, Paradigms, and Perspectives (UP³) major requirements. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, and preceptorships. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum section of the catalog.