2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychology
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 Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty
Professor: Benjamin Miller, Chairperson
Professors: Darlene Crone-Todd, Sophia R. Evett, Joanna Gonsalves, David W. Gow, Jr., Martin Krugman, Teresa M. Lyons, Patrice M. Miller, Anne Noonan, Janet Todaro, Andrea S. Zeren
Associate Professors: Carlos F. Aparicio, Timothy J. Eddy, Kathleen Hess
Assistant Professors: Ashita Goswami, Md Rashedul Islam, Melissa Kaplowitch, Mark Libon, Christopher Mark, Daniel Walinsky
Faculty Emeriti
Professors: Kenneth C. Basilio, Patricia Markunas, Marcia L. Weinstein
Programs Offered
Concentrations
Applied Behavior Analysis
Combined Bachelor of Science Psychology/Master of Science Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Behavior Analysis
Minor
Psychology
Special Program
Honors
Psychology Programs
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It encompasses a variety of theoretical and applied points of view, such as the behavioral, biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, and social perspectives. The mission of the Psychology department is to foster an environment that promotes excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service to the college, the community and the profession. The overarching goal of our efforts, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and values central to the field of psychology, to become thoughtful and productive citizens, to develop a commitment to life-long learning, and to prepare for a chosen career.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The following are required: A minimum of 35 credits in psychology, satisfaction of the foreign language requirement, 3 credits in mathematics, a 4-credit biology lab course, an additional 3 or 4 credit biology course and a minor.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The following are required: A minimum of 41 credits in psychology, 3 credits in mathematics, a 4-credit biology lab course, an additional 3 or 4 credit biology course and 6-8 additional credits in science and mathematics electives.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
This concentration has the same requirements as the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with three specific content courses that must be completed: PSY 210 , PSY 328 , and PSY 338 . In addition, students must complete at least three credits in PSY level 4 courses in behavior analysis (internship, seminar or research project).
Psychology Major Requirements
Psychology courses are divided into four levels, as outlined on the flowsheets.
Level 1 courses (PSY 101 or PSY 170H , PSY 203S , PSY 204R ) provide students with their first exposure to the field of psychology, its methods, and its tools. It is recommended that students enroll in PSY 203S /PSY 204R in their sophomore year.
Level 2 courses deepen students’ understanding of issues, methods, and theories in several major subfields of psychology. Course are divided into two groups: Division A: PSY 210 , PSY 211 and PSY 212 , and Divison B: PSY 215 through PSY 252 .These courses are to be taken after completing PSY 101 or PSY 170H .
Level 3 courses build on Level 1 and Level 2 courses, examine specialized areas of psychology, and operate at a higher level of sophistication. These courses are to be taken after completion of 6 or more credits at Level 2.
Level 4 courses require students to work at an advanced level, individually or in small groups, under the guidance of a faculty member. Students are expected to draw upon knowledge and skills gained in lower-level courses and apply that expertise to a specific issue or problem in psychology. These courses should be taken in the junior or senior year. Some Level 4 courses require advance planning by the student and a minimum grade point average.
Level 4 options include:
• advanced research courses,
• advanced seminars,
• directed study or research, in which students work one-on-one with a faculty member,
• honors directed study or independent research, and
• internship, in which students apply psychology in community, institutional and business settings.
Support Courses
All students must take an approved biology lab course, a biology elective, and a math course. Additional support courses are described above as part of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Combined Bachelor of Science Psychology/Master of Science Industrial/Organizational Psychology
The Psychology department also offers an integrated bachelor’s/master’s degree program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students who successfully complete the undergraduate portion will continue to a fifth year and will graduate with a Master of Science.
Admissions requirements to the combined program include, but are not limited to:
1. Completion of 60 undergraduate credits (Junior Status). Students should apply in the semester in which they will have completed 60 credits.
2. 3.25 Grade Point Average
3. Transfer students are required to submit transcripts from previously attended institutions. The GPA from previously attended institutions will be considered in accordance with the criteria outlined above.
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Personal Statement addressing reasons for applying to the program and post degree goals related to achieving the BS/MS degree
Exceptions may be made to the above-referenced requirements at the discretion of the admissions committee.
Combined Bachelor of Science Psychology/Master of Science Behavior Analysis
The Psychology department also offers an integrated bachelor’s/master’s degree program in Behavior Analysis. Students who successfully complete the undergraduate portion will continue to a fifth year and will graduate with a Master of Science.
Students in the combined program will take a minimum or 96 required undergraduate credits and 43 required graduate credits.
Admissions requirements to the combined program include, but are not limited to:
1. Completion of at least 45 but no more than 90 undergraduate credits. Students should apply in the semester in which they will have completed 60 credits.
2. 3.25 Grade Point Average after 3 semesters.
3. Completion of PSY210 & 203R with a B+ or better is required.
4. Transfer students are required to submit transcripts from previously attended institutions. The GPA from previously attended institutions will be considered in accordance with the criteria outlined above.
Additional Opportunities for Students
Internship in Psychology
Psychology majors who meet the GPA and credit hour requirements may choose to do an internship in psychology (PSY520 or PSY521 ). The internship gives students an opportunity to apply psychology in community, institutional and business settings. Information about the internship program is available in the Psychology Department office and on our website.
Departmental Honors
Students may earn departmental honors by conducting a directed study or directed research project with a faculty mentor. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 in Psychology to register for PSY 600H or PSY 601H . A three-member faculty committee will evaluate the project.
Honors Program
Psychology majors in the University’s Honors Program should follow the honors curriculum (described under the “The Commonwealth Honors Program ” in this catalog) including completion of PSY 170H - Honors: Foundations of Psychology , and, in the senior year, PSY 600H - Honors in Psychology or PSY 601H - Honors Independent Research in Psychology .
Psi Chi
The Psychology Department sponsors a chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, whose purpose is to foster scholarship and advance the science of psychology. Membership is open to students who meet the academic requirements. For more information, students should inquire in the Psychology Department office.
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club is a student run organization of students interested in psychology. It provides members with a place to discuss psychology topics, it works to educate the student body on mental health and wellness and promote overall well-being and it engages in charity and volunteer work in the community.
Psychology Minor
The Psychology minor consists of 15 credits in Psychology: PSY 101 or PSY 170H ; one level 2 course from Division A and one from Division B; and six credits of PSY electives numbered PSY 210 through PSY 399. Students wishing to declare a minor in psychology must complete the required Request for Declaration / Change of Minor form, available in the Psychology Department office. For additional information, see Psychology Minor .
Further Information
Information about the Psychology major and minor, including flowsheets and course descriptions, is available in the Psychology Department, Meier Hall 239 or on our website. Application forms for directed study, independent research and internships are also available.
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