Curriculum

The psychology major provides courses that prepare students for productive family and community life, employment in human service related entry-level positions, and graduate study in psychology. The major includes a common set of core courses, advanced courses, and electives. A minor in psychology is also available.

PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR (BA)

	Core Requirements:
BS125	General Psychology	3 credits
BS196	Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3 credits
BS225	Developmental Psychology	3 credits
BS261	Social Psychology	3 credits
BS295	Behavioral Science Research Methods	4 credits
BS490	Service Seminar	2 credits
	Subtotal:	18 credits

	Advanced Courses:
BS325	History & Philosophy in Psychology	3 credits
BS345	Biological Foundations of Behavior	4 credits
BS365	Learning Theory	4 credits
BS385	Abnormal Psychology	3 credits
BS386	Theories of Personality	3 credits
	Subtotal:	17 credits

	Electives Courses (for a total of 6 credits):
BS160	Social Inequality Field Trip	3 credits
BS265	Psychological Testing	3 credits
BS270	Theories of Counseling	3 credits
BS290	Psychology Practicum	3 credits
BS397	Independent Study	1-2 credits
	Total:	41 credits

PSYCHOLOGY MINOR

	Core Courses:	3 credits
BS125	General Psychology	3 credits
BS196	Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3 credits
BS225	Developmental Psychology	3 credits
BS261	Social Psychology	3 credits
BS295	Behavioral Science Research Methods	4 credits
	Subtotal:	16 credits

	Advanced Courses (Select one of the following):
BS345	Biological Foundations of Behavior	3 credits
BS365	Learning Theory	3 credits
BS385	Abnormal Psychology	3 credits
BS386	Theories of Personality	3 credits
	Electives (Select one of the following):
BS160	Social Inequality Field Trip	3 credits
BS265	Psychological Testing	3 credits
BS270	Theories of Counseling	3 credits
	Total:	22 credits

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Behavioral Science Course Descriptions:

BS115	Principles of Sociology	3 credits
This course presents the sociological perspective to answering questions about behavior. Emphasis is given to the importance of patterns of social organization and the meaning these patterns have for individual and social life. (Fall. odd)

BS125	General Psychology	3 credits
This course presents the psychological perspective to answering questions about behavior. The roles of our physical makeup, experiences, and how these factors work together to help explain the mind and normal and abnormal behavior are considered. (Spring)

BS138	Human Sexuality	3 credits
Students consider biological and psychological aspects of sexuality. Content includes basic sexual anatomy and physiology, the development of sexuality, sexuality in cultural contexts, and typical and atypical sexual interactions. (Offered occasionally during interterm.)

BS160	Social Inequality Field Trip	3 credits
Students spend one week on campus learning background information about Central America including its history of colonialism, its export economics, its political volatility and the resulting wealth inequality. Students then travel for 2 weeks in Central America to experience the extant inequality. The class participates in reciprocal development projects with local people. Each student selects a topic for further exploration through interviews with Latin American people. (Interterm, as listed.)

BS196	Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3 credits
This course provides a foundation for statistics as used in psychology and sociology. It introduces descriptive statistics, the logic of hypothesis-testing and inference, and the basic parametric and nonparametric tests used in the discipline. It includes instruction in computer analysis of data. Prerequisite: high school algebra or MA105. (Spring)

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BS225	Developmental Psychology	3 credits
This course covers the portion of the life span that begins with the genetic endowment at conception and goes through adolescence. Particular attention is given to cognitive development and to appropriate parenting strategies for optimal development. Prerequisite: GD130. (Fall)

BS261	Social Psychology	3 credits
This course presents a review of scientific study of group processes and how they influence an individual. The effects of groups, societies, and cultures on personality and behavior will be examined. Prerequisites: BS125. (Spring, odd)

BS265	Psychological Testing	3 credits
This course introduces students to the history and current practice of psychological testing. Students consider the appropriate role of psychological testing in modern society. A major goal of the course is to enable behavioral scientists and educators to become intelligent users of psychological tests. Prerequisites: BS196 and BS225, or consent of the instructor. (Fall, odd)

BS270	Theories of Counseling	3 credits
This course introduces students to several of the major psychotherapies. The introduction includes a review of assumptions about personality made by each of the therapeutic schools and the techniques they typically use. Students have opportunity to find a therapeutic style that fits them and “practice” their style in role-playing situations. The course covers at least psychodynamic, behavioral, and non-directive approaches. Prerequisites: BS125; BS225 is highly recommended. (Fall, even)

BS290	Behavioral Science Practicum	3 credits
This course involves the student in work with a cooperating agency. This opportunity allows students to experience occupations related to the helping professions and to bridge the academic and work worlds. Campus training and supervision as well as on-site training and supervision are required. Prerequisites: BS225 and consent of department faculty. (Spring)

BS295	Behavioral Science Research Methods	4 credits
This course investigates the methods used to collect information about behavior. It covers field study, correlational, and experimental techniques. Students learn to evaluate data based on descriptive statistics and inferential procedures. Students also learn the basics of scientific report writing. Prerequisite: MA105 or 110, BS125, and BS196. (Fall)

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BS325	History and Philosophy in Psychology	3 credits
This course traces the development of ideas about human behavior which culminated in the formal establishment of psychology as a discipline. Early developments within the formal discipline will also be reviewed. Prerequisites: BS225 & BS295, or instructor consent. (Fall, odd)

BS345	Biological Foundations of Behavior	4 credits
This course presents biological principles which are important to behavior. It covers aspects of comparative and physiological psychology. Specific topics include principles of physiological analysis, structures and functions of the nervous system, and neurophysiological correlates of behavior patterns. The lab includes investigations of neuroanatomy and examination of methods used to investigate brain-behavior relationships. Students must complete lab and research reports. Prerequisites: BS225 and BS295, or consent of the instructor. (Spring, even)

BS365	Learning Theory	4 credits
This course presents principles and theories of learning. Topics include the historical development of classical and operant conditioning and theories to account for these phenomena. Students also consider limits to learning and applications of learning principles. Students must complete lab and research reports. Prerequisites: BS225 and BS295, or consent of the instructor. (Spring, odd)

BS385	Abnormal Psychology	3 credits
In this course students examine the classification, causes, prevention, and treatment of abnormal behaviors. Students will read and synthesize primary source literature. Prerequisites: BS225 and BS295, or consent of the instructor. (Spring, even)

BS386	Theories of Personality	3 credits
In this course students examine the components and structure of personality as seen by major personality theorists. Students will read and synthesize primary source literature. Prerequisites: BS225 and BS295, or consent of the instructor. (Spring, odd)

BS397	Independent Study	1-2 credits
Qualified department majors investigate a problem of interest that arises from previous course work. The original research may be field, lab, or library oriented. In any case, an evaluation of the literature and work toward a formal research paper are required. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, 3.0 overall GPA, and consent of instructor.

BS490	Service Seminar	2 credit
This course reviews professional expectations about using one’s skills to serve the community and provides students the opportunity to reflect on their service assignments. Each student will identify a voluntary service opportunity and conduct that voluntary service throughout the seminar. Junior or senior standing. (Fall)

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