Psychology
Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of mind and behavior. Through an integrated curriculum of traditional psychology courses (abnormal psychology, social psychology, psychology of childhood and adolescence) and applied courses and experiences (practicum, professional ethics, research methods) students acquire a well-rounded education in psychology.
Program Outcomes
The Psychology program seeks to prepare graduates who demonstrate:
- fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems;
- scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods;
- ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity;
- competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills; and
- psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project management skills, teamwork skills and career preparation.
Graduates with a major in psychology find many and varied career opportunities, which include administration, management, corrections and law enforcement, pure and applied research, and health care. Entry into such fields is possible at the bachelor's level. A clinical career in psychology, such as a psychotherapist, requires graduate training.
36 credit hours in Psychology are required: 18 in core requirements and 18 in a selected concentration area.
On-ground students may choose between three concentrations: Clinical Psychology, Criminal Psychology, or General Psychology. Concentrations should be declared as early as possible for program planning and sequencing.
Online Degree in Psychology
The requirements for the online degree program are the same as the traditional Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree for transfer students, although it is recommended that students have earned an associate’s degree prior to enrolling in the program. Courses are offered online in an 8-week format with six terms each academic year.
The General Psychology concentration is available through the online program. The Clinical Psychology and Criminal Psychology concentrations are not available through the online program.
Concentrations
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (available only at the Leavenworth campus)
As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), "The field of Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomics levels."
The Clinical Psychology concentration focuses on preparing students for graduate studies in clinical psychology or other relevant psychology programs. In addition, it will prepare students for support positions related to mental health fields, such as Behavior Technician (BT), Addiction Counselor, Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA), crisis management, case management, and other professional support activities. A bachelor's degree in Psychology with the Clinical Psychology concentration does not lead to licensure in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields.
Students are required to complete 36 credits, including 18 credits of required psychology courses, 12 credits of required Clinical Psychology concentration courses, and 6 credits of elective psychology courses. In addition, students are required to maintain a C- or better in all Psychology courses.
CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY (available only at the Leavenworth campus)
As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), "Criminal Psychology examines the contributions that psychology is making to our understanding of criminals, the investigation of their crimes, processes in court and the management and treatment of offenders in prison. The role of psychologists as experts in court is reviewed, followed by a look at how psychologists collaborate with prisoners. The psychology of the victim is also examined."
The Criminal Psychology concentration focuses on the correlation between psychopathology and crime, evaluating those with a criminal record, and collaborating with detectives, lawyers, and other professionals. This concentration would prepare students for graduate studies in psychology, forensic psychology, criminology, criminal justice, law, or other relevant fields. This concentration would also prepare students for work with police departments, law firms, forensic hospitals, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and judicial courts.
Students are required to complete 36 credits, including 18 credits of required psychology courses, 12 credits of required Criminal Psychology concentration courses, 3 credits of elective psychology courses, and 3 credits of elective criminology courses. In addition, students are required to maintain a C- or better in all Psychology and Criminology courses.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (available at the Leavenworth campus and online)
As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), "General Psychology is the broad study of the basic principles, problems, and methods underlying the science of psychology, including areas such as behavior, human growth and development, emotions, motivation, learning, the senses, perception, thinking processes, memory, intelligence, personality theory, psychological testing, behavior disorders, social behavior, and mental health. The study is viewed from various perspectives, including physiological, historical, theoretical, philosophical, and practical."
The General Psychology concentration provides a general overview of the field of psychology for those who plan to continue in a different educational or occupational field other than psychology. It is designed for students interested in exploring the breadth of psychology. It would also fit those who have declared psychology as a second major and will continue their education and occupations in their first major. This concentration would prepare students for a wide range of jobs and empowers students with the knowledge and skills to establish and sustain meaningful interactions with other people.
Students are required to complete 36 credits, including 18 credits of required psychology courses and 18 credits of elective psychology courses. In addition, students are required to maintain a C- or better in all Psychology and Criminology courses.