MAJOR - APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
Department Mission: The Psychology Department aims to educate the whole person in accordance with the Catholic, Benedictine, and liberal arts traditions. In this endeavor, we help our students learn the basic information and methods central to our field in an ethical context and to integrate what they learn in psychology with what they have discovered in other fields. Our goal is to help our students understand psychology as the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and emotion, and as the application of psychological science to the promotion of human welfare. We hope that this approach will enable students to understand the emotional, intellectual, behavioral, and spiritual complexities of the human person and to act as responsible citizens. Regardless of the careers our students choose, our goal is to enable them to think clearly and to act with integrity in their professional, public, and personal lives.
The department offers students a choice of earning a B. S. in Psychology, a B. A. in Psychology, or Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (Adult Degree Program Students only). The B. S. emphasizes neuropsychology and the connections between psychology and the natural sciences. The B. A. focuses more on the connections among psychology, philosophy and the other social sciences. It also requires a more in-depth study of personality theories. The B. A. in Applied Psychology focuses on the application of psychology to solve problems and promote human welfare. While all three degrees offer a solid foundation in psychology and can prepare students for graduate study or for entering the workforce, students who are planning to pursue careers in psychiatry, clinical psychology, neuropsychology or health care are encouraged to choose the B. S. option.
Department Goals: The general goal of the Department of Psychology is to contribute to the development of a thinking citizenry by helping students develop the skills necessary to be informed consumers of psychology. That is, students should be able to understand and evaluate psychological research presented in the popular press using critical thinking skills and an understanding of the appropriate interpretation and application of psychological research. The department has the following specific goals for students majoring in psychology: 1) To understand the discipline of psychology and its role in contributing to our comprehension of human persons; 2) To understand the role of theory in psychology; 3) To develop research skills and understand the role of evidence in psychology; 4) To understand basic issues in psychology, such as the nature-nurture issue; 5) To understand the major concepts and findings in psychology; 6) To understand the importance of interactions among biological, environmental and personal/cognitive factors in determining behavior; 7) To understand the importance of individual and cultural differences in psychology; 8) To understand in depth at least one area of psychology; 9) To understand the philosophical and historical background of psychology; and 10) To engage in opportunities for practical professional experiences and career exploration.
B.A. in Applied Psychology (Adult Degree Students ONLY):
In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
- PC 201 – Introductory Psychology
- MA 135 or higher is recommended
Major requirements
- PC 215 Science and Practice of Psychology
At least one of the following:
- PC 301 - Developmental Psychology
- PC 360 - Social Psychology
- PC 306 - Cognitive Psychology
- PC 308 - Theories of Personality
- PC 305 - Biological Psychology
At least one of the following:
- PC 303 - Special Topics in Applied Psychology
- PC 320 - Introduction to School Psychology
- PC 330 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- PC 340 - Sport Psychology
- PC 404 - Seminar in Counseling Or another applied psychology course approved by department chair
- SS 300- Fundamental Statistics for Social Science (Fall of junior year)
- PC 313 - Abnormal Psychology
- PC 307- Research Methods for Psychology (Spring of junior year)
- PC 407 - Testing and Assessment
- PC 400 - History and Systems of Psychology
- PC 410/411 - Senior Thesis/Practicum (Senior year)
- PC upper-level electives
Other Courses
- Supplemental cluster of 200+ (beyond core)
courses from a department other than
- General elective hours
(taking a minor is encouraged)
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty:
Dr. Ann Calhoun-Sauls - Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., University of North Carolina-Charlotte
M.A., University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Dr. Nathalie Coté - Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., Furman University
M.S., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Dr. Diana Elliott - Associate Professor of Psychology
B.S., University of New Hampshire
M.Ed., University of Houston
M.A., Biola University
Ph.D., Biola University
Tracy Manning - Lecturer in Psychology
A.A., Grossmont Community College
B.A., San Diego State University
M.A., San Diego State University
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