Majors
There are two undergraduate program concentrations in the Department of Psychology: the General Option (PSY), and the Applied Psychology Option (HRD). An Honors program is available with each option. All students admitted to the Psychology major enter into the General concentration. Students can apply for the Applied Psychology concentration during the Spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
The General Option (PSY)
This option is suitable for those students who wish to study psychology in order to learn principles of human behavior. This program is oriented toward the student who wants a broad understanding of the types of problems with which psychology is concerned and the ways in which psychologists approach and attempt to solve these problems. Students who plan on careers in psychology will find the General Option ideally suited for preparation for graduate work in psychology.
The Applied Psychology (HRD) Option
This option is designed to provide a groundwork of skills and experience for undergraduates who wish to enter human service careers upon graduation. The program also prepares students for advanced study in psychology, management, personnel, social work, counseling, education, the legal system, and other areas. In order to gain direct career-related experience, students in the Applied Psychology Option complete a two-semester internship at a work site appropriate for their career interests. The first semester is devoted to learning principles and skills related to working with human problems and a subsequent semester continuing in that position while completing a major project involving the development, implementation, and evaluation of an intervention for the work site. The Applied Psychology program accepts 20 students each year. Interested students apply for admission during their sophomore or junior year.
Honors Programs
Within the General PSY and HRD options, there are Honors programs. These programs expose talented students to a more rigorous set of courses inside and outside the Psychology Department. They also permit students to sample graduate-level courses and to participate in a special Honors Seminar. Through these mechanisms, students will have a chance to work closely with individual faculty. Admission to the Honors program occurs at the end of the sophomore year or later. Admission is limited to those with a grade-point average of 3.25 or better who have completed certain course requirements. At least 129 hours are required for graduation
Course of Study
Students usually begin their study of psychology by taking Introduction to Psychology (PSY 200) which is taught each semester. Psychology majors then proceed to progressively more advanced courses and seminars in psychology. Each option has its own specific curriculum requirements. There is opportunity for working with faculty members on an individual basis, and independent study is encouraged.
Important: The guidelines for internal transfers to the Psychology major have recently been updated as of July 2009. The official web site for providing this information should be updated with the information shortly.
