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Psychological Tests & Assessment

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• describe, compare, and contrast major theoretical perspectives in psychology;

• distinguish observations from conclusions, and distinguish theories and findings based on evidence from those without such support;

• give an oral presentation in front of a class or conference audience;

• write a paper using the format of the American Psychological Association;

• explain how research helps to develop the knowledge base of psychology;

• examine major ethical issues and standards for psychological research and practice, and determine the circumstances in which specific behaviors would or would not be ethical;

• (for B.S. students only) apply scientific research methodologies and statistical analyses to answer psychological questions.

Students should contact their advisors for information on career-oriented support courses. Supervised field experiences are provided in a variety of non-classroom sites for upper division students, and opportunities for student originated research are available continuously. Degree programs are offered to evening students.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology is primarily intended for students who plan to enter the job market immediately after completing an undergraduate degree, although it could be used by qualified students as a foundation for post-baccalaureate training in psychology and closely related fields. Students earning the bachelor of arts are advised to complete additional work in another program closely tied to the work force (business, economics, mass communications, education, or sociology).

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Major:

30 semester credits of psychology, including PSYC 105, 215, SSCI 213, MATH 121, and at least 21 more hours in psychology, 12 of which must be at the 300 level or above.  

See course descriptions.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology is intended for students who are contemplating advanced work in psychology or a related field and for students entering the work force immediately after graduation. While the Bachelor of Arts degree offers more flexibility, the Bachelor of Science degree more adequately prepares students for post-baccalaureate education and ensures a broad background in the scientific bases of psychology. Many graduate programs in psychology are increasing the required number of prerequisite hours in the natural sciences and mathematics, regardless of the concentration. The concentration in biopsychology fulfills the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Major:

At least 30 semester credits in psychology, including PSYC 105, 215, 404 (at least one semester), SSCI 213, and at least one course from each of the following four areas:

1. Child and Developmental Psychology/Social Psychology: PSYC 304, 305, 306, 333.
2. Biopsychology: PSYC 350, 360, 401, 403.
3. Clinical/Counseling Psychology: PSYC 323, 324, 332, 342, 343.
4. Cognitive Psychology/Human Learning and Memory/History: PSYC 314, 331, 402, 414 (strongly recommended for those considering advanced study).

In addition, Bachelor of Science students must complete the following:  Choose one biology course from BIOL 101 or BIOL 103 and 104; CHEM 103, or   105 and 106; CSCI 120; MATH 151 (and MATH 191 is strongly recommended); and choose one physics course from PHYS 110, 160, 203 or 204.

See course descriptions.

Requirements for a Minor:

15 semester credits of psychology, including PSYC 105 and two or more 300-level courses.

Requirements for a Teaching Major in Psychology (7 - 12):

30 semester credits including PSYC 105, 201, 213, 215, 304, 309, 310, 324, three semester credits of psychology electives from the Biopsychology content area (listed above), three semester credits of psychology electives from the Cognitive Psychology/Human Learning and Memory/History content area (listed above).  PSYC 205 is strongly recommended as an additional elective (it does not meet any of the above requirements.)   Education courses required for a teaching major are found in the Education Department section.

Requirements for a Teaching Minor in Psychology (7 - 12):

24 semester credits including PSYC 105, 201, 304, 309, 310, 324, three semester credits of psychology electives from the Biopsychology content area (listed above), three semester credits of psychology electives from the Cognitive Psychology/Human Learning and Memory/History content area (listed above).  PSYC 205 is strongly recommended as an additional elective (it does not meet any of the above requirements.)

Requirements for a Concentration in Biopsychology:

 SSCI 213, PSYC 105, 215, 331, 360, 401 or 403 (or 540 for students admitted to the MPT program), 402, 404; BIOL 103, 104; CHEM 105, 106; three computer science credits; one of the following: PHYS 110, 160, 203, or 205; six mathematics credits through at least MATH 151 (MATH 191 strongly recommended). Students applying to the Physical Therapy Program must also complete BIOL 202, 204, PHYS 203 and 204.

Requirements for a Major in Forensic Psychology:

Forensic Psychology is an interdisciplinary program designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The program offers training in psychological theory, research methods, and the application of psychological principles to specific areas in the legal system.  The major  provides interdisciplinary background appropriate for students who intend to pursue careers in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions.

Internship Program: Students will be able to receive practical experience in Forensic Psychology by enrolling in fieldwork placements in such settings as forensic psychology hospitals (emotionally disturbed offenders), prisons/jails, and agencies related to the family court or treatment of youthful offenders.

Prerequisites (12 Credit Hours): PSYC 105, 215,CRJU 101, STAT 213

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts major: Courses in Psychology (18 Credit Hours): PSYC 306, 321, 324,325, 324 AND 1 of the following (based on the student's focus--other psychology courses could be taken as electives): PSYC 203, 305, 332, 343, 360.

Courses in Criminal Justice (12 Credit Hours): CRJU 222, 400, 411,421 AND Concentration in Policing (9 Hours): CRJU 102, 303, 342 OR Concentration in Corrections (9 Hours): CRJU 231, 313, SOC 342.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Sciences major: For students interested in graduate work, it is suggested that students work toward a B. S. in Forensic Psychology. These requirements are the same as those for a B. S. in Psychology plus the Criminal Justice requirements above.

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)  students completing an Undergraduate Major in Psychology :  30 credits of Psychology including PSYC 105, 215, and SSCI 213.  Completion of the additional required coursework (PSYC 305, 324, 360, 403, OTS 456) will leave the student with 5 hours of psychology credits to complete, 3 hours of which must be writing intensive.  The five hours of psychology coursework courses may be completed before or after entrance into the MOT program.  Students will earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

Requirements for a Concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling: See Sociology Concentrations.