Mission
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior. Students learn to apply scientific methods and data analysis techniques to a variety of human and non-human behaviors. Also, an emphasis is placed on developing students’ proficiency in academic skills; for example, papers and oral presentations are part of many of the psychology courses. Students who have majored in psychology can enter a variety of careers or pursue graduate education in the behavioral sciences or the helping professions. The psychology major is not a professional degree program; students are not trained as therapists, counselors, or mental health technicians.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Psychology will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the content in psychology and the ability to integrate that knowledge.
- Demonstrate an understanding of research methods in psychology.
- Communicate their knowledge of psychology.
- Effectively apply the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association to research and professional situations.
Special Features and Activities
Psychology students are offered the opportunity to participate in the following:
- Student research.
- Internships.
- SBS Club and the Georgia Rho chapter of Pi Gamma Mu international honor society in the social sciences.
- Participation in professional conferences.
- Social activities with other majors and faculty.
Credits
3
During this course, we will learn to appreciate the significance of studying aging as a continuous process throughout life and how early life experiences and cumulative factors affect psychological health in the later years. Within this framework, we will also focus on healthy aging as opposed to the negative associations that aging often carries and how diverse the aging population actually is. Moreover, we will challenge ourselves to investigate how different areas of study, particularly how the domains of psychology, aging, neuroscience, sociocultural, biology, and mental health fields, intersect and need to come together to functionally understand how psychological and aging processes unfold.
Credits
3
Topics covered in this course include: (I) clinical issues such as competency to stand trial, parent custody evaluations, the insanity defense, and risk assessment, (2) research issues involving eyewitness memory, suspect identification, criminal investigation, and use of lethal force, and (3) procedural issues such as the child interview, suspect interrogations, and witness vetting. Essentially, this course conveys the importance of the behavioral sciences as it impacts the criminal and civil justice system.
Credits
3
The principles of behavior analysis and learning will be applied to problems in shaping and managing human behavior. The techniques covered will include: operant and classical conditioning, reinforcement of successive approximations, schedules of reinforcement, operant and classical extinction, and reinforcement of competing responses, counter conditioning, negative reinforcement and stimulus control. These procedures will be related to a range of practical settings and applications. Prerequisites: PSY 101 with a grade of C or better or permission of Instructor
Credits
3
This course will cover the basic principles, research, and theories on testing and measurement of psychological constructs. It is expected that students complete the course with knowledge of various techniques for psychological testing; familiarity with several professionally developed tests; the ability to develop, administer, and interpret certain tests; knowledge of measurement theory which includes reliability and validity. Through case studies and reflective practice, students will learn to evaluate and adapt psychological assessments to diverse populations, addressing potential cultural biases and ensuring ethical, inclusive psychological practices.
Credits
3
As the population of the world rapidly expands, the demand for food, water, shelter, fuel, and consumer goods rises resulting in increasing pressure on environmental resources. We face growing concerns about global warming, air and water pollution, deforestation, and species extinction. Environmental problems are caused by people’s behavior and will be solved by changes in people’s behavior. In this course, we will explore how psychological theories and research can help to address environmental problems and improve outcomes for both people and environments. Prerequisite: PSY 101
Credits
3
This course is designed to introduce students to current scientific thinking and research about development as understood by developmental psychologists. The course focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on the development of human infants and children. The integration of theoretical, research, and practical orientations is emphasized. Topics include theories and methods of developmental psychology, prenatal development and birth, infancy, cognitive and social-emotional development, language acquisition, and moral development. Prerequisites: PSY 101 with grade C or better or permission of instructor.