Psychology Major

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The major in psychology is designed around a broad liberal education whereby the humanities and the sciences are integrated through an emphasis on the study of human behavior. Students in psychology develop an approach to learning based on empirical, objective methodology and statistical data analysis. These skills enhance critical thinking and permit theory construction and analysis. Students who graduate from this program are expected to have the knowledge base and the data analysis skills to support graduate study in any of the specialty areas of psychology. They also should be well prepared for employment in positions that require understanding and motivating others. Examples of such employment areas include positions in personnel work, social service and mental health agencies, law enforcement, sales, and business.

The major in psychology aligns with the American Psychological Association Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major 3.0 (2013). The structure of the psychology major fits with the five main areas of focus advocated by the guidelines: 1) emphasis on the basic knowledge of concepts in the discipline in psychology; 2) emphasis on scientific methods and critical thinking; 3) emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and diversity; 4) emphasis on effective communication skills; and 5) emphasis on professional development.

All undergraduate courses taken at The Citadel with a subject prefix of PSYC will count towards the major GPA.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will learn and demonstrate a broad knowledge of the field of Psychology. (Aligns with APA Goals 1 & 2)
Students will demonstrate an ability to write using clear and professional language in the APA editorial style. (Aligns with APA Goals 2 & 4)
Students will recognize and evaluate ethical issues and dilemmas in an applied context. (Aligns with APA Goals 3 & 4)
Students will practice professional skills in an applied disciplinary internship. (Aligns with APA Goal 5)
Students will develop a professional development plan. (Aligns with APA Goal 5)

Major Academic Map

Click here to view the Academic Map for this major, which shows the courses and sequence.

Minimum of 36 Hours of Coursework

The major program in psychology, which leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree, consists of a minimum of 36 hours of course work in psychology, including

PSYC 211 - Introduction to Psychology Science Credit Hours: 3
OR
PSYC 201 - General Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 202 - Developmental Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 203 - Consumer Statistics & Research Applications Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 303 - Experimental Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 310 - Professional Development in Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 405 - History and Systems of Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 410 - Senior Capstone in Psychology Credit Hours: 3

Four Courses from Cluster A and Cluster B

Students also will choose two courses from both Cluster A and Cluster B classes. The total number of classes across both clusters will be four.

Cluster A: Experimental Courses

Cluster A consists of

PSYC 302 - Behavioral Neuroscience Credit Hours: 4
PSYC 311 - Comparative Cognition Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 314 - Nature and Nurture in Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 318 - Psychology of Drugs and Addictive Behavior Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 402 - Cognitive Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 403 - Practical Applications of Learning and Behavior Change Credit Hours: 3

Cluster B: Applied Courses

Cluster B consists of

PSYC 304 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 305 - Social Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 306 - Theories of Personality Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 312 - Psychology of Human Sexuality Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 313 - Psychology of Gender Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 315 - Military Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 316 - Sport Psychology Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 317 - Multicultural Issues in Psychology Credit Hours: 3

Elective

Students will also select one additional elective class from either Cluster A or Cluster B; alternatively, a special topics class (PSYC 463 ) may be used to satisfy this particular elective requirement.