Psychology
Department of Psychology
The College of Arts and Sciences
Chair
Diane Bonfiglio, Professor of Psychology
Faculty
Mitchell Metzger, Professor of Psychology
Christopher Chartier, Associate Professor of Psychology
Peter Mallik, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Mission
The Department of Psychology provides a balanced education in psychology, presenting a thorough foundation in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, while emphasizing ethical applications of psychology as a discipline to individuals and to society. The department maintains a current curriculum and provides students with opportunities to become proficient in fundamental intellectual and social skills that are essential for achievement in the work world.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students majoring in psychology will be expected to:
Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
Interpret, design, and/or conduct basic psychological research.
Apply psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
Effectively communicate psychological concepts and research in the style of the American Psychological Association.
Opportunities
Internships and individual research projects are encouraged. There are opportunities to assist professors with research and to present research at regional conferences in places such as Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia.
The Psychology Club offers the opportunity for social interaction with other students interested in psychology.
Student Honor Society
The Psi Chi International Honor Society is for majors or minors in psychology. Undergraduates who are elected to Psi Chi must rank in the upper 35% of their class, have completed at least 9 semester hours of psychology courses, and have earned a minimum 3.0 in psychology courses.
Description of Majors
The psychology major is built upon a strong liberal arts base as provided by the University's core curriculum. The coursework is designed to acquaint the student with basic content areas of the science of psychology. Scientific methodology, thought, and the ethical application of knowledge outside of the classroom is emphasized.
Psychology students become proficient in fundamental intellectual and social skills essential for a career in psychology and required for achievement in the world of work. The department assists students with professional aspirations in pursuing graduate education and provides a broad psychology background for those with other career plans. Students pick a B.A. or B.S. degree based on their areas of academic strength and their career plans. Individual research projects and internships are encouraged for all psychology majors.
Degree Requirements
Assessment - All psychology majors with sophomore or higher status are required to develop an experimental research project or complete an internship or independent study.
Psychology Courses and Descriptions