Misericordia University

Catalog - Table of Index

Psychology Major

College of Professional Studies and Social Sciences
Degree BS, Psychology
Department Chair Marnie Hiester, PhD

Faculty

Marnie Hiester, Associate Professor of Psychology, BA Drew University; PhD University of Minnesota

George Hunter, Associate Professor of Psychology, BA Siena College; MS Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; MA, PhD Princeton University

Charles A. LaJeunesse, Professor of Psychology, BS, MEd, PhD University of Missouri

Alicia Nordstrom, Professor of Psychology, BA University of Rochester; MS Purdue University; PhD Pennsylvania State University

Introduction
The study of psychology enhances one’s knowledge and understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and social interaction. As our society becomes increasingly diverse and our economy more global, this knowledge and understanding will be necessary for success in the rapidly changing workplace. Therefore, the psychology major is relevant to any occupation that involves interaction with others. It prepares students who wish to obtain baccalaureate-level positions, as well as those who wish to pursue graduate study in psychology or related fields.

The field of psychology is exceedingly diverse and career options within the field are numerous. Therefore, the psychology major was designed with two goals in mind. First, in order to ensure a solid background in the methods, theories, and content of the discipline of psychology, all majors must take a required core of psychology courses. Second, great flexibility is built into our curriculum to allow students to tailor a program of study that best meets their individual interests and career goals.

Goals and Objectives
The psychology department has adopted the goals and objectives for undergraduate psychology programs specified by the American Psychological Association:

Knowledge Base of Psychology
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Research Methods in Psychology
Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Application of Psychology
Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Values in Psychology
Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
Information and Technological Literacy
Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
Communication Skills
Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Sociocultural and International Awareness
Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
Personal Development
Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
Career Planning and Development
Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Admissions Requirements:
Incoming students seeking admission as psychology majors must meet the university’s general admissions requirements as stated in this catalog.

Requirements
In addition to the core curriculum, which includes Introduction to Psychology, students are required to complete at least 43 credits in psychology and three credits in Sociology (SOC 221 Cultural Minorities). The 43 credits in psychology must include the following courses: PSY 101 (Introductory Seminar), PSY 200 (Career Seminar), PSY 232 (Research Methods), or PSY 233 (Advanced Research Methods), PSY 250 (Social Psychology), PSY 275 (Child & Adolescent Psychology) or PSY 277 (Adult Development and Aging), PSY 285 (Communication Skills), PSY 290 (Psychopathology) or PSY 332 (Child Psychopathology), PSY 301 (Cognitive Psychology), PSY 303 (Biological Psychology), PSY 475 (Practicum) or PSY 490 (Independent Research), PSY 470 (Advanced Seminar in Psychology), one biological/ cognitive elective, one social/developmental elective, and one clinical/counseling elective. Students take a remaining 30 credits in free electives, which allows them to complete courses, minors, and/or certificate programs that are consistent with their interests and career goals. Students must achieve grades of “C” or above in all required psychology courses. If a student earns a “D” or “F” in any required psychology course he/she must repeat that course and earn a “C-“ or above.

Sequence of Required Courses

First Year

First Semester	Total Credits	15	Second Semester	Total Credits	16
PSY 123	Introduction to Psychology	3	SOC 101	Comparative Sociology	3
BIO 103	General Biology I	3	BIO 104	General Biology II	3
HIS	Core	3	HIS	Core	3
PHL	Core	3	PHL	Core	3
MTH	Core Bank I	3	MTH 115	Basic Statistics	3
			PSY 101	Introductory Seminar	1

Sophomore Year

First Semester	Total Credits	17	Second Semester	Total Credits	15
FA	Core	3	FA	Core	3
ENG	Core	3	ENG	Core	3
PSY 200	Career Seminar	2	PSY 250	Social Psychology	3
PSY 275 or PSY	Child & Adolescent Psychology	3	PSY 233	Advanced Research Methods	3
or PSY 277	Adult Development & Aging	3	PSY 285	Communication Skills	3
SOC 221	Cultural Minorities	3
PSY 232	Research Methods	3

Junior Year

First Semester	Total Credits	15	Second Semester	Total Credits	16
	RLS Core	3		RLS Core	3
PSY 303	Biological Psychology	3	PSY 301	Cognitive Psychology	4
PSY 290	Psychopathology	3	PSY	Social/Developmental Elective	3
or PSY 332	Child Psychopathology		PSY	Clinical/Counseling Elective	3
	Free elective	3		Free elective	3
	Free elective	3

Senior Year

First Semester	Total Credits	15	Second Semester	Total Credits	15
PSY 475	Practicum in Psychology	3	PSY 470	Advanced Seminar in Psychology	3
or PSY 490	Independent Research			Free elective	3
PSY	Biological/Cognitive Elective	3		Free elective	3
	Free elective	3		Free elective	3
	Free elective	3		Free elective	3
	Free elective	3

Developmental/Social Electives: PSY 224, PSY 275 OR PSY 277 (if not taken as required course), PSY 310, PSY 325, PSY 425

Clinical/Counseling Electives: PSY 225, PSY 290 OR PSY 332 (if not taken as required course), PSY 315, PSY 435, PSY 450, PSY 452, PSY 455

Biological/Cognitive Electives: PSY 302, PSY 304, PSY 305, PSY 306

Total required for graduation 124 credits

Mental Health Interventions Certificate
The psychology department also offers a mental health interventions certificate (21 credits) for students interested in pursuing mental health careers. Students can choose either a child or adult track, depending on the population with which they are interested in working.

Psychology Course Descriptions