Program Description
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mind. Students in the B.A. in Psychology online program explore a wide range of theories concerning human behavior, development, thought, emotion, learning, intelligence, personality, group dynamics and abnormal behavior. Through coursework, fieldwork, and research opportunities, students apply the knowledge gained in class to the real world and are encouraged to use what they learn toward understanding themselves and their relationships. Students have the opportunity to work as research assistants during the school year and in the summer. An internship is required. Elective options help students explore career possibilities, such as working with the chronically mentally ill, with children and families, and in the areas of organizational psychology, addic-tions, art therapy, forensic psychology and more. However, the study of psychology provides excellent preparation for careers not only in psychology, but in any field in which an understanding of human behavior is useful.
Program Outcomes
1. Knowledge in Psychology:
Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoreticalperspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral phenomena. Students completing foundation courses should demonstrate breadth of their knowledge and application of psychological ideas to simple problems; students completing a baccalaureate degree should show depth in their knowledge and application of psychological concepts and frameworks to problems of greater complexity.
2. Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods. Students completing foundation-level courses should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena; students completing a baccalaureate degree should focus on theory use as well as designing and executing research plans.
3. Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World:
The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. Students completing foundation-level courses should become familiar with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology and begin to embrace the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in work settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should have more direct opportunities to demonstrate adherence to professional valuesthat will help them optimize their contributions and work effectively even with those who do not share their heritage and traditions. This domain also promotes the adoption of personal and professional values that can strengthen community relationships and contributions.
4. Communication:
Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills. Students completing foundation- level courses should be able to write a cogent scientific argument, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should produce a research study or other psychological project, explain scientific results, and present information to a professional audience. They should also develop flexible interpersonal approaches that optimize information exchange and relationship development.
5. Professional Development:
The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation. Foundation-level outcomes concentrate on the development of work habits and ethics to succeed in academic settings. The skills in this goal at the baccalaureate level refer to abilities that sharpen student readiness for post baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school. These skills can be developed and refined both intraditional academic settings and in extracurricular involvement. In addition, career professionals can be enlisted to support occupational planning and pursuit. This emerging emphasis should not be construed as obligating psychology programs to obtain employment for their graduates but instead as encouraging programs to optimize the competitiveness of their graduates for securing places in the workforce.
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