Psychology Program

The psychology program provides specialized training for students planning professional careers in psychology, mental health, and child & adult protective services. The program includes a broad interdisciplinary foundation. Students are required to complete a minor as a means of enhancing their knowledge in the various subfields of psychology. This also provides a strong background for students who are planning careers in research, business, education, law, and medicine, as well as multiple professional careers in other psychology related fields.

Students considering graduate studies in psychology should plan their major with the guidance of their assigned academic advisor so that required minor and elective courses may be tailored to their specific career and educational goals. Students majoring in disciplines other than psychology and find psychology courses relevant to their educational goals are welcome to register for those classes after they have completed the prerequisite courses (i.e., PSY 230 Introduction to Psychology). Programs of Study 1. Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (128 Credits) 2. Minor in Psychology (15 Credits).

The program in psychology aims to help students gain a better understanding of human behavior as well as enhance their abilities to question and think critically, to become independent investigators, and to impart a philosophy of appreciation for a developing and maturing science based on well-grounded experimental evidence. Opportunities are provided for students to learn essential methods, concepts, principles, and theories of psychology. Students learn techniques, which can be used to improve self-esteem, motivation, and sensitivity. Psychology majors study the nature, causes and treatment of psychological disorders. Majors also study human emotions, sexuality, and psychological development.

Students majoring in psychology at Benedict College are prepared for positions in community mental health agencies and hospitals, as well as in research centers. Graduates are strongly encouraged to continue their study on the graduate level and beyond.

A major in psychology requires 39 credit hours of core courses in psychology and other departmental required courses (e.g., SS 233, SS 236, SSCJ 333, and SSCJ 440). Students are also required to complete a 120-hours of service-learning within designated courses (indicated below with an asterisk) as a graduation requirement. This differs from the 120-hour internship requirement which must be completed as well.

The following psychology and departmental courses must be included to obtain the degree in Psychology:

• PSY 222 African American Psychologists
• PSY 213 Careers in Psychology *
• SS 233 Quantitative Research Methods
• SS 236 Qualitative Research Methods
• PSY 331 Social Psychology *
• SSCJ 333 Social Science Statistics
• PSY 335 Lab in Psychology
• PSY 336 Theories of Personality *
• PSY 430 Psychological Theory *
• PSY 431 Abnormal Psychology
• PSY 439A Senior Research Project I
• PSY 439C Senior Research Project II
• SSCJ 440 Internship

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires a total of 128 credit hours. The curriculum consists of a mixture of courses in the major, general education core, a required minor, and additional free electives.

In addition to regular classroom work, the Internship course (PSY 440) provides an opportunity for students to work in a psychological agency in order to acquire practical experience in the field of psychology and a better understanding of human relations.

A minor in psychology requires at least five (5) psychology courses. The following courses are required:

• PSY 230 Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 431 Abnormal Psychology

Nine credit hours are required in 300-400 level psychology course electives (e.g., PSY 337 Psychology of the African American Experience, PSY 432 Cognitive Psychology, etc.).