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., PSY230 General Psychology). Programs of Study 1. Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (120 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, hospitals, and research centers. Graduates are strongly encouraged to continue their study on the graduate level and beyond.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires 120 credit hours. The curriculum consists of a mixture of courses in the major, general education core, a required minor, and additional free electives. A major in psychology requires 40 credit hours of core courses in psychology and includes research-based courses such as research methods (SS235; SS236), statistics (SS230), Lab in Psychology (PSY 335), senior research project I (PSY439A) and senior research project II (PSY439C). Support courses in writing and presenting and critical thinking are also required.
The following psychology and departmental courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher to obtain the degree in Psychology:
In addition to regular classroom work, the Internship (PSY 440) course 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.
Service-Learning
Students are also required to complete 120 hours of service-learning within designated courses (indicated with an asterisk) as a graduation requirement. This differs from the 120-hour internship requirement which must be completed as well.
A minor in psychology requires at least five (5) psychology courses. The following courses are required:
(9 credit hours) in 300-400 Level psychology course electives (e.g., PSY 337 Psychology of the African American Experience, PSY 432 Cognitive Psychology, etc.).
The mission of the Aspiring Black Psychologists Organization is to educate, empower and inspire students with an interest in understanding the impact of their prolific history on today’s behavior and its control of our thoughts. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and improving the Black experience. We promote growth through networking, community service and engagement in the overall Benedict College community. Our organization strives to develop student involvement and civic engagement through discussion, implementation, and practice of psychological ideologies as they relate to the Black community. This organization is the voice of students in and affiliated with Benedict College’s Psychology Program; it offers student support, workshops, graduate preparation and social activities for majors. Through active participation in the Aspiring Black Psychologists Organization and the larger community, it is our hope that each student will become more capable and aware of their impact for shaping social change. As an organization, we propose to do the following:
Kamani Jones
Classification: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Child and Family Development
Kennedy Vincent
Classification: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Child and Family Development
Desirée C. Bygrave, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Psychology and Educational Studies Department
Bacoats Hall, Office 214
Phone: 803-705-4712
desiree.bygrave@benedict.edu
Tanya E. Bolton, MA, LPC
Director of Counseling and Self-Development
Student Health Center
Benedict College
2315 Laurel Street
Columbia, SC 29204
Office: (803) 705-4741
Fax: (803) 995-8339
Tanya.Bolton@benedict.edu
Jerlinda Anderson, PsyD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Psychology and Educational Studies Department
Bacoats Hall, Office 216
Phone: 803-705-4850
jerlinda.anderson@benedict.edu
Desiree C. Bygrave, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Psychology and Educational Studies Department
Bacoats Hall, Office 214
Phone: 803-705-4712
desiree.bygrave@benedict.edu
Shaneen Corujo, PhD, LPC
Director of the Honors Program
Associate Professor of Psychology
School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Psychology and Educational Studies Department
Phone: (803) 705-4662
shaneen.corujo@benedict.edu
Angela B. Kelly, M.S.
Psychology Instructor
School of Education, Health, and Human Services
Psychology and Educational Studies Department
Phone: (803) 705-3276
Angela.kelly@benedict.edu
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Benedict College is proud to be part of the rich HBCU legacy as a private historically black, liberal arts college in Columbia, SC. Get a transformative learning experience that’s tailored to support a diverse student body.
Benedict College
1600 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Phone: 803-253-5000 (Campus Operator)
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033- 4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Benedict College.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy
Benedict College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.