Mission
The Psychology program shares the University's commitment to develop ethical leaders for a culturally diverse world, and contributes to the liberal education of students. Through a comprehensive education in the science of psychology, the Psychology Department seeks to educate the whole person, pursue academic excellence, advance scholarship, promote service and justice, and encourage life-long learning.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1. Theory and Methodology in Psychology
Students should:
- Understand the role of psychology as a discipline that uses an empirical approach to knowledge; and
- Use, respect, and value skeptical inquiry, critical thinking, and the scientific approach to understanding behavior.
Knowledge areas students will study/learn:
- Basic research methods and ethics
- History and systems and philosophy of science
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Scientific and critical thinking
- Scientific writing and communication
Goal 2. Mastery of Content (Discipline Specific Knowledge)
Students should be familiar with:
- Core theoretical approaches and research findings that reflect a biopsychosocial understanding of behavior ; and
- More in-depth theoretical approaches and research findings within at least one subject area in psychology.
Core knowledge areas students will study/learn:
- Biological foundations of behavior
- Psychological foundations of behavior
- Social and cultural foundation of behavior
- Biopsychosocial development across the lifespan
Goal 3. Application of Knowledge and Scientific Method
Students should demonstrate the application of psychological theory, methodology, and findings to:
- An understanding of the whole person, as an individual and as a member of a large community, society, and culture; and
- The promotion of social justice in these contexts.