Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Psychology Faculty and Department Chairperson, Shannon Dermer
Back row (L to R): Kim Jaroszewski, Jennifer Boender, Darlene Wright, Chris Dyslin, Shaalein Lopez, Tim Pedigo and Linda Buyer
Front row (L to R): Al Tuskenis, Jean Johnson, Terri Christiansen, Elizabeth Ruiz, and Shannon Dermer
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The undergraduate major in Psychology provides students with a knowledge of the factors that affect human behavior and the techniques that treat behavioral (has been aligned with the 2006 APA goals for undergraduate learning outcomes) and psychological disorders. The curriculum provides many opportunities for development of special interests, personal growth, and research in the behavioral sciences, under faculty supervision. For more information on education and career paths in Psychology please click APA Career Guide or Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychology.
Undergraduate students who expect to do graduate study in psychology should, with the assistance of their advisor, carefully select the courses that will qualify them for admission to a graduate program. Graduate programs commonly require twenty-four to thirty hours in undergraduate psychology, including statistics, research methodology, cognitive or learning psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Program concentrations include Clinical, Forensic, and Industrial/Organizational options.
View the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program Fact Sheet
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the university admission requirements, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- A minimum of 60 transferable credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0, or a 2.0 GPA for their last 60 hours
*Applicants not meeting the admission criteria may petition for special admission. Please click here for special admissions information.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Starting with students admitted in Fall of 2007, students must complete the Governors State University general education requirements, as well as the required and selective courses listed below with a “C” or higher to earn a BA in Psychology. For course descriptions please click here.
Required Courses (39 hours)*
- PSYC3101: Principles of Psychology
- PSYC3102: Thinking and Writing in Psychology
- PSYC3201: Developmental Psychology
- PSYC3310: Personality Theories
- PSYC3345: Social Psychology
- PSYC3430: Abnormal Psychology
- PSYC3520: Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC4130: Professional Standards in Human Service and Research
- PSYC4524: Principles of Learning and Behavior
- PSYC4750: Research Methods
- PSYC4840: History and Systems of Psychology
- PSYC4950: Psychological Issues and Social Values
- STAT4720: Statistics
Selective Courses (11-12 hours)
Choose one of the following Biological Psychology Selectives (3 hours)*:
- PSYC3602: Health Psychology
- PSYC3675: Psychophysiology
Choose one of the following Developmental Psychology Selectives (3 hours)*:
- EDEC3320: Early Childhood Development
- PSYC3202: Adolescence
- PSYC3203: Adulthood
- PSYC3204: Geropsychology
- PSYC4520: Cognitive Development
Choose one of the following Applied Psychology Selectives (3 hours)*:
- PSYC3470: Introduction to Clinical Psychology
- PSYC3840: Industrial Psychology
- PSYC4780: Principles of Psychological Testing
- PSYC4880: Field Experience
- COUN5510: Physical and Sexual Abuse of Children
- COUN5544: Family Dynamics
Choose one of the following Personal Growth Selectives (2-3 hours)*:
- PSYC3605: Love
- PSYC3650: Creating a Healthy Lifestyle
- PSYC4070:Topics in Personal and Professional Development
- PSYC5610: Lab in Personal Stress Management
- PSYC5620: Lab in Personal Growth
- PSYC5829: Psychology of Women
*Courses may be transferred in from other institutions to satisfy these requirements. Transfer credits will be evaluated at the initial advising session and noted on the student’s Psychology study plan.
