Psychology majors possess the methods and skills that enable them to evaluate published research and think critically about their own ideas and those of others. They are prepared to apply these methods to the problems of community and of the larger society. They are capable of tolerance for the views of others and able to appreciate the value of diversity. The psychology graduate is well prepared for advanced study in psychology and other fields. In addition, the psychology graduate has the skills useful for a wide range of careers, including human resources, management, marketing, and the mental health professions.
Degree Requirements
Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in psychology must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements, the College speech requirement, COMM 210; a mathematics course at the level of MATH 121 or above (MATH 124, Basic Statistics, is recommended); the courses listed below, and a sufficient number of electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives to a minor or second major.
PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology
PSYCH 203 Quantitative Analysis
PSYCH 204 Research Methods
PSYCH 301 Experimental Psychology with Laboratory
Two American Studies courses
Five Psychology electives, at least three of which must be 300 level or higher
Students, with the help of their advisors, should select electives that form a coherent sequence of courses. Students may choose a sequence in clinical/ counseling, legal/forensic, or developmental psychology. In addition, students and their advisors may develop an individualized sequence of psychology electives.
PSYCH 371 History of Modern Psychology
PSYCH 451 Community Involvement
Note: An internship or independent study course may, with permission, be substituted for PSYCH 451. This is a capstone experience in which students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of psychology to real world settings. The student will be placed in a work-site that complements his or her interests and chosen sequence of events.
Students seeking certification in Elementary Education may substitute student teaching for PSYCH 451.
PSYCH 100 Introduction to Psychology
and five (5) additional Psychology courses, three of which must be at the 300-level or above.
Fact Sheet
The Forensic Masters program is intended as a full-time program with distinct tracks designed for college graduates seeking to follow two possible career paths: those seeking specialized training in psychology prior to entering the work force as Masters level Forensic Psychologists (the Pre-service Track) and those seeking Masters level training in psychology as preparation for future study toward a doctoral degree in psychology. While first priority in admissions will be given to full-time students, part-time non-traditional students will be admitted if space is available.
The Masters in Forensic Psychology seeks to:
- Prepare graduate students for careers in civil and criminal justice systems as forensic specialists.
- Prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctorate level in psychology and forensic psychology.
- Provide students with training in graduate research and statistical design.
- Provide students with training in the areas of forensic assessment and evaluation.
- Provide students with training in preparation as legal/forensic consultants and evaluators in the areas of forensic assessments, custody issues, suicide evaluation, expert testimony, jury selection, program evaluation, injury assessments, and Social Security Disability requirements.
- Provide students with internship experiences that will promote and help to develop the professional skills required in the specialty areas of forensic psychology.
- To provide students with the requisite skills to prepare, plan, and carry out competent research designs in psychology.
The curriculum of 39 credit hours is arranged in two tracks: Pre-service and Thesis. All students take 7 core courses and select 4 electives from various specialty areas within Forensic Psychology. Students then take 2 courses of Thesis or Practicum, according to their track.
It is estimated that students would be able to complete the degree in one and one half to two years of study. Admission to the program will normally occur in the fall semester. This program will not require comprehensive examinations.
Courses may be offered in two formats:
- Traditional classroom format, meeting approximately 40 hours per semester.
- Directed Study – an independent study model that also meets in a classroom
four to six times during the semester.
Degree Requirements
To remain in the program, students must maintain at least a B average (3.0 GPA). Students who fall below that average must have permission of their graduate advisor and the Dean to enroll in future courses.
Forensic Masters Program Course Requirements:
Core Courses: A minimum of 13 courses are required for all students.
(Note: All graduate psychology courses are 3-credit courses.)
A core of seven (7) courses is required of all students.
Psych 501 Research Design
Psych 502 Quantitative Methods I
Psych 503 Forensic Psychology
Psych 504 Psychology and the Law
Psych 505 Introduction to Clinical Assessment:
Objective Tests
An additional assessment course, choose:
Psych 506 Assessment in Criminal Law
or
Psych 507 Assessment Issues in Civil Law
A psychopathology course, choose:
Psych 520 Developmental Psychopathology
Psych 521 Adult Psychopathology
or
Psych 525 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Advanced Electives: four (4) courses chosen from :
Psych 508 Forensic Report Writing
Psych 510 Quantitative Methods II
Psych 511 Children, Adolescents, and the Law
Psych 512 Child Assessment
Psych 531 Family Violence
Psych 532 Cross Cultural Psychology
Psych 533 Law and Mental Health
Psych 534 Advanced Developmental Psychology
Psych 535 Group Dynamics: Methods and Design
Psych 540 Advanced Personality Psychology
Psych 550 Professional Ethics in Psychology
Psych 599 Special Topics in Psychology
Thesis/Practicum: two (2) courses, chosen according to the student’s track:
Pre-service track:
Psych 598 Practicum (twice).
Thesis track:
Choose:
Psych 597 Thesis
Psych 598 Practicum
or
Psych 597 Thesis (twice)