Psychology (B.A.) The psychology faculty at the University of Sioux Falls regard psychology as the scientific study of behavior, with a particular interest in the cognitive processes that behavior often reflects. This definition provides a disciplined, yet flexible, guide to studying humans and other species and allows the use of a variety of perspectives. An empirical, research-oriented approach allows us to seek answers to questions about how and why we behave as we do rather than to simply speculate. While research may be interesting in and of itself, we are committed to the application of our research outcomes to the problems of everyday life. As Christians, we also seek to understand the relationship between our studies and our faith in God. The scientific study of behavior involves both discipline and creativity. We must think precisely while finding new ways to study and interpret behavior, especially in a world where the context of behavior sometimes changes rapidly with new inventions or social movements. It is our hope that our students will join us in finding both excitement and challenge in the study of psychology. Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the facts and theories of the discipline.
❏ PSY201 ❏ PSY233 ❏ PSY250 ❏ PSY405 ❏ PSY408 ❏ PSY411
General Psychology Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Methods of Research Experimental Psychology Biological Psychology Child Psychology
Experimental Concentration ❏ PSY341 ❏ PSY422 ❏ PSY431
Psychology of Learning Motivation and Emotion Cognitive Psychology
Six semester hours of Psychology Electives: ❏ PSY _________________________________ ❏ PSY _________________________________
Counseling Concentration ❏ PSY305 ❏ PSY403 ❏ PSY407
Abnormal Psychology Psychology of Personality Counseling
Six semester hours of Psychology Electives: ❏ PSY _________________________________ ❏ PSY _________________________________
2. Students will be able to explain and use psychological research methods. 3. Students will be able to apply critical thinking to the evaluation of research and thought in the field. 4. Students will be able to apply psychological knowledge to solving problems. 5. Students will be able to understand and live out ethical commitments relevant to psychology. 6. Students will be able to communicate psychological knowledge and research orally and in writing. 7. Students will be able to evaluate the relationship between psychology and Christian faith. Vocational Applications: The study of psychology prepares students for graduate study in psychology and related fields; it can also serve as a part of the preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields such as teaching, ministry, communications, social services, business, theater, personnel work, organizational management, and marketing research. Requirements: In addition to meeting the liberal arts core requirements of the University, the student must take at least 37 semester hours of study in the major curriculum, including the psychology core, the required course BIO 100, and one of the two concentrations. Majors are required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in psychology courses; in addition, no course will count toward a major if the grade is below “C-.” Note: PSY 233 (Statistics), PSY 250 (Research Methods), and PSY 405 (Experimental Psychology) must be taken in that order. All psychology students are encouraged to pursue elective courses that allow them to apply and examine what they learn in psychology from other academic perspectives. Psychology core courses: ❏ BIO 100 Concepts in Biology
psychology
UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS
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