Psychology study current theories, research, and practice. They will master the general principles of the field and the historical development of the discipline.
PSY 317 Child Development PSY 318 Adolescent Development PSY 319 Adult Development and Aging Psychology majors are encouraged to take one of our developmental courses: PSY 317 Child Development, PSY 318 Adolescent Development, or PSY 319 Adult Development rather than PSY 315 Lifespan Development. Students will not be allowed to count PSY 315 and a second developmental course towards the major or minor.
Goals for the Major in Psychology • Students will explain and discuss basic psychological theories and principles; • Students will apply psychological theories to everyday circumstances and social issues; • Students will critically evaluate and express psychological content in written and oral communications; • Students will apply the scientific method in the design of a research study and recognize appropriate methodology, statistics, and interpretation of results; • Students will demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles of psychology.
Content Courses at the 300/400 level: two courses required PSY 303 Social Psychology PSY 312 Personality Theory and Research PSY 313 Mind, Brain and Behavior PSY 325/425 Psychology and Culture PSY 327 Abnormal Psychology PSY 348 Health Psychology PSY 421 History of Psychology PSY 424 Physiological Psychology PSY 427 Child Psychopathology
Major in Psychology Nine credits are required for a major in psychology. A grade of C or better is necessary to satisfy major, minor and prerequisite requirements. All students must take one 400-level lab course and one additional 400level psychology course at Elmhurst College. All 400-level lab courses require that the student has already taken Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology. Courses must be selected according to the following guidelines:
Lab Courses: one course required PSY 411 Theories of Learning PSY 423 Sensation and Perception PSY 430 Cognitive Processes PSY 435 Experimental Psychology Laboratory Capstone Options: one required All psychology majors must take one of the following capstone-course options in their senior year. Option A. PSY 496 Senior Capstone Seminar (Full course) Option B. PSY 497 Senior Thesis (Full course) Option C. PSY 498 Senior Capstone Independent Study (Full course) Option D. PSY 495 Honors Independent Research (.50 credit taken concurrently with HON 495, .50 credit)
Required Courses PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science PSY 355 Statistics for Scientific Research (or MTH 345) PSY 356 Research Methods in Psychology Developmental Content Courses: one course required PSY 315 Lifespan Development (recommended for non-majors)
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