Nov 21, 2024

2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog

2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology (B.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program: B.A.
Department of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences

Neff Hall 388 ~ 260-481-6403

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology is for the person seeking a career in psychology or a closely related field. The degree program provides a liberal-arts education in psychology as well as preparation for graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the degree, students will demonstrate:

knowledge of the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology
the ability to understand the major research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation
the ability to think critically and to use the scientific approach to understand behavior
an understanding of the values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science (e.g., value of empirical evidence, tolerance for ambiguity, ethics in research, teaching, and practice)
the ability to apply concepts, information, and skills learned in psychology courses to their lives and work
the ability to effectively locate and evaluate sources of information
the ability to express themselves effectively in the discourse of the discipline
the ability to understand people from a diverse range of backgrounds and varying demographic characteristics such as age, race, disability, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity, religion, and cognitive abilities
the ability to make decisions about future employment or graduate education

Program Delivery:

This program is available on-campus.

Declaring this Major:

Declare this major within the Department of Psychology .

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

A grade of C- or higher in all department courses required for the major and an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses taken in the major.
Students must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 for this major.

To earn the B.A. with a major in psychology, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above:

General Education Requirements: Credits 33

Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
A grade of C- or higher is required for each course used to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above for details. Go to Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6

See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree for Speaking requirement.

ENGL 23301 - Intermediate Expository Writing Cr. 3.
(or other approved writing courses)

International Language: Credits 14

See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Distribution: Credits 9

See Part C in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Choose courses other than PSY.

Cultural Studies: Credits 6

See Part D in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Core and Concentration (Major) Courses: Credits 21

PSY 12000 - Elementary Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 14000 - Critical Foundations for Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 20100 - Introduction to Statistics in Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 20300 - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 31400 - Introduction to Learning Cr. 3.
PSY 41600 - Cognitive Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 32900 - Psychobiology II: Principles of Psychobiological Psychology Cr. 3.
or
PSY 41900 - Psychopharmacology Cr. 3.

Additional Requirements: Credits 9

Choose three courses from the following list:

PSY 23500 - Child Psychology Cr. 3.
Credit not given for both PSY 23500 and PSY 36900
PSY 24000 - Introduction to Social Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 35000 - Abnormal Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 36900 - Development Across the Lifespan Cr. 3.
Credit not given for both PSY 23500 and PSY 36900
PSY 42000 - Introduction to Personality Theory Cr. 3.

Psychology Elective Courses 2000+ Level: Credits 9

In the case of courses which can be repeated for credit (e.g., PSY 39200; PSY 49600), more than one section of the same course number must have substantially different content, as approved by the department chair, if both are to be used toward meeting this requirement. At least three credits must be taken at Purdue Fort Wayne.

Capstone Requirement: Credits 3

Choose one of the following:

The capstone course is a culminating experience in the senior year in which the student develops a major project (literature review, research proposal, empirical study, or service learning project) that demonstrates characteristics of critical thinking, including the ability to identify a problem, evaluate evidence, and use information to analyze existing conclusions, draw new conclusions, or contribute to real-world applications or understanding of larger issues.

Prerequisites:
1. Senior standing (90 credits) or completion of 33 credits in psychology
2. Successful completion of PSY 20300 with a grade of C- or better

Supplemental Requirements:

Completion of the FOCUS career guidance tool and a Career Services session to review the results (during PSY 14000)
Completion of a Career Services session to review resume or curriculum vitae (during junior year)
Completion of a Career Services session focused on cover letter review, personal statement review, or mock interview (during senior year)
Successful completion of the Exit Exam in Psychology

General Electives

Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120

Total Credits: 120

Student Responsibility

You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.