Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology (B.S.)


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

Neff Hall 388 ~ 260-481-6403


The Bachelor of Science 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:

  • know the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology
  • be able to understand the major research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation
  • be able to think critically and use the scientific approach to understand behavior
  • be able to understand 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)
  • be able to apply concepts, information, and skills learned in psychology courses to their lives and work
  • be able to effectively locate and evaluate sources of information
  • tbe able to express themselves effectively in the discourse of the discipline
  • be able to 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
  • be able to make decisions about future employment or graduate education

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus.

Declaring this Major:

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:


Psychology B.S. 4-Yr. Plan:  

  • 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.

To earn the B.S. 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 Science Degree.

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


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

International Language: Credits 6-8


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

Additional Requirements: Credits 9


Choose three courses from the following: 

Psychology Elective Courses 2000+ Level: Credits 6


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

Supporting Courses: Credits 25


Category 1: Methodological


Courses may not be used to fulfill another requirement within this major.

Select one course from either Group A or from Group B:

Category 2: Science/Math/Computer Science/Social Science


Courses may not be used to fulfill another requirement within this major.

Select six of the following courses in Human/Animal Biology, Chemistry, Math/Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or Sociocultural Forces.

At least two courses must be in BIOL, CHM, CS, MA or STAT.

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.

Additional Course Use:


Courses listed below may also be considered in meeting specific degree requirements.

MA 15300 required;  MA 15400 accepted

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