Nov 21, 2024

2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog

2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology (B.A.)

Program: B.A.
Department of Psychology
College of Science

Neff Hall 388 ~ 260-481-6403

Courses in psychology provide an understanding of human behavior and mental processes from a scientific perspective. The Psychology B.A. prepares students for careers that involve knowledge of behavior along with skills in data analysis and research. It is well-suited for students who are also interested in the other social sciences and humanities, and who intend to work in social services, mental health agencies, or business-related areas such as human resources. There are many opportunities for students to become involved in research in our extensive laboratory facilities and in field experiences in the community.

For details on pursuing a secondary education second degree (BSEd) to teach Psychology in middle school/high school, click on the links to the Secondary Education - Second Degree Program and the School of Education page in this catalog. Note: The BSEd as a second degree in these programs cannot be earned without completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area from the College of Science. See Program Requirements below for a link to the Secondary Education - Second Degree 4-Year Plan.

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
be able to express themselves effectively in the discourse of the discipline
be able 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:

Declare this major within the Department of Psychology .

General Requirements:

PFW General Education Requirements
PFW College of Science Information
PFW Academic Regulations

Program Requirements:

Psychology (B.A.) 4-Year 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.
PSY 32900 and PSY 43100 taken as co-requisites. Contact the department for questions.

Psychology (B.A.) with Secondary Education 4-Year Plan :

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 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 Requirements

Click on the 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 College Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree for Speaking requirement.

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

Language: Credits 12

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

Distribution: Credits 9

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

Cultural Studies: Credits 6

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

Core and Concentration (Major) Courses: Credits 21

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

PSY 39200 - Special Topics in Psychology Cr. 1-3.
(taken as: Internship in Mental Health Education and Outreach Capstone Cr. 3.)
PSY 43100 - Advanced Psychobiology Cr. 3.
PSY 44100 - Advanced Research in Personality and Social Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 44600 - Advanced Research In Human Memory And Cognition Cr. 3.
PSY 49900 - Honors Thesis in Psychology Cr. 3.
PSY 54000 - History of Psychology Cr. 3.

Supplemental Requirements:

Completion of the FOCUS career guidance tool and a Career Development Center session to review the results (during PSY 14000)
Completion of a Career Development Center session to review resume or curriculum vitae (during junior year)
Completion of a Career Development Center 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 ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. 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.