Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology, Bachelor of Science


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Offered by the Department of Psychology
Professors Craig, Keller, Loher, Murray (chairperson)
Associate Professor Brown, verno
Assistant Professors Sechrist



The Psychology Department offers a B.S. degree in Psychology with concentrations in
General Psychology, Counseling, Lifespan Development, Mind/Body Health and Human Resource Management. The Psychology major is chosen by students who (1) plan advanced study in the field, (2) intend to seek employment in a related area upon graduation, or (3) seek a liberal arts background within the Psychology major. Many graduates enter advanced degree programs in counseling or related fields.

Minors are available to non-majors in
Psychology and Psychology of Human Development. The Psychology minor provides a general survey of the field. The Psychology of Human Development minor provides more focused study in areas of child, adolescent, and adult development.

Students are involved in various forms of research under faculty direction. Students present their research at the annual Psychology Research Symposium.

Many students report the internship to be an important part of their educational experience. For some, the internship leads directly to employment. The Psychology Department maintains relationships with a broad range of organizations that offer internships in counseling, other human services, health care, or business. Advisors work closely with students to plan the internship and ensure that the experience is successful.


Mission

We are a student-centered, academic department committed to teaching and learning about psychology and inspiring student appreciation of a life directed by personal growth and integrity. We prepare students for meaningful careers and personal lives, advanced study in psychology or related areas, and service to the community.


Vision and Values

The Psychology Program strives to live the principles of the Mansfield Creed: Character, Culture, Scholarship and Service and to be a place where:

  • Students are actively engaged and challenged as they learn about psychology.
  • We study, assess, and improve how we teach and how our students learn.
  • We pursue academic and professional goals with enthusiasm and integrity.
  • There are high standards of scholarship and student-faculty research.
  • We recognize the importance of service to others and shared leadership for improvement of the common good.
  • We apply learning about psychology to personal and career roles.

Department Goals

  • Ensure that students have a well-developed, contemporary understanding of psychology as an academic discipline and profession.
  • Promote engaged, state-of-the art learning in all our courses.
  • Set high standards for our scholarship and student-faculty research.
  • Assess student learning and improve our effectiveness as a department.

Learning Outcomes 

The curriculum is designed to ensure that students will be able to:

  • Summarize/describe the major concepts and theoretical models, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  • Manage information and related technology competently.
  • Think critically and apply a scientific approach to important issues related to behavior and mental processes.
  • Use and communicate the language of the discipline with clarity and precision.
  • Understand and apply research methods in psychology.
  • Communicate clearly, skillfully, and sensitively in a variety of formats and settings.
  • Understand the roles psychologists and students with majors in psychology often fill.
  • Describe and appreciate sociocultural and diversity issues
  • Describe the values that form the underpinnings of psychology and think critically about ethical issues.
  • Describe the major laws and regulations that affect professional practice in psychology and related areas.
  • Describe psychological principles as they apply to personal, social, and organizational issues.
  • Demonstrate insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes, including effective self-management and self-improvement.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement and community service.

Policies and Procedures

Careful advisement of students is a priority of the Psychology Department. All students must complete a thorough orientation to the major, and their subsequent studies are guided by a goal-oriented process. All students maintain a portfolio to assess their learning and guide their academic and professional development. The portfolio is submitted for final review in conjunction with the department’s Senior Seminar course.

All students in the major must obtain grades of C or higher in PSY 1101 and either PSY 1151 or PSY 3353 (whichever they take upon entering the major) to continue in the program. Students may retake these courses once to meet the standard. Those who fail to meet the standard may not continue in the major and will be advised in the selection of a new major.

To qualify for an internship, students must maintain a B average in the major.

To meet requirements for graduation as a Psychology major, students must (1) satisfy the University’s general education and degree requirements, (2) complete the Psychology course requirements, and (3) submit an acceptable portfolio.

Program Requirements: Psychology, (B.S.): 120 s.h.


Psychology, Counseling Concentration


The Counseling Psychology Concentration is for students considering careers in counseling or other applications of Psychology to helping people in clinical and human service settings.

Psychology, General Psychology Concentration


The General Psychology Concentration is for students who want a broad exposure to the sub-disciplines within Psychology. Majors in the General Psychology concentration may not choose a 2nd concentration.

Psychology, Lifespan Development Concentration


The Lifespan Development Concentration is for students interested in careers that focus on children or other age specific groups in the human lifespan. This concentration will serve as a strong foundation for those who want to pursue advanced studies in developmental psychology or in services to children, adolescents, or aging populations in schools and other applied settings.

Psychology, Mind/Body Health Concentration


The Mind/Body Health Concentration is for students interested in the interface between psychological and physical aspects of human beings. Students in this concentration might pursue careers in health applications of psychological science.

Total Credit Hours: 38 - 54


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