Mar 19, 2024  
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology, Bachelor of Science


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Offered by the Department of Psychology
Professors Craig, Loher, Murray
Associate Professors Sechrist (chairperson), Verno
Assistant Professor Mayo



The Psychology Department offers a B.S. degree in Psychology with concentrations in General Psychology, Counseling, Lifespan Development, Mind/Body Health, Forensic Developmental, 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.

A Psychology minor is available to non-majors and provides a general survey of the field.

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 scholarship and student-faculty research.
  • Assess student learning and improve our effectiveness as a department.

Learning Outcomes 

The curriculum is designed to meet the following student learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge Base in Psychology:  Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology; Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains; Describe applications of psychology
  • Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking:  Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena; Demonstrate psychology information literacy; Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving; Interpret, design, and conduct psychological research; Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World:  Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice; Build and enhance interpersonal relationships; Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels
  • Communication:  Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes; Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes; Interact effectively with others
  • Professional Development:  Apply psychological content and skills to career goals; Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation; Refine project-management skills; Enhance teamwork capacity; Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

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, Forensic Concentration


The Forensic Developmental Concentration is for students interested in careers that focus the application of developmental psychology to legal issues.  This concentration will serve as a strong foundation for those who want to pursue advanced studies in forensic psychology or in services that are related to legal issues.

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: 39 - 60


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