Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, B.A.


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The B.A. in Psychology helps students acquire a broad-based knowledge in the field of psychology as an empirical science of human behavior. Overall, the B.A. in Psychology is designed for students who want to prepare in psychology or related disciplines for graduate study in fields where knowledge of human behavior would be beneficial or for baccalaureate-level careers in human services or in psychological support settings. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, methods of psychological inquiry, psychology processes and an evidence-based approach to the application of psychological principles to diverse areas of human behavior. The core foundation curriculum provides the student with the essentials of psychological science and thought. Culminating with the senior thesis, the core curriculum produces an integration of the student’s goals and objectives with psychology’s present and future. In addition to the core foundation curriculum, students pursue a curriculum of courses covering key psychological processes and applied areas of the field chosen in consultation with their psychology academic advisor. Students are also encouraged to complete elective courses that provide practical fieldwork experience and independent research projects. The Chapman University chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honors Society in psychology, is advised by psychology faculty and actively supports the development and maintenance of a curriculum high in quality and educational effectiveness.

Program Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plans for B.A. in Psychology.

Students pursuing the B.A. in Psychology are required to:

  • Earn an overall GPA of 2.000 for all required major courses.
  • Complete all courses in the major for a letter grade.
  • Complete all courses in the major with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete a minimum of 21 credits from upper division courses in the major.
  • Complete one of the senior project requirements.

psychological processes (15 credits)


one course from each of the following five groups

senior project (6 credits)


Psychology majors are required to choose and complete one of the following three options as a capstone project during their senior year.

option one: directed independent research project


A two-semester individual research study designed for psychology majors who possess the academic qualifications and intend to continue their education in an academic graduate program and intend to pursue and complete an independent, innovative investigation in psychological science under faculty supervision.

option two: senior thesis


A two-semester thesis-focused seminar for psychology majors who possess the academic qualifications and intend to continue their education in an academic graduate program. Must be taken in sequence of “a” in fall semester then “b” in spring semester.

option three: senior seminar in psychological topics


For psychology majors who intend to pursue nonacademic employment or practice-oriented post-degree studies and training (e.g., marriage and family therapist, certified chemical dependency counselor, licensed clinical social worker, etc.).

total credits 46


*MATH 203  may substitute for the PSY 203  requirement.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Suggested 4-Year Plan


Please consult the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program Sheet for a detailed overview.

 

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