Psychology, B.A.

Core Curriculum: 38 - 51 credit hours

Please review the Core Curriculum  page for course options.

Required Core Courses

Psychology majors must take the following liberal arts core courses regardless of whether the core is otherwise met:

Liberal Arts, Mathematics

• MA 155 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3)  recommended

Liberal Arts, Social Science

• PY 101 General Psychology (3)  

Core Designations

Psychology majors will meet 3-hours of the Community Engagement and 3-hours of Interdisciplinary Studies requirements by the following course:

Community Engagement

• PY 485 Field Experience in Psychology (2-3)  (General and Mental Health Concentrations only)

Interdisciplinary Studies

• IS 350 Behavior & the Brain (3)  

Psychology Core Requirements (27 - 30 credit hours)

• EN 112 - Composition II: Rhetorical Argument (3) (unless taken for Core credit)
• PY 208 - Lifespan Development (3)
• PY 216 - Social Psychology (3)
• PY 224 - Psychology of Communication (3)
• PY 261 - Psychological Statistics & Methods I (3)
• PY 262 - Psychological Statistics & Methods II (3)
• PY 425 - Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)
• Two upper division PY elective courses (6)

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• Choose One of the Following:

• PY 102 - Orientation Seminar in Psychology (3)
• CO 212 - Conflict Resolution (3)

Psychology Concentrations

Students must choose one of the following concentrations to complete their degree and may choose to pursue both the Mental Health and Research concentrations.

General Psychology Concentration (12 credit hours)

• 12 credit hours of Psychology Electives, with at least 6 credit hours 300 level or higher

Mental Health Concentration (12 credit hours)

• PY 201 - Personality Psychology (3)
• PY 210 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

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• Choose One of the Following:

• PY 332 - Health Psychology (3)
• PY 383 - The Psychology of Substance Use and Disorders (3)

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• PY 371 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

Research Concentration (14 credit hours)

• PY 371 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
• PY 498 - Senior Thesis (3)

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• PY 297 - Research Experience I (1) (2 credit hours) or
• PY 497 - Research Experience II (1) (2 credit hours)

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• Choose One of the Following:

• PY 333 - Topics in Applied Research Methods (1-4) (3 credit hours)
• PY 404 - Tests & Measurements (3)

Electives (minimum of 32 credit hours)

Technology Requirement

Computer competency will be deomonstrated by successful completion of PY 262  within the major.

Psychology (BA)

Psychology is the scientific study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Avila psychology majors learn to approach behavior at individual, family, and systems levels through coursework, research, and field experiences.

By developing a combination of interpersonal, analytic, research, and writing skills, psychology majors are in demand for a wide variety of occupations. Avila offers three areas of concentration, each designed to prepare students for their future goals:

1. Mental Health Concentration  - Designed for students interested in a liberal arts bachelor’s degree, who would like to better understand normal and abnormal human behavior. Students in this concentration typically find employment that utilizes their psychology skills, enter master’s level psychology or counseling programs, or enter other graduate programs in areas such as law, medicine, occupational therapy, or business.
2. Research Concentration  - Designed for students interested in pursuing a doctorate in psychology and/or a career in research. Students must apply for acceptance into the research concentration after completing PY 261  and PY 262 . Minimal requirements for acceptance into the research concentration include: (a) completion of six hours of coursework at Avila, (b) a 3.25 cumulative grade point average, (c) a “B” grade or better in PY 261 and PY 262, and (d) recommendation of their advisor.
3. General Concentration  - Designed for students interested in a flexible degree program.

The Psychology Club and Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society) support extracurricular activities, collaborative learning projects, and volunteer opportunities.

Outcomes

In addition to the general degree requirements, psychology majors must meet departmental learning outcomes aligned with five major areas identified in the American Psychological Association Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (Version 2.0).

Outcome 1.  Knowledge Base in Psychology

Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts, theories, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.

Outcome 2.  Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Students should develop scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.

Outcome 3.  Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

Students will apply psychological principles to communicate and interact effectively with members of diverse groups in various contexts. Students should develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings.

Outcome 4.  Communication

Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Outcome 5.  Professional Development

Students should develop psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Assessment

The outcomes for the psychology major are assessed through a combination of: (1) written and performance examinations and assignments as specified in the course syllabi; (2) self, instructor, practicum supervisor, and psychology faculty evaluations; and (3) completed projects assigned throughout the program.