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
Liberal Arts, Social Science
Core Designations
Psychology majors will meet 3-hours of Community Engagement in PY 485 and 3-hours of Interdisciplinary Studies requirements in IS 350 .
Psychology Core Requirements (27 - 30 credit hours)
Psychology Concentrations
Students must choose one of the following concentrations to complete their degree. Students are limited to one concentration unless they choose to concentrate in both mental health and research, but a minimum of 8 credit hours must be unique between the concentrations.
General Psychology Concentration (15 credit hours)
Mental Health Concentration (15 credit hours)
Research Concentration (11 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 four areas of concentration, each designed to prepare students for their future goals:
- General Psychology
- Mental Health
- Research
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.
Outcome 6. Social Responsibility
Students will understand issues of social justice and compassion through the lens of psychological science, and will be able to apply psychological principles to “serve the dear neighbor without distinction.”
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.
