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 Community Engagement in PY 485  and 3-hours of Interdisciplinary Studies requirements in IS 350 .

Psychology Core Requirements (27 - 30 credit hours)

• EN 112 - Composition II: Rhetorical Argument (3) (unless taken for Core credit)
• PY 102 - Orientation Seminar in Psychology (3)
• 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 371 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
• PY 425 - Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)
• One upper division PY elective courses (3)

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)

• PY 485 - Field Experience in Psychology (3)
• 12 credit hours of Psychology Electives, with at least 6 credit hours 300 level or higher

Mental Health Concentration (15 credit hours)

• IS 350 - Behavior & the Brain (3)
• 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 485 - Field Experience in Psychology (3)

Research Concentration (11 credit hours)

• IS 350 - Behavior & the Brain (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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• PY 498 - Senior Thesis (3)

• PY 498 must be taken twice

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:

1. General Psychology
2. Mental Health
3. 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.