Psychology - B.S.
Effective May 17, 2024 FYS1020 and CAR0010 will no longer be requirements in our undergraduate programs.
The Psychology bachelor's degree program offers students the opportunity to learn about and understand the complex relationships between human behavior and the world in which we live. This program also emphasizes awareness, understanding and appreciation for diversity, culture and global perspectives. This degree program incorporates career-related knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as opportunities for experiential learning, that prepare graduates for lifelong learning and professional success.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Apply key concepts, theories and research findings in the discipline of psychology to understand, explain and evaluate human behavior.
- Use creative and critical thinking to evaluate, interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research in accordance with ethical principles of the field.
- Integrate ethical practice, sociocultural factors and diversity considerations when addressing the needs of individuals in complex multicultural environments.
- Demonstrate written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required of psychology professionals.
- Articulate a plan to establish a professional identity, and to pursue professional development in the field of psychology.
Upon completion of the Counseling specialization (offered at the Providence and Charlotte campuses), graduates are expected to:
- Demonstrate effective counseling skills/techniques within a supervised clinical setting and explain the roles and functions of human service agencies within the community.
Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which psychological theories explain human behavior, professional and ethical practices, social and cultural diversity, and psychological research methods. Graduates are prepared to enter graduate school in a variety of psychology disciplines (e.g., counseling, clinical, industrial/organizational), or immediately enter the workforce in fields such as human resources, public affairs, business and the helping professions.
Psychology
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| PSYC1001 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC1020 | Introduction to Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC2002 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC2030 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC3001 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC3010 | Personality | 3 |
| PSYC3040 | Introduction to Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYC4200 | Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| RSCH2050 | Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills | 3 |
| or RSCH3020 | Honors Research Methods | |
| RSCH4050 | Research Seminar in Psychology | 3 |
| Applied/Experiential Learning & Major Electives or Specialization in Counseling Psychology | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following: * | 6 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Honors Directed Academic Experience | ||
Study Abroad Sa | ||
| Choose six of the following (No more than two SOC-designated courses): ** | 18 | |
| Criminology | ||
| Counseling Theories and Techniques | ||
| Introduction to Career and School Counseling | ||
| Introduction to Family Treatment for Addictions Counselors | ||
| Introduction to Case Management | ||
| Introduction to Crisis Intervention | ||
| Principles of Group Counseling | ||
| Counseling Techniques for Addictions and Other Behavioral Disorders | ||
| Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Industrial/Organizational Psychology | ||
| Psychological Issues of Substance Use Disorders and Compulsive Behaviors | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Motivation and Leadership in the Workplace | ||
| Criminalization of Mental Illness | ||
| Psychology of Conflict Resolution | ||
| Sociology of Aging | ||
| Social Issues in Contemporary America | ||
| Deviant Behavior | ||
| Or | ||
| Specialization in Counseling Psychology (24 credits) | ||
| Counseling Theories and Techniques | ||
| Introduction to Case Management | ||
| Introduction to Crisis Intervention | ||
| Principles of Group Counseling | ||
| Internship in Counseling Psychology (6 credits) | ||
Choose two of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Career and School Counseling | ||
| Introduction to Family Treatment for Addictions Counselors | ||
| Counseling Techniques for Addictions and Other Behavioral Disorders | ||
| Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 6 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL, or REL | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
or MATH2010 | Introduction to Biostatistics | |
| Science | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Life Science | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Sociology I | ||
or SOC2005 | Honors Seminar: Social Inequalities | |
One course from ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC or RES | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
| Two courses with an EASC attribute | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 24 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0 | |
- *
In lieu of an internship, directed experiential education, research course, or study abroad, students may use the Applied/Experiential Learning credits towards a minor.
- **
Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.
IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international, domestic, and digital options for major, minor, free electives, experiential learning, and transferable courses. There are many affordable options for students during a semester, winter session, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Premiere programs do not qualify for JWU scholarships or grants; however federal aid is available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!
Combined Degree Programs
- Combined Degrees: Psychology B.S./Addiction Counseling M.S.
- Combined Degrees: Psychology B.S./Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
- Combined Degrees: Psychology B.S./Public Health M.P.H.
J2 Program
The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications, and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II).
The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program, must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application.
Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).
Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
· Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
· Completed & registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
· Meet the individual course prerequisites
Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College Dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College Dean / designee will review and determine approval.
These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.
Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.
Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Please see the Accelerated Programs to see all accelerated program options.