Psychology - B.S.

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
PSYC1001Introductory Psychology3
PSYC1020Introduction to Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology3
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC2030Developmental Psychology3
PSYC3001Social Psychology3
PSYC3010Personality3
PSYC3040Introduction to Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology3
PSYC4200Cultural Psychology3
RSCH2050Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills3
RSCH4050Research Seminar in Psychology3
Major Electives
Choose six of the following (No more than two SOC-designated courses): *18
Criminology
Counseling Theories and Techniques
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
Psychology of Conflict Resolution
Sociology of Aging
Social Issues in Contemporary America
Deviant Behavior
Applied/Experiential Learning
Choose 6 credits from the following: **6
College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic
Directed Experiential Education D
Undergraduate Research Experience
Study Abroad Sa
A&S Core Experience
Communications Foundation Courses9
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition II
Communication Skills
Integrative Learning6
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level
Arts and Humanities6
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL, or REL
Mathematics6
A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement)
Statistics I
Introduction to Biostatistics
Science3
Choose one of the following:
Introduction to Life Science
Nutrition
Anatomy and Physiology
Social Sciences6
Sociology I
One course from ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC or RES
A&S Electives6
Two courses with an EASC attribute
Free Electives #
24 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university24
Total Credits120.0
*

Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

**

In lieu of an internship, directed experiential education, research course, or study abroad, students may use the Applied/Experiential Learning credits towards a minor.

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.

Internships will be available but they will not be required. For online students who do not wish to register for an internship, 3000+ level college discipline-specific courses can be taken in place of the internship.

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!