Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 University Catalog 
    
2015-2016 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, Department of


 

Department Chair

Eriko Self

Department Office/Website

Humanities 830M
657-278-3514
psychology.fullerton.edu

Faculty

Sawssan Ahmed, Kristin Beals, Michael Birnbaum, Melinda Blackman, Iris Blandon-Gitlin, Barbara Cherry, Russ Espinoza, David Gerkens, Aaron Goetz, Briana Horwitz, Richard Lippa, William Marelich, Jack Mearns, Mindy Mechanic, Lisa Mori, Douglas Navarick, Angela Nguyen, Yuko Okado, Nancy Panza, Jessie Peissig, Kathleen Preston, Christine Scher, Nancy Segal, Eriko Self, Sue Sy, Jennifer Trevitt, Laura Zettel-Watson

Introduction

Psychology is a science whose central theme is the study of behavior. Psychology involves studying how we interact with one another and our environment. Psychology is practical; it is concerned with improving our quality of life. To achieve these ends, psychologists work in a broad range of research and applied settings. The psychology major is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the main fields of psychology and the methods used in psychological research. The major is also designed to assist students in selecting elective courses in an area of the students’ interest. These specialty areas might include clinical/community, social, developmental/child/aging, industrial/organizational, learning/cognitive, biopsychology/health psychology and legal/forensic psychology. The major provides a basis for careers in a variety of psychology-related occupations, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, businesses and public organizations. The major also prepares students for graduate training in fields such as: psychological research; clinical psychology; marriage, family therapy; teaching; social
work; law; business and management; and public administration.

All students who declare psychology as their major should meet with one of the undergraduate advisers (Humanities 830J, 657-278-3102) during their first semester to develop a study plan. Students should also download the Psychology Department Student Handbook and Careers for Psychology Majors from the department website. Early consultation with an adviser is especially important.

Community College Transfer Students: A maximum of nine lower-division units of psychology courses may be applied toward the 41 units required for the psychology major. The nine units must fit the course description requirements listed in this catalog for PSYC 101 , PSYC 201  and PSYC 202 . Additional lower-division units taken in psychology at a community college and approved by the university may be used as university electives for graduation.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in Psychology:

Students will demonstrate familiarity with major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends

  • Apply psychological theory to scientific questions and real-world problems

Students will understand and apply basic research methods, including research design, data analysis and interpretation

  • Apply psychological theory to scientific questions and real-world problems
  • Manage data and analyze data using appropriate statistical methods

Students will use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and the scientific approach

  • Identify appropriate basic research methods to test hypotheses empirically
  • Apply psychological theory to scientific questions and real-world problems

Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues

  • Apply psychological theory to scientific questions and real-world problems
  • Analyze psychological research and theory in relation to their own personal development
  • Identify how diversity impacts individual and social behavior

Students will weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically and reflect other values underpinning psychology

  • Find and evaluate relevant literature
  • Employ appropriate ethical principles in psychological settings

Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes

  • Demonstrate proficient writing skills, including scientific writing in APA style
  • Manage data and analyze data using appropriate statistical methods

Students will communicate effectively

  • Demonstrate proficient writing skills, including scientific writing in APA style

Students will understand the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity

  • Identify how diversity impacts individual and social behavior

Students will show insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes

  • Apply psychological theory to scientific questions and real-world problems
  • Analyze psychological research and theory in relation to their own personal development
  • Identify how diversity impacts individual and social behavior

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

    Bachelor of ArtsMaster of ArtsMaster of ScienceNon-Degree