Psychology Major

Faculty | Major | Minor | Course Descriptions | Other Departments

The major in psychology is designed around a broad liberal education whereby the learnings in the humanities and the sciences are integrated through an emphasis on the study of human behavior. Students in psychology develop an approach to learning based on empirical, objective methodology and statistical data analysis. These skills enhance critical thinking and permit theory construction and analysis. Students who graduate from this program are expected to have the knowledge base and the data analysis skills which would support graduate study in any of the specialty areas of psychology. They also should be well prepared for employment in positions which require understanding and motivating others. Examples of such employment areas include positions in personnel work, social service and mental health agencies, law enforcement, and sales.

The major program in psychology, which leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree, consists of 41 hours of course work in psychology, including PSYC 201, PSYC 202, PSYC 203, PSYC 301, PSYC 302, PSYC 304, PSYC 305, PSYC 306, PSYC 403, PSYC 402 or PSYC 404, PSYC 405, PSYC 407, and PSYC 410. To obtain a departmental recommendation for graduate study, the psychology major must also take PSYC 420.

The department also offers elective courses and supportive services to majors in other academic disciplines. In cooperation with the Department of Education, the Department of Psychology offers two graduate degree programs, leading to the Ed.S. degree in School Psychology and the M.A. in Community Counseling.

The Department of Psychology also sponsors the Psychology Club, which is open to all students interested in the study of human behavior regardless of their major. The club seeks to stimulate and maintain interest in scholarship and service and to promote closer social and intellectual association among students.

Psi Chi, the national honor society in Psychology, has a Citadel chapter open to undergraduate majors or minors with a 3.000 average who rank in the top third of their class. Psi Chi activities promote scholarship and research which prepare students for graduate school or other future endeavors in psychology.