Program Requirements

Psychology

The unifying theme and goal of psychology is the understanding of individual human behavior in the context of our social, cultural and physical environment. Thus, the subject matter of psychology is central to the goals of a liberal arts education.

With its historical roots in philosophy and physiology, psychology continues to be an inherently interdisciplinary field. Psychology includes the study of brain-behavior relationships and adheres to the scientific method in its emphasis on empirical research; thus, in both content and methodology, psychology is viewed as one of the natural sciences. Psychologists explore fundamental questions concerning human motivation and values and, in so doing, also have strong ties with the humanities. As social scientists, our investigations include but are not limited to the laboratory study of humans and other animals; systematic study of human behavior and interaction often occurs in the community, workplace and clinical settings.

Our curriculum includes courses that provide grounding in the basic theoretical approaches and research methodology of psychology as well as a variety of courses and seminars designed to meet more focused interests, especially in areas of applied psychology. Often cited as the most distinctive strength of our department is the ï¿½real life laboratoryï¿½ available to students who wish to complete field research, gain practical experience and engage in internship programs at the Oregon State Hospital, Services for Children and Families, Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility and many other human service agencies located in Salem. Comparable practicum and internship programs typically are available only at the graduate level of study. The department also has a newly renovated Biopsychology/Human Experimental Laboratory, including networked computers, for use in individual research projects.

The majority of psychology majors ultimately pursue advanced degrees in psychology or in professional schools (e.g., business, education, law, medicine, social work, and theology). Some graduates choose to work in entry-level positions in psychology and other human service fields before applying to graduate programs. Students who have successfully completed internships clearly improve their prospects for being hired in such positions. Students who have, in addition, gained experience in conducting research, either in conjunction with an internship or by writing a data-based thesis, have a considerable advantage when applying for Ph.D. programs in psychology.

Students interested in pursuing a major or minor in Psychology must complete PSYC 210, Introduction to Psychology, as their entry level course. PSYC 105 and 130 are intended as general education MOI courses only and do not count toward a Psychology major. These courses are deliberately geared to non-majors.

Requirements for the Psychology Major (10.25 Credits)

Required courses for Psychology (3.25)

PSYC 210 (AR) Introduction to Psychology (1)
PSYC 252 (W; QA) Research Methods and Analysis I (1)
PSYC 253 (QA*) Research Methods and Analysis II (1)
PSYC 300 Orientation to Major Program Internship (.25)

One course in Biological and Psychophysical Processes (1)

PSYC 345 Biopsychology
PSYC 351 Sensation and Perception
PSYC 355 Cognitive Neuroscience

One course in Learning and Cognitive Processes (1)

PSYC 340 Psychology of Learning
PSYC 350 Cognitive Processes

One course in Developmental and Personality/Social Psychology (1)

PSYC 330 Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Childhood
PSYC 331 Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
PSYC 332 Personality Psychology
PSYC 336 Social Psychology

One course in Clinical and Applied Psychology (1)

PSYC 335 Abnormal Psychology: Adult
PSYC 337 Abnormal Psychology: Child/Adolescent
PSYC 338 (W) Techniques of Counseling
PSYC 341 Personnel and Industrial Psychology
PSYC 343 (AR; QA) Judgment and Decision Making
PSYC 348 Stress and Health
PSYC 354 (US) Psychology of Women and Gender

One course or seminar at the 400 level (1)

PSYC 430 Topical Seminar in Psychology
PSYC 431 (W) Topical Seminar in Psychology

One lab-based course in one of the following (1)

Note: Only courses in these areas that satisfy the Natural World Mode of Inquiry in the General Education Program will satisfy this requirement.

Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Physics
IDS 220 (AR/NW) The Body in Science and Society

Senior year experience (1)

PSYC 394 Major Program Internship I (.5) and
PSYC 395 Major Program Internship II (.5)

Requirements for the Psychology Minor (5 Credits)

PSYC 210 (AR) Introduction to Psychology (1)
PSYC 252 (W; QA) Research Methods and Analysis I (1)
Three additional Psychology courses, selected in consultation with a faculty advisor in the Department of Psychology (3)

Faculty

Susan M. Koger, Professor of Psychology, Chair
James R. Friedrich, Professor of Psychology
Meredyth Goldberg Edelson, Professor of Psychology
Anthony D. Hermann, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Deborah Loers, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Counseling
Loren K. McBride, Associate Professor of Psychology
Jeremy Miller, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Mark T. Stewart, Associate Professor of Psychology
Melissa Witkow, Assistant Professor of Psychology