Psychology

The Department of Psychology provides excellent preparation for careers in business, the helping professions, education, non-profit organizations, and industry, as well as for graduate studies in psychology, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and law. The Department promotes the study of critical reading, analytical inquiry, quantitative reasoning, and information literacy, with special emphasis on scientific literacy. Psychology majors develop an understanding of human behavior and valuable skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and information literacy.

A degree in psychology contributes to a myriad of life and social skills. It helps us understand ourselves, other people and the world around us. It fosters the development of sound analytical skills and scientific method. Psychology builds better communicators, collaborators, and leaders. It offers insights into the human condition, and a greater appreciation for development at all stages of life. The study of psychology can also be rewarding, fascinating, and enjoyable. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in psychological science and allows students to explore specific interests by choosing electives, internships and research experience.

Psychology students will be able to demonstrate understanding of psychology as science, including different research methods and how evidence is used to create knowledge in the field. Students develop knowledge of psychological principles and theories, and learn how to apply them. They also learn how principles and theories vary across populations and cultures. Students become familiar with and adopt professional standards in information literacy skills, communication skills, the conventions established by the American Psychological Association (APA) for documenting sources used in research papers, as well as APA ethical guidelines addressing respect for individual freedom and dignity.

Our emphasis on psychology as a science fosters the ability to determine the best methods to answer questions with empirical evidence, to construct hypotheses based on existing theory and empirical evidence, and to evaluate and apply evidence to relevant situations. Writing in the field of psychology is technical by its very nature. As part of their training in research methods and upper level topic courses, students develop the ability to write about complicated concepts, theories, and evidence in a clear and straightforward manner.

Contact

718.405.3251
pysch@umsv.edu
Founders Hall 422