Department of Psychology

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Mission

The Department of Psychology is committed to the mission, goals, and objectives of the University. The department prepares students for leadership in a global community through the development of their knowledge and skills in the history and theories of psychology, human development, and understanding of individual differences. Research and field experiences prepare students for graduate education and professions in psychology.

Goals

1. To provide a high quality education to students so that they are prepared to enter graduate or professional schools.
2. To prepare students for graduate studies by providing a general psychology experience that includes theoretical and practical knowledge about the discipline.
3. To provide a well-planned sequence of field experiences in diverse settings that enable students to relate professional knowledge to the understanding of self, others, societies, and cultures at large.
4. To create and foster an environment for research among faculty and encourage student research under the supervision of the faculty.
5. To maintain a rigorous program through expansion and continuous revision of the undergraduate curricula.
6.  To provide relevant service courses to the University community.

Description of the Department

The Department offers two degree programs in Psychology: a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA). These programs are designed to prepare students for graduate school in major areas of Psychology such as Clinical, Developmental, Experimental, and Social. Also, they meet the academic needs of students who are preparing for careers in health and education. Professionally-oriented courses, research experiences, practica, and close faculty-student mentoring are emphasized as a means of enabling students to reach their academic and professional goals.

Students who major in psychology may choose to pursue either the BA or the BS degree. The total number of semester hours required for an undergraduate degree in Psychology is 120. The BA degree program consists of 40 semester hours of psychology in combination with the study of a foreign language (12 semester hours).

The BS degree program provides intensive para-professional training in psychology. In this program, 52 semester hours in psychology provide students with skills in such areas as psychological measurement and research methodology, including computer assisted data analysis. Practical experience is gained through practicum placements in mental hospitals, social service agencies, counseling practices, government offices, research institutions, and other professional settings.

Psychology majors must earn a “C” or better in all psychology courses in their major program. After completing ENGL 101 and ENGL 102, Argument and Research and Expository Writing, students must take and successfully pass the Bowie State University English Proficiency Examination. Transfer students who completed their English composition requirements at another university must take the English Proficiency Examination during their First Semester of enrollment at the University.

Exceptions to, or substitutions for, the following major requirements are considered only through a formal process of departmental recommendations.

Programs

• Psychology, BS

• Psychology Minor

• Psychology, BA

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