Developmental Psychology

in neuroscience, careers across a wide range of industries including health care, or post-graduate education in a wide range of related fields.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

LEARNING GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Learning goals for psychology majors are based in the Principles for Quality Undergraduate Psychology Programs, a report put out by the American Psychological Association, which “recognizes the importance of undergraduate education in advancing psychology as a science, promoting human welfare, and fostering students’ growth and development,” (www. APA.org). Each goal is broadly articulated, with the recognition that the content, depth, and breadth of the course are dependent upon a number of factors (e.g., 1000–4000level).

1. Knowledge and critical engagement in psychology: Students will understand and can apply major concepts, theoretical perspectives (biological, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and social), empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. 2. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking:

Students will be able to engage in research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation. 3. Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world: Students will understand the importance of the APA Code of Ethics, apply ethical standards to evaluate and conduct psychological research, and understand the role of psychology in perpetuating and ending social and racial inequities in society. 4. Communication: Students will be proficient in written and oral communication in a variety of formats for educational and professional purposes. 5. Personal and professional development: Students will understand the links between personal and professional values, knowledge and skills, and academic and career goals.

To further articulate how each goal is addressed within the Psychology program course structure, Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are articulated for each course that is part of the major and minor. Bloom’s taxonomy was used as a framework for distinguishing the level of skill or knowledge expected within the given course. These levels are: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating and Creating. The student learning outcomes reflect both the Psychology program goals and the level of learning expected for each goal. The departmental goals and course-specific student learning outcomes are included in all course syllabi.

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

All Psychology majors complete a twosemester capstone experience in their senior year. Based upon their professional interests, students select from two courses: PSYCH4494-4495 Applied Internship I and II offers students the opportunity to engage in clinical or professional work at any number of institutions. Students are supervised by a qualified professional on-site, and attend regular class meetings with a faculty instructor. Students interested in research experience select PSYCH4282-4283 Research Internship I and II. This capstone option affords students the opportunity to engage in empirical research either at an off-campus research site or develop and implement an independent research project with a faculty advisor. Students are supervised and attend regular class meetings with a faculty instructor. Both capstone options meet the professional and educational needs of the students. Graduate programs and professional research positions expect or require significant applied experience. The two-semester