| Faculty | BS Major | BA Major | Minor | Approved Courses |
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www.plu.edu/~psyc/
Psychology is a scientific discipline that seeks to understand human and nonhuman behavior. Psychology is also a profession that seeks to change behavior for the betterment of humankind. Through its curriculum, research activities, and use of community resources, the Department of Psychology provides students with a balanced exposure to psychology as a scientific discipline and profession.
The major in psychology (a) introduces students to scientific methods of psychology, to theories and research findings from the core areas of psychology, and to the history of psychology; (b) provides students with opportunities to explore advanced topics in scientific and professional psychology, conduct psychological research, and gain exposure to the practice of psychology in community settings; and (c) helps prepare students for postgraduate work in psychology or in related professions, such as social work, education, medicine, law, and business. The major is an excellent general preparation for employment in a variety of settings.
The psychology program is designed to meet the needs of a variety of students. To this end, two degrees are offered: the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Either degree provides a solid foundation in psychology, and either can serve as preparation for postgraduate study or employment. However, for those students who intend to pursue the doctorate in psychology following graduation from PLU, the Bachelor of Science degree is likely to provide an especially strong preparation. The Bachelor of Science degree is also an excellent pre-professional degree for those students who plan to enter the fields of dentistry, medicine (all branches, including psychiatry), public health, or veterinary medicine. Many in business, education, nursing, and social work find a double major with psychology to be a valuable addition to their training.
Faculty: Shore, Chair; Anderson, R.M. Brown, Ceynar, Graham, Grahe, Hansvick, Moon, Moritsugu, Taylor, Toyokawa.
- PSYC 101, 242, 499
- One of PSYC 310, 320, or 330
- One of PSYC 440, 442, 446 or 448
- At least two semester hours from PSYC 495, 496, or 497
- 16 semester hours of elective psychology courses
- STAT 232 (psychology class) and accompanying lab are required.
- PSYC 101, 242, 481
- One of PSYC 310, 320, 330
- Two of PSYC 440, 442, 446, 448
- One lab section selected from PSYC 441, 443, 447, 449
- At least two semester hours from PSYC 495, 496, or 497
- 14 semester hours of elective psychology courses
- STAT 232 (psychology class) and accompanying lab
- 20 semester hours in mathematics and natural science are required. Of the 20 hours, at least four semester hours must be in mathematics and at least eight semester hours in biology.
Those students who, after graduating from PLU,
plan to enter schools of dentistry, medicine, public health, or
veterinary medicine should note the specific pre-professional
mathematics and science requirements in the appropriate sections of
this catalog.
At least 12 semester hours must be taken in residence. If a statistics course is used as part of the 20-hour requirement, then it must be STAT 232 (psychology class) taught by a member of the psychology department.
The minor in psychology is designed to supplement another major in the liberal arts or a degree program in a professional school, such as business, education, or nursing.
PSYC 110, 111, and 113 do not count toward the major or minor.
A grade of C- or higher must have been earned in a course in order
for it to qualify as a prerequisite and to apply towards the major.
All Psychology majors are required to take a minimum of two semester hours of PSYC 495, 496 or 497.
Psychology majors are required to complete a
capstone project and present this project as part of PSYC 499 (for BA
majors) or PSYC 481 (for BS majors) at the Psychology Research
Conference held every term.