Psychology

Chair: Dr. Sara King

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental process. The psychology program at Saint Francis University is structured to ensure that students are exposed to both the natural science and social science aspects of the field: students are introduced to psychology’s multiple theoretical perspectives regarding the role of biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, learning, and sociocultural variables in human behavior. The program involves students in the study of the traditions, questions, and debates which have helped shape the modern multiple visions of the discipline.

A degree in psychology is designed to enable students to pursue a variety of postbaccalaureate alternatives including employment, graduate school, or professional school. Students of psychology acquire skills in research, writing, statistical analysis, synthesis of information, the use of information technologies, and creative and critical thinking — skills applicable to a wide variety of careers. Through the completion of a minor in a related field, a psychology student at Saint Francis has the unique opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills from other disciplines which are especially pertinent to his or her specific educational and career goals. A major in psychology also provides qualified students with an opportunity for independent research, placement in a wide variety of internship settings and other community- based learning opportunities, as well as study abroad.

The Saint Francis University psychology program is structured to help students understand psychology as a science, a profession, and a means for promoting human welfare. The curriculum, which addresses issues related to diversity, social responsibility, values, and ethics, is formulated to facilitate students’ capacities to understand the ways in which the study of psychology can enable them to improve the communities to which they belong.

DEGREE OPTIONS: Students who major in psychology can choose from a number of degree options. Many students who have future plans for graduate education in any of a variety of fields will find the maximum flexibility of either the general SFU Psychology B.A. or B.S. to best meet their goals.* Similarly, those who plan to seek immediate post-baccalaureate employment in fields related to social services, business, government, or the non-profit sector, are likely to find that these SFU degree options are ideal: They give you broad opportunity to develop an array of competencies during your tenure at SFU.  Students who intend to seek co-admission to complementary SFU pre-professional programs such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or education are also likely to find one of the general B.A. or B.S. Psychology degrees described above to be a good fit. 

OPTIONS FOR FOCUS: Some SFU Psychology majors, however, may wish to concentrate their coursework in Psychology to maximize skill development in research or, alternatively, to emphasize understanding and experience in the area of pre-clinical/counseling psychology. A focus on research or pre-clinical/counseling psychology is likely to be of particular interest to students who plan to seek admission to graduate programs in Psychology.

Research Focus: Students who choose to focus their work in Psychology on Research must complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology OR a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as described above. Within the context of their major requirements, students choosing a research focus should complete  PSYC 201 , PSYC 202 ; one Special Topics Seminar (based on advisor recommendation) selected fromPSYC 421 , PSYC 422 , PSYC 423 , PSYC 424 , PSYC 425 , PSYC 426 , PSYC 427 , PSYC 428  , PSYC 429  or PSYC 430 ; and a Research Seminar (PSYC 415 , PSYC 416 , PSYC 417 , PSYC 418  or PSYC 419 ) or 4-6 credits of PSYC 501 .

Pre-Clinical/Counseling Psychology Focus: Students who choose to focus their work in Psychology on Pre-Clinical/Counseling Psychology must complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology OR a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as described above. Within the context of their major requirements, students choosing to focus on Pre-Clinical/ Counseling Psychology should complete PSYC 204 , PSYC 205 , PSYC 322  or PSYC 323 , PSYC 398 , PSYC 399 , PSYC 406 , PSYC 407 , and one Research Seminar, selected from Psychology PSYC 415 , PSYC 416 , PSYC 417 , PSYC 418  or PSYC 419 .

*Students who plan to seek admission to a graduate program in Psychology are STRONGLY urged to complete a research project that is suitable for presentation or publication by completing the Research Focus, the Pre-Clinical/Counseling Psychology Focus, or independent study.