Departmental contact:
Department Chair: Dr. Suzanne Black
Chair of Physical Therapy: Dr. Jessica Cammarata, jcammarata@francis.edu 814-472-3851
Program Description:
The Psychological Science program at Saint Francis University is grounded in the Goals of Franciscan Higher Education and the learning goals identified by the American Psychological Association. This program is designed to introduce students to natural and social scientific investigations of behavior and mental processes preparing students for their futures as responsible global citizens. The psychology curriculum engages students in research and scholarly activities, while also encouraging them to apply coursework in internships, study abroad opportunities, and/or community service. Graduates of the psychology program are prepared for entry-level employment in the social service field and for advanced study in graduate or professional schools.
The Psychological Science B.S. leading to Doctor of Physical Therapy (4+3 EXPT) program specifically prepares students to directly enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy program upon the successful completion of all program requirements after the fourth year. In this program, students may be admitted to the “assured seat” program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program based on meeting admissions criteria.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
- Demonstrate the skills involved in the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.
- Articulate and demonstrate the ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
- Demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrate application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
Prerequisites for admission into this degree pathway:
- Acceptance into the pathway
Students applying completing Standardized testing - SAT/ ACT
- SAT score of 1100 or higher in critical reading and math or an ACT composite score of 24 or higher;
- GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 with 16 academic units indicated below:
- 4 units of science including biology and chemistry; physics recommended but not required; 4 units of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; calculus recommended but not required; 4 units of English; 4 units of academic electives.
Students apply without completing standardized testing - SAT/ACT (Test Optional)
In addition to University admission requirements the program also requires the following:
- GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 with 16 academic units indicated below:
- 4 units of science including biology and chemistry; physics recommended but not required; 4 units of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; calculus recommended but not required; 4 units of English; 4 units of academic electives.
Capstone Requirement:
The Senior capstone requirement is completed 3-credits by taking PSYC 398/399 (Internship) or PSYC 407 or PSYC 487 (Independent study).
Total Credits Required:
128 credits minimum