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.
- Engage in Scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective use of research methods and statistical analysis.
- Strengthen community quality of life through ethically, socially and globally responsible behaviors that are interpersonally and interculturally responsive.
- Demonstrate competence in written, oral, active listening, and nonverbal communication skills that reflect psychological literacy and ethical use of technology.
- Demonstrate application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
Progression and/or Retention Criteria for Assured Seat Doctor of Physical Therapy Program:
All students in the four-year pre-professional curriculum must meet the following academic requirements prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree in order to be admitted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This includes all majors/concentrations approved by the University leading to the professional phase of the program.
Maintain an overall cumulative QPA of 3.00 or higher
Maintain a cumulative QPA of 3.00 or higher in all math/science prerequisite courses.
The cumulative math/science GPA is based on courses taken at SFU; BIOL 111, 205, 206, CHEM 113,114, PHYS 104,105, and STAT 205 (or EXPH 375).
Prerequisite grades below a “C” are not accepted. The student may, prior to the end of the spring semester of the senior year, retake up to two courses one time to achieve the minimum grade of “C.”
Complete 50 hours of documented observation or paid employment in at least one physical therapy setting, with two or more recommended, prior to the fall semester of the senior year.
Complete the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Overall and math/science cumulative QPAs will be reviewed at the end of each semester of the pre-professional curriculum starting with spring of freshman year to assess progress towards the attainment of entrance requirements for the professional phase of the program.
QPAs are evaluated as reported by the student’s Saint Francis University transcript. Transfer credits are accepted but not included in the QPA calculation.
Cumulative and prerequisite QPAs will be reviewed at the end of senior year to determine matriculation into the DPT program.
Students who do not achieve the required admission progression standards for a guaranteed seat may apply for admission and be considered with the external applicant pool.
A seat in the professional curriculum of the physical therapy major is not guaranteed for a student who does not meet these admission progression standards. Students should work closely with their advisors to review their academic progress and to make a plan to meet admission progression standards or select a new major if they are not meeting requirements for matriculation into the DPT program.
Capstone Requirement:
The Senior Capstone requirement is completed when three credits have been earned with a C grade or better by taking PSYC 398/399(Internship) or PSYC 407 or PSYC 487 (Independent Study)
Total Credits Required:
128 credits minimum
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