Psychology and Human Services

Joshua Carpenter, Assistant Professor
Rhonda Korol, Associate Professor
Ronald Rossi, Professor
Patricia Shine, Assistant Professor
Lori Werdenschlag, Professor

B.A. Psychology
B.S. Human Services
Minor: Psychology
Minor: Human Services
Liberal Studies Concentrations (see Liberal Studies)

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Psychology Department is to prepare students with strong theoretical and experiential components for graduate work or entry-level human service and psychology positions where they will apply a broad base of knowledge and ethical principles and use a range of appropriate skills, techniques, strategies, and technologies.

Common Program Goals

The goals of the Psychology Department programs rest on the assumption that the advancement of knowledge improves human and social values and that the acquisition of knowledge and personal growth can be validated and assessed. Although the goals for the Psychology and Human Services degree programs differ in content and application, the two majors share a common core of courses and overall goals. The differences between the two lie primarily within content and outcomes. For Psychology majors, the emphasis is on the attainment of knowledge, and analytical skills with the goals of understanding and conducting research and attending graduate school. Human Services majors acquire academic and professional skills in a more applied program, and its goals involve working with people in a variety of business, social service agency, and educational settings. The Human Services Program also prepares students for entry into graduate programs in social work. Thus the Psychology Department’s program, curriculum, and policies are designed to achieve the following goals:

Theoretical knowledge: understand and articulate the social, cultural, physiological and research principles, concepts, and theories of psychology
Analytical skills: be able to research, analyze, interpret, synthesize, and apply research, theory, and practice
Problem solving: acquire and implement appropriate techniques and responses for problem solving, surviving, and flourishing in the professional world
Ethical behavior: appreciate the ethical and legal issues involved in human services and adhere to the ethical standards of the profession
Professional competence: develop a level of professional competence and skills through the integration of academic and work-based experience, and recognize the need for ongoing professional development and consultation
Personal development and self-care: strive to function as a self-aware, well-integrated individual who has insight, compassion, self-discipline, and the ability to communicate and interact with others in an effective manner
Social responsibility: commit to help shape and articulate a social agenda for the community and society
Systemic connections: become aware of cultural diversity, sociopolitical issues, and their interconnectedness with the development of the individual within society.

Program Assessment

The Psychology Department assesses its program goals in a variety of ways. Surveys are periodically sent to recent graduates, and the responses to the surveys guide program development and curricular change. Graduate school enrollment and job placement of alumni are also used as part of program assessment. Psychology faculty participate annually at national conferences for human services, social work, and the teaching of psychology. Participation at such conferences allows faculty to stay informed about national standards and changes in respective fields. Our faculty are also involved in fieldwork, research, private practice, and community service, all of which provide insights into the relation between community needs and our program.

Special Requirements for Acceptance to the Major

Students intending to take PSY 2811, Field Work I, need to request departmental approval and sign a liability waiver form prior to registration. Approval for field work placement is contingent upon the student’s academic progress and potential for success in the fields of human services and psychology. Any student who has committed unprofessional or unethical practices may not be considered for field work placement or acceptance to the major. Prior to the completion of 60 credits students must successfully complete PSY 1040, PSY 2811, PSY 2812 and apply for acceptance to the major. Requirements for acceptance to the psychology major include a 2.0 GPA, satisfactory academic progress in the General Education Program, recommendation of two psychology department faculty members as well as the development of interpersonal skills for success in the profession.

Double Major

Students may obtain a double major in Psychology and Human Service by completing the core requirements (17 credits), and the concentration requirements for Psychology (18 credits), the concentration requirements for Human Services (18 credits), and an additional 12 credits from the list of recommended courses at the 3000-4000 level. A total of 68 credits is required to complete the double major. Courses required in a concentration cannot be used as elective credits for the double major.

The Programs

Students will choose one of the following areas:

The Psychology program is the recommended preparation for graduate study in psychology;
The Human Services/Counseling program is directed toward entry into the human services field, or graduate work in counseling or social work.

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