Psychology (B.A.) - J, O

Program Description

Programs in the Northern Vermont University-Johnson Department of Behavioral Sciences explore the ways humans behave, both as individuals and as groups, and the impact of this behavior on society. Each major provides a different lens through which to view these topics. Anthropology examines cultural differences and similarities; sociology examines the relationships and interactions between humans and social structures; psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior and the mind.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge in psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral phenomena. Students completing foundation courses should demonstrate breadth of their knowledge and application of psychological ideas to simple problems; students completing a baccalaureate degree should show depth in their knowledge and application of psychological concepts and frameworks to problems of greater complexity.

2. Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods. Students completing foundation-level courses should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena; students completing a baccalaureate degree should focus on theory use as well as designing and executing research plans.

3. Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. Students completing foundation-level courses should become familiar with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology and begin to embrace the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in work settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should have more direct opportunities to demonstrate adherence to professional values that will help them optimize their contributions and work effectively even with those who do not share their heritage and traditions. This domain also promotes the adoption of personal and professional values that can strengthen community relationships and contributions.

4. Communication: Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills. Students completing foundation- level courses should be able to write a cogent scientific argument, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity. Students completing a baccalaureate degree should produce a research study or other psychological project, explain scientific results, and present information to a professional audience. They should also develop flexible interpersonal approaches that optimize information exchange and relationship development.

5. Professional Development: The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation. Foundation-level outcomes concentrate on the development of work habits and ethics to succeed in academic settings. The skills in this goal at the baccalaureate level refer to abilities that sharpen student readiness for post baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school. These skills can be developed and refined both in traditional academic settings and in extracurricular involvement. In addition, career professionals can be enlisted to support occupational planning and pursuit. This emerging emphasis should not be construed as obligating psychology programs to obtain employment for their graduates but instead as encouraging programs to optimize the competitiveness of their graduates for securing places in the workforce.

Psychology Programs at NVU-Johnson

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mind. Students in the B.A. in Psychology program explore a wide range of theories concerning human behavior, development, thought, emotion, learning, intelligence, personality, group dynamics and abnormal behavior. Through coursework, fieldwork and research opportunities, students apply the knowledge gained in class to the real world and are encouraged to use what they learn toward understanding themselves and their relationships. Students have the opportunity to work as research assistants during the school year and in the summer. An internship is required. Elective options help students explore career possibilities, such as working with the chronically mentally ill, with children and families, and in the areas of organizational psychology, addictions, art therapy, forensic psychology and more. However, the study of psychology provides excellent preparation for careers not only in psychology, but in any field in which an understanding of human behavior is useful.

Learning Outcomes

The B.A. in Psychology is designed to produce students who graduate with a strong understanding the field of psychology, how it relates to interpersonal communication and behavior, and the practical application of this knowledge and skill set.

Psychology Core Curriculum at NVU-Johnson (29 credits)

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 1035 - The Psychology Major Credit(s): 1
PSY 2040 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 2070 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 2410 - Research Methods in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3010 - Theories of Personality Credit(s): 3
PSY 3025 - History of Modern Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3070 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4010 - Biological Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4770 - Senior Seminar in Psychology Credit(s): 1
PSY 4810 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-12 (Minimum of 3 credits required)
MAT 2021 - Statistics Credit(s): 3
* Psychology internships must be a minimum of 3 credits, and they must be arranged the semester prior to which they are to occur and included in the plan of study. The required internship must be taken concurrently with the Senior Seminar. Students completing the Health & Sport Psychology concentration must complete their internship in an area/setting relevant to health and sport psychology.

Psychology Electives at NVU-Johnson (choose 15 credits)

PSY 3035 - Social Stigma Credit(s): 3
PSY 3045 - Social Development Credit(s): 3
PSY 3230 - Psychology of Gender (J) Credit(s): 3
PSY 3235 - Evolutionary Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3250 - Multicultural Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3330 - Psychology of Addictions Credit(s): 3
PSY 3345 - The Psychology of Groups Credit(s): 3
PSY 4035 - Forensic Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4090 - Modern Controveries in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4110 - Creative Therapies Credit(s): 3
PSY 4151 - Counseling Theory & Practice Credit(s): 3
PSY 4250 - Animal Behavior & Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4330 - Introduction to Clinical Skills Credit(s): 3
PSY 4340 - Fundamentals of Community Mental Health Credit(s): 3
PSY 4760 - Topical Seminar in Psychology Credit(s): 3 *
PSY 4810 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-12
PSY 4910 - Independent Study in Psychology Credit(s): 1-12
AHS 3230 - Physiology of Exercise Credit(s): 4
AHS 4025 - Health Behavior: Change & Adherence Credit(s): 3
AHS 4030 - Psychology of Sports & Exercise Credit(s): 3
AHS 4110 - Psychophysiology of Stress Credit(s): 3
ANT 3130 - Culture & Personality Credit(s): 3
ANT 4010 - Anthropology of Death Credit(s): 3
BIO 3160 - Animal Behavior Credit(s): 4
SOC 3060 - Sexuality & Intimacy Credit(s): 3
SOC 4010 - Family Violence Credit(s): 3
* Different topics rotate through the course; each may be taken for elective credit toward the major.

Total: 44 credits

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

Search form