Psychology
Faculty: Graduate School of Social Sciences
Psychology focuses on the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Students develop skills in understanding human cognition, emotion, and behavior, as well as research methods and statistical analysis. Graduates are prepared for careers in mental health, education, research, and various industries requiring psychological expertise.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of psychology and its applications.
- Develop skills in research methods, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
- Learn techniques for studying cognition, emotion, and behavior.
- Explore principles of developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
- Analyze and interpret psychological data and research findings.
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning skills for effective psychological practice.
Major Outline:
- Introduction to Psychology - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in psychology. Fundamentals of psychological theories, research methods, and applications.
- Research Methods in Psychology - Principles of research methods in psychology, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Techniques for conducting and evaluating psychological research.
- Cognitive Psychology - Principles of cognitive psychology, including perception, memory, learning, and problem-solving. Techniques for studying cognitive processes and mental representations.
- Developmental Psychology - Principles of developmental psychology, including lifespan development, growth, and change. Techniques for studying developmental stages and transitions.
- Social Psychology - Principles of social psychology, including social influence, attitudes, and interpersonal relationships. Techniques for studying social behavior and interactions.
- Clinical Psychology - Principles of clinical psychology, including psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Techniques for applying therapeutic interventions and managing mental health issues.
- Neuropsychology - Principles of neuropsychology, including the relationship between the brain and behavior. Techniques for studying brain functions and neurological disorders.
- Psychology Practicum - Practical experiences in psychology, including internships, research projects, and practicum placements in mental health clinics, research labs, or educational settings. Application of acquired skills in practical psychological scenarios.
- Psychology Capstone Project - A comprehensive project applying skills in research methods, cognitive psychology, or clinical psychology. Deliver a polished psychology project, research paper, or presentation.
Assessment Methods:
Research methodology reports, cognitive psychology studies, developmental psychology analyses, social psychology projects, clinical psychology case studies, neuropsychology research, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.
Recommended Textbooks:
- "Psychology" by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall.
- "Research Methods in Psychology" by Paul C. Cozby and Scott Bates.
- "Cognitive Psychology" by Robert L. Solso, M. Kimberly MacLin, and Otto H. MacLin.
- "Developmental Psychology" by Laura E. Berk.
- "Social Psychology" by David G. Myers and Jean M. Twenge.
- "Clinical Psychology" by John M. Oldham, Michelle B. Riba, and Andrew E. Skodol.
- "Neuropsychology" by Kolb & Whishaw.
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of psychology, statistics, and research methods. Suitable for students interested in the mind, behavior, and mental health.
Major Duration:
Typically a 4-year undergraduate program, including coursework, research projects, practicum, and internships. Further advanced degrees or certifications may be required for specialized roles.
Certification:
Graduates may earn a degree in Psychology and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as a Master's or Ph.D. in Psychology, or specialized certifications in areas like clinical psychology or neuropsychology.
Target Audience:
Aspiring psychologists, mental health counselors, researchers, educators, and individuals seeking careers in mental health clinics, educational institutions, research labs, and various industries requiring psychological expertise.
This major equips students with the theoretical, research, and practical skills needed to excel in psychology, supporting careers in mental health, education, research, and various industries.