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  UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 2005 - 2007

Psychology (PS)

Professors: H. M. Murphy, T. R. Evans, E. v. Swenson, J. D. Larsen, D. W. Rainey,
B. A. Martin (Chair); Associate Professors: N. R. Santilli, J. H. Yost;
Assistant Professors: E. A. Thames, S. D. Young, D. Ben-Porath, A. A. Imam;
Visiting Assistant Professors: J. Ruthsatz; T. A. Frazier

Psychology is the scientific study of all aspects of behavior and experience. The concepts and methods of science are used in the description, explanation, prediction, and modification of behavior. Psychology is a broad discipline with ties to both the social and natural sciences. It provides a broad base for a variety of academic and professional fields, including psychological research, counseling, clinical psychology, social work, business and industry, medicine, human resources, and law. In addition, an interdisciplinary concentration in neuroscience is also coordinated through the Department of Psychology.

Major in Psychology: 36 credit hours. PS 101, 301, 301L; Group A: PS 318 (with 318L) or 326; Group B: one course chosen from PS 241, 261, 262; Group C: 351, 435, 457; Group D: one course chosen from PS 280, 332, 386. The remaining 18 hours are PS electives at the 200 level or above.

     PS 101 is the only 100-level course that may be counted in the major.

     At least 7 courses must be at the 300-400 level.

     No more than 6 hours of credit for courses at or above PS 480 can be counted toward the major.

     At least 18 hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University.

     A comprehensive examination, given during the senior year, must be passed by all majors in psychology.

     Required Support Courses: MT 122, 123 (minimum grade of C- required in each) and one lab science course. MT 122-123 should be taken by the end of the sophomore year. MT 228 or EC 205 may substitute for MT 122.

Minor in Psychology: 21 credit hours. PS 101, 301 (with 301L), plus one course from each content group (A, B, C, and D), and one elective at the 200 level or higher.


The Psychology Major

Psychology majors receive a firm grounding in the scientific aspects of the discipline. After completing the introductory psychology course (PS 101), majors may choose from a number of courses to gain a foundation in the core areas of the discipline. Once this foundation is achieved, students may move on to upper division specialty courses that add depth to students’ knowledge in psychology.
Psychology majors and minors are also required to complete coursework in statistics and psychological research. This training is essential for students to receive adequate preparation for either graduate study or a professional career in psychology or an allied discipline.
PS 101 is prerequisite to all courses at the 200 level and beyond in psychology, unless otherwise noted. PS 101 is the only 100-level course that may be counted in the psychology major. Majors may apply these courses to the University Core or general elective credit hour requirements. Check the listings in the schedule of classes each semester to see which courses may be applied to Division IV and other
University Core requirements.

Preparation for graduate study in psychology: Graduate study in psychology may take many forms. Students seek admission in many specialty areas, including clinical, developmental, school, experimental social, industrial/organizational, sports, comparative, neuroscience, experimental cognitive, school, or counseling psychology. The psychology major is also fine preparation for medical school, law school, business administration, or social work. Students planning to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or an allied discipline should seek a firm foundation in the core areas of psychology and obtain research experience through additional course work and independent study. The following courses are recommended for students planning graduate study: PS 241; PS 261 or 262 or 265 or 280; PS 301, 301L, 318, 326, 332, 401, 421, 435, 457, and 497N or 499. Students should plan early in their college career in order to complete the prerequisites for these courses. Students who are following specialized sequences within the major and plan on attending graduate school should consult with their sequence coordinator for completion of course requirements.

Specialized Sequences in Psychology: Psychology majors may elect to complete one of the two following sequences in applied psychology. These focused sequences were designed for students with specialized interests in either applying psychological principles in business or mental health settings. Students are encouraged to plan completion of a sequence early in their careers. Contact the sequence coordinator for details.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology: This sequence is intended for two groups of students: those who wish to pursue graduate training in I/O psychology and those seeking employment in I/O-related areas. Students will prepare for entry level positions in a variety of work settings that involve job analysis, staffing, training, and performance evaluation. Students should select their courses carefully and consult with the Department of Psychology early in their program. Course prerequisites must be observed. Note that a limit of ten courses may be taken in the Boler School of Business by non School of Business students. Those students planning to complete the I/O sequence with a business minor should take MT 122 (not EC 205). Requirements for completing both the I/O sequence and the psychology major are: all of the following: PS 101, 241, 301/301L, 359, 435, 459, 480C, 481C, two additional PS electives; one of PS 318/318L or 326; one of PS 280/280L, 332/332L, 386; four of MN 370, 373, 376, 353, CO 300, 305, EC 321, 33l. Those students planning to go to graduate school should take one semester of practicum and PS 401, in place of the second semester of practicum. Coordinator: Dr. Beth Martin.

Mental Health Services: This track is intended for two groups of students: those who plan on graduate study in clinical/counseling psychology or related fields immediately or shortly after graduation, and those who will be seeking employment in some area of human services immediately after graduation. Those planning to go to graduate school should follow strictly advice given above about graduate study. In most cases these students will do only one semester of practicum. Students planning to seek employment after graduation should consider doing two semesters of practicum, either at one setting or two. Requirements for completing both the mental health services sequence and the psychology major are as follows: PS 435, 457, 462, 471, 482C or 483C, 490A; one course chosen from PS 261, 262, one of PS 280/280L or 332/332L; one of PS 318/318L or 326; and at least one additional PS elective. Coordinator: Dr. David W. Rainey.


Interdisciplinary Concentration in Neuroscience

This interdisciplinary concentration is coordinated by the Department of Psychology. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and the behavior of higher animals. The program and the required courses are described in the section of this Bulletin on “Interdisciplinary Concentrations,” page 81. Coordinator: Dr. Helen M. Murphy.


Interdisciplinary Concentrations

In addition to Neuroscience, the Department of Psychology participates in the following interdisciplinary concentrations: Aging Studies and Perspectives on Sex and Gender (see pages 81-88).

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