Psychology: BS

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding and a capacity to apply key theoretical orientations, major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to devise and conduct meaningful, viable research utilizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed designs.
3. Demonstrate orally and in writing the ability to discern, analyze, and evaluate information utilizing sound logic.
4. Apply psychological theories and scientific principles learned in the classroom to real-world settings.
5. Value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.
6. Demonstrate technological literacy and synthesize information gained through using computer search engines, accessing university library websites, and running computer programs.
7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate both written and orally with appropriate language for the intended audience.
8. Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of socio-cultural and international diversity.
9. Develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
10. Pursue realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings that meet personal goals and societal needs.

Training Model

The Degree Program in Psychology includes a common core curriculum across psychological disciplines and strives to prepare students to enter the workforce or to enter a graduate program. Recognizing the complexities within the field of Behavioral Health and Integrated Care, the Department has incorporated into the curriculum several critical components needed for integration of knowledge into practice: trauma informed practices, an ecological framework, transdisciplinary approach, rigorous standards of academia, and evidenced-based practices both in content and pedagogy (e.g. interactive and self-directed methods rather than didactic seminars). Three practical application components of the Department are as follows: 1. Field Placement opportunities, where students apply their knowledge and experiences completing 260 hours in total. Students’ may select two sites from any of our 300 available opportunities that align with their interests and skills; 2. The Capstone Course - a senior thesis, in which students integrate and synthesize what they’ve learned throughout the program through an independent research project. This applied research project will be on a topic of personal interest and often serves as the foundation of students’ master’s theses or doctorate dissertation; and 3. Students’ in their junior year may participate in one of multiple cultural immersion experiences including China and Mexico City, as well as other exciting countries.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Completion of 120 units, consisting of 60 lower division requirements and 60 upper division requirements.

Curriculum Plan

Courses are 3 units unless indicated otherwise.

Bridge Curriculum

Courses are 3 units unless indicated otherwise.

Psychology BS Program Faculty

Daniel Blumberg, PhD, Associate Professor

Dawn Griffin, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Director

Michelle Lopez, PhD, Assistant Professor

For a detailed description of program faculty background and research interests, please see the alphabetical listing of faculty .