Psychology Department

Psychology Program Goals and Outcomes

From APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, version 2.0

GOAL 1: Knowledge Base

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains

1.3 Describe applications of psychology

GOAL 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy

2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving

2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research

2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry

GOAL 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice

3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships

3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels

GOAL 4: Communication

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

4.3 Interact effectively with others

GOAL 5: Professional Development

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals

5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation

5.3 Refine project-management skills

5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity

5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

What jobs are available for psychology graduates?

• Case manager of mental health worker
• Researcher or data analyst
• Crime victim’s advocate
• At-risk youth worker
• Social services coordinator
• Human resources worker or recruiter
• College development worker

A major in psychology is intended to prepare students for employment in human services in baccalaureate-level positions and for graduate study in applied areas.

Recommended Optional Pathways for Psychology Majors:

For those interested in pursuing a career focused on working directly with clients (e.g., case worker, psychiatric aide, substance abuse counselor), we recommend exploring the following electives:

For those interested in pursuing a career focused on research or anything requiring graduate/professional school (e.g., physician, clinical psychologist, school psychologist), we recommend exploring the following electives: