Psychology, B.A., B.S.
[Psychology—2001]
Psychologists assist people with a broad variety of needs. Psychology is both a science and a human service profession. Some psychologists do research with the goal of understanding people better. Many more psychologists work with people in a great variety of settings such as schools, clinics, and hospitals. Students wishing to study Psychology can elect to earn either a B.A. degree or a B.S. degree. The B.A. degree is also offered in a 3-Year accelerated format. A key distinctive of the B.A. and B.S. programs is the strong emphasis on the integration of Psychology and Christian theology. In addition, students also have the opportunity for "hands on" experience in an internship (Field Work) and/or in a Research Practicum. Students who choose to take Research Practicum typically become co-authors on at least one research project that will be presented professionally (at a conference or as a journal article). The B.S. degree is recommended for students seriously interested in eventually pursuing an advanced doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D).
Students in the Psychology program may choose to complete a track in one of the following areas:
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
- School Psychology/School Counseling
- Research/Social Psychology/Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
For more information on these tracks, contact the Psychology Department at (585) 594-6680.
SPECIFICS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY B.A. DEGREE
The B.A. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan provides students with a broad background in Psychology. Students learn to do basic research and beginning level skills for helping people. Graduates from the B.A. Psychology Program are prepared to do basic supportive counseling and behavior modification at pre-professional entry levels in agencies that serve such groups as troubled youth, the developmentally disabled, and the mentally ill. Graduates who wish to obtain employment at the professional level must plan on earning at least a master’s degree (M.A., M.S., M.S.W.) and must strive to obtain a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible for admission to these advanced programs. Those graduates who go on to master’s level training are prepared for such professions as school psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, occupational therapy, marriage and family therapy, industrial/organizational psychology, etc. In addition, some students use the BA degree as preparation for doctoral work in a variety of specialty areas in psychology.
At Roberts Wesleyan, B.A. Psychology majors frequently choose a second major or minor to enhance their job prospects, gain acceptance into graduate school, or broaden their education in high interest areas such as art, music, Christian ministry, religion, sociology, and criminal justice. All B.A. students are required to complete an internship and/or be involved in Research Practicum.
Minimum Total Hours: 124
Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 90
General Education Requirements: Per General Education list (see General Education Council). Exceptions: BIO 103 (preferred) or BIO 111 required for the lab science; the behavioral science elective, the mathematics elective, and the history, economics, or social sciences elective are not required since they are covered in the major.
Minimum Requirements: Overall GPA of 2.0; major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.
Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.
Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application form is accepted. Students should apply early in their junior year. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.
Major Requirements: 34 hours
- Introductory Psychology & Scientific Methods: PSY 101, PSY 309, and MTH 200;
- Developmental Psychology: PSY 201 or PSY 203
- Biological Bases of Behavior: PSY 307
- Learning & Cognition - one course: PSY 304 or 305
- Socio-Cultural Psychology - one course: PSY 306, 401 or 402
- Required Application Courses: PSY 450A and PSY 450B or 407
- Integration/integrative Learning: PSY 406
- Optional Application Courses to reach minimum of 34 hours: PSY 202, PSY 208, PSY 260, PSY 301, PSY 302, PSY 310, PSY 311, PSY 330
Special Notes:
- Students may take either PSY 201 or PSY 203, but not both. PSY 201 is highly recommended for the major.
- MTH 200 is a prerequisite for PSY 302 and 309.
SPECIFICS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY B.S. DEGREE
The B.S. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan places a much stronger emphasis on the scientific approach to the discipline and is designed specifically for students who wish to eventually pursue graduate education that is research-oriented and/or linked to doctoral study (Psy.D., Ph.D.). Students preparing for this advanced graduate study must strive to obtain a GPA well above 3.0, be involved in original research, and perform successfully on standardized graduate school admission exams (GREs) to be considered for admission to doctoral programs. While the B.S. program includes all of the coursework required for the B.A. degree, it also requires students to participate in all of the psychology laboratory course offerings as well as both research-based courses. This research/science focus will more fully prepare students for the rigors of graduate education, while also guaranteeing significant experience in research. Students are encouraged to participate in the Research Practicum course twice in order to increase their involvement in original research. Those graduates who go on for doctoral study in psychology will be prepared for professions in psychological research, college-level teaching and/or clinical practice.
Minimum Total Hours: 124
Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 60
General Education Requirements: Per General Education list (see General Education Council). Exceptions: BIO 103 (preferred) or BIO 111 required for the lab science; the behavioral science elective, the mathematics elective, and the history, economics, or social sciences elective are not required since they are covered in the major.
Minimum Requirements: Overall GPA of 2.7; major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C in the major.
Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.
Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application form is accepted. Students should apply early in their junior year. A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required for acceptance to the major.
Major Requirements: 51 hours
- Introductory Psychology & Scientific Methods: PSY 101, 302, 309, and MTH 200;
- Developmental Psychology: PSY 201 or PSY 203
- Biological Bases of Behavior: PSY 307
- Learning & Cognition: PSY 304 and 305
- Socio-Cultural Psychology: PSY 306, 401 and 402
- Required Application Courses: PSY 450A, 450B, and 407
- Integration/integrative Learning: PSY 403 and 406
- Optional Application Courses to reach minimum of 51 hours: PSY 202, PSY 208, PSY 260, PSY 301, PSY 310, PSY 311, PSY 330
- Recommended course: CMP 341.
Special Notes:
- Students may take either PSY 201 or PSY 203, but not both. PSY 201 is highly recommended for the major.
- MTH 200 is a prerequisite for PSY 302 and 309.
Accelerated 3-Year BA in Psychology
The accelerated program in Psychology allows students to complete the BA degree in just 3 years. Students in the accelerated program have the same curriculum as those in the traditional 4 year BA program. Completing the BA degree in three years provides substantial cost savings and allows qualified students to begin master's education a year early.
To be eligible for the accelerated program, students need to have at least 6 credit hours of Advanced Placement or college-level credits prior to their enrollment. In addition, students must be willing to take 17-18 course credits during the fall and spring semesters at Roberts Wesleyan. Summer coursework between years 1 & 2, and years 2 & 3 is also required, but can be earned at Roberts Wesleyan or transferred in from an institution near home.