Psychology (B.A.)
A degree in psychology from Bloomsburg University gives quality students an appropriate background for graduate study and research in all areas of the discipline. It also offers qualified students a broad range of career possibilities with the potential for employment in settings such as clinics, counseling centers, hospitals, community human service agencies, educational institutions, research organizations or businesses.
About half of the department's graduates continue their education in graduate programs and the university enjoys a good placement reputation.
Factors suggesting a probability of success in the program for students considering Bloomsburg include strong reading, abstract thinking and analytical skills and a strong desire to understand fundamentals of behavior and cognition.
All classes for the major are taught by faculty who have earned doctorates in their specialty.
Students in the major are expected to demonstrate a firm grounding in basic statistics and in experimental methodology and research, thus allowing them to excel in advanced theory and content courses.
Program strengths
- Commitment to a strong undergraduate psychology major and minor program; all courses for the major are taught by faculty possessing terminal degrees in psychology (Ph.D.). Within the Psychology Department 94% of all faculty possess a Ph.D. in their specialty.
- 36-hour major requirement, including statistics, experimental methodology and applications, advanced theory and content. Optional courses include independent research, practicum and teaching assistantship experiences.
- State of the art computer hardware and software for student use, faculty research, laboratory needs, classroom, and secretarial support.
- Many students are involved in faculty research.
- Many students are involved in practicum and/or teaching assistantship experiences.
- High student placement in career opportunities and graduate school programs.
- High enrollments, evidence of new students drawn to the program by our reputation for teaching excellence.
- Faculty maintain a high level of continuing education activity in the discipline, as demonstrated through presentations, publications, workshops, and conferences.
- High faculty involvement in service to the department, the university, and the community.
- Faculty routinely engage in opportunities to improve their teaching techniques
- Commitment to providing university-wide general education courses and to required courses for several programs, including Nursing and Education.
The successful Psychology Major will:
- Demonstrate Communication Skills: Oral, Written, and Interpersonal
- Understand Fundamentals of Psychology (Content and Theories)
- Understanding Scientific Method, Quantitative Thinking, and Problem-Solving
- Apply Knowledge and Methods of Psychology to Diverse Situations
- Demonstrate Skills in Using Technology
- Become Curious, Active, Flexible, and Confident Learners
- Develop Ethical-Moral Sensitivity
- Integrate Knowledge of Psychology and Other Disciplines
- Be Prepared For the Next Transition in Life
The main focus of the psychology program is providing (a) quality undergraduate education for students interested in pursuing graduate study in psychology or direct entry into the work force in areas of applied psychology and (b) support courses for the university's general education curriculum, including courses required by other programs, such as Nursing and Education.
Specifically, the academic objectives of our program are designed to provide students who major in psychology with a strong foundation in statistics, experimental methodology and research, and advanced theory and content courses from various schools and systems within psychology. The psychology curriculum requires 36 hours of psychology courses comprised of a core sequence founded in basic psychological principles and upper level requirements from among a number of courses in specified areas.
With the guidance of an academic advisor who is a member of the psychology faculty, students can tailor a schedule of classes to meet their individual needs or interests.
As a psychology major, you'll begin with foundation courses in general psychology, basic statistics, and study experimental psychology methodology and applications, plus select courses in child psychology, adolescence, social psychology and adulthood and aging. You'll work with your adviser to organize general education requirements and elective courses to meet your interests and career plans.
In your junior and senior years, you'll choose courses from specific sets. These include cognitive psychology, psychology of learning and behavioral neuroscience; abnormal psychology, developmental psychopathology and theories of personality; and psychological tests and measurements, community psychology, psychology of sex and gender, laboratory training in group processes, organizational psychology, and principles of behavior modification.
Capstone courses for seniors include choices from theory and practice of academic psychology, psychology of motivation, history of psychology, advanced experimental design, independent study and a practicum in psychology.
You can also opt for a career concentration in family, children and youth, designed to help prepare students for entry-level positions working with children, youth, or family services. Because of the wide variation in possible career objectives held by individuals entering the concentration, course options are extremely flexible. Courses and experiences are drawn from a variety of University faculties including Psychology, Sociology/Social Welfare/Criminal Justice, Exceptionality Programs, Elementary Education, Anthropology, and others. The program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours selected from a core emphasis, a content emphasis, a methods or skills emphasis, and a fieldwork experience. Options are available in each emphasis so that a personalized experience may be designed.
Students interested in on-site experience in a variety of psychological settings may complete a service-oriented practicum. Many practicum experiences have led to employment opportunities following graduation.
Students wishing to gain hands-on teaching experience and increased possibility of a teaching assistantship in graduate school may take a capstone course focused on college-level pedagogy and work as assistants in the team-taught mass lecture General Psychology course. (Note: The General Psychology course is the only mass lecture course taught in the Psychology Department.)
Facilities include an experimental psychology classroom, biofeedback equipment, a physiological laboratory, animal rooms and experimental labs and a statistics lab.