2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Psychology Major


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Program Coordinator/Contact
Brad Woldt, Department Head
Department of Psychology
Scobey Hall 336
605-688-4322
E-mail: bradley.woldt@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/psych
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information
Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a tremendously broad field spanning subject matter from the biological to social sciences. The study of psychology prepares students for work in fields like health care, counseling, education, social work, human resources, statistics, probation and corrections, business, politics, public relations, and more. Psychologists are commonly found working in conjunction with other professionals to contribute to every area of society.  Students interested in a major in psychology may pursue the major with one of two emphases, graduate school preparation and psychological services.  Advisors assist students to personalize curriculum plans to meet career and educational goals.

Psychology Emphases
Students interested in preparation for a specific area may pursue the major with one of two emphases.

Graduate School Preparation Emphasis
The Graduate School Preparation Emphasis is designed to provide preparation for continued training in psychology at the graduate level. It establishes a strong foundation in principles of psychology, techniques for analyzing behavior and mental processes, the history of psychology and contemporary research. Students engage in hands-on research training and complete an undergraduate research project.

Psychological Services Emphasis
The Psychological Services emphasis is designed to provide preparation for employment working as a diagnostic and therapeutic aide or case manager in human service and/or nonprofit agencies with a Bachelor of Science degree. The program for this emphasis includes familiarization with standard assessment protocols and techniques of therapy, as well as a supervised senior internship.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and explain the scientific foundation of psychology; use and evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims.
  • Recognize the existence of universal and culture-bound psychological principles; exhibit sensitivity, appreciation, and respect for all dimensions of human diversity.
  • Demonstrate ethical knowledge and skills appropriate to level of experience and education.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theory and research central to the four basic content domains of psychology: biological, learning and cognition, life-span developmental; and sociocultural approaches.
  • Gain an appreciation of the application of psychological knowledge through experiences in applied settings, such as internships, student research, or service learning.

Course Delivery Format
Psychology courses are delivered at multiple locations (Brookings Main Campus and the University Center in Sioux Falls), and in multiple formats including face-to-face lecture, discussion, and laboratory courses, as well as online courses.

Requirements for Psychology Major: 120 Credits


 Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements*: 30


 

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


College of Arts & Sciences Bachelor of Science Requirements: 34


Bachelor of Science 

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications  and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Domain VI- Choose one from the following:


Lab courses must be taken concurrently with the corresponding lecture course.

Electives: 33-34


Total Required Credits: 120


Curriculum Notes


Courses used for the major or minor require a minimum grade of C.

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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