2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Psychology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization



Program Coordinator/Contact

Rebecca Martin, Interim Department Head
Department of Psychology
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4930
E-mail: rebecca.martin@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/psychology
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. The teaching specialization prepares students to qualify for certification to teach psychology in one of thousands of schools nationwide.  Students pursuing this specialization should contact the College of Education and Human Sciences before their junior year.

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 applied settings, such as internships, student research, or service learning.

Academic Requirements

Psychology does not permit the double use of courses in its major with a minor. All psychology courses that count toward the major must receive a C or better grade. 

Accreditation, Certification and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the PRAXIS II content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.

Course Delivery Format

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

Requirements for Psychology Major - Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

  • Natural Sciences  Credits: 10+
    • Any two lab sciences.
    • Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
    • MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.
  • AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) Credits: 3  
  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education 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.

Teaching Specialization Requirements


Additional Requirements


  • Students must also receive a “C” grade or better in  ,  , and   or higher.
  • There are GPA requirements for entry into and continuation within the teacher education program. For additional information please consult the Secondary Education Handbook.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120