Psychology (PSYC)

Brad Woldt, Head
Department of Psychology
Scobey Hall 336
605-688-4322
e-mail: bradley.woldt@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Woldt, Head; Professors Emeriti Branum, Hillner, Norris; Professors Phelps, Spear; Associate Professors Martin, Nowell; Assistant Professor Jenson.

Programs

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology. Students interested in preparation for a specific area may pursue one of two emphases and one specialization. The emphases include graduate school preparation and psychological services. The specialization is the teaching specialization (preparation for secondary school teaching). The minimum departmental requirement for a psychology degree is 39 credits prefixed PSYC which include core courses of 101, 202, 210, 375, 376, and 409. In addition, courses from each of six Domains are required. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all Psychology courses. Minimum college and university requirements are given in the appropriate sections of this catalog. Advisers assist students to personalize curriculum plans.

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.

Teaching Specialization
The Teaching specialization in psychology prepares students to qualify for certification to teach in secondary schools. Students pursuing this specialization should contact the College of Education and Human Sciences before their junior year to obtain complete teacher education information and guidance. See Teacher Education (certification).