Psychology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization

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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. 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.

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 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 - Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
and SGR #1 Elective Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity :
PSYC 101
and SGR #3 Elective with a different prefix Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 6

Institutional Graduation Requirements

Goal #1 First Year Seminar : Credits: 2
Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility : AIS/HIST 368 or AIS/ANTH 421-521 Credits: 3

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 10+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.
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

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.

Major Requirements

PSYC 202 - The Psychology Major (COM) Credits: 3
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Biopsychology Credits: 3
PSYC 375-375L - Research Methods in Psychology and Lab Credits: 4
PSYC 376-376L - Research Methods II and Lab (AW) Credits: 4
PSYC 409 - History and Systems of Psychology (COM) Credits: 3

Domain IV

Select two of the following. Credits: 6

PSYC 331 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology (COM) Credits: 3
PSYC 357 - Psychological Therapies Credits: 3
PSYC 358 - Behavior Modification Credits: 3
PSYC 389 - Pseudoscience and Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 427 - Child Psychopathology Credits: 3
PSYC 477 - Psychology Testing and Measurement (COM) Credits: 3

Teaching Specialization Requirements

AIS / HIST 368 - History and Culture of the American Indian ** (COM) Credits: 3 (IGR #2)
or AIS /ANTH 421 Indians of North America ** (COM) Credits: 3 (IGR #2)
EDFN 101 - Exploration of Teaching and Learning (COM) Credits: 1
EDFN 351 - Teaching and Learning I Credits: 1
EDFN 352 - Teaching and Learning II Credits: 3
EDFN 352L - Teaching and Learning II Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 453 - Teaching and Learning III Credits: 5
EDFN 453L - Teaching and Learning III Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 454 - Teaching and Learning IV Credits: 11
EDFN 475 - Human Relations (COM) Credits: 3
SEED 450 - Reading and Content Literacy (COM) Credits: 2
SEED 456 - Capstone/Action Research Credits: 1
Content Methods
(Varies by Content Area) Credits: 3-4

Additional Requirements

Students must also receive a “C” grade or better in
SPCM 101
,
ENGL 101
, and
MATH 102
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.