Psychology (B.A./B.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Rebecca Martin, Interim Department Head
Department of Psychology
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4930

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. Advisors assist students to personalize curriculum plans to meet career and educational goals.

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 and student research.

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.

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: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social 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

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements

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

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

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, Humanities & Social Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Major Requirements

PSYC 201 - The Field of Psychology Credits: 1
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 Credits: 4
PSYC 409 - History and Systems of Psychology (COM) Credits: 3 (Capstone)

Domain I

Select two from the following. Credits: 6

PSYC 301 - Sensation and Perception (COM) Credits: 3
PSYC 305 - Learning and Conditioning Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 406 - Cognitive Psychology (COM) Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 411 - Physiological Psychology Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 414 - Drugs and Behavior (COM) Credits: 3

Domain II

Select two from the following. Credits: 6

PSYC 324 - Psychology of Aging Credits: 3
PSYC 327 - Child Psychology Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 364 - Cross Cultural Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 367 - Psychological Gender Issues Credits: 3 ⁺

Domain III

Select two from the following. Credits: 6

PSYC 417 - Health Psychology (COM) Credits: 3
PSYC 441 - Social Psychology (COM) Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 451 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior (COM) Credits: 3 ⁺
PSYC 461 - Theories of Personality (COM) Credits: 3

Domain IV

Select two from 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 440-540 - Forensic Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 477 - Psychology Testing and Measurement (COM) Credits: 3

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	39 Credit Hours
Electives**	42 Credit Hours
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	39 Credit Hours
Electives**	44 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.