Department of Psychology

Kiesa Kelly, Ph.D., Department Chair
303 Clay Hall
(615) 963-5451

Faculty: J. Brooks, J. Campbell, J. Chatman, L. de la Mothe, J. Dossett, L.Guthrie, T. Gross, M. Hammond, K. Kelly, J. Lee, M. Lee, R.Oatis-Ballew, J. Popkin, M. Shelton, A. Sibulkin, J. Shive, S. Trotter, and T. Webb

General Statement

The philosophy of the Department of Psychology is embodied in the concept that psychology is a discipline that contributes to the understanding of human behavior and experience. The emphasis of the program is on the scientific study of behavior and practical applications of this knowledge.

The objectives are to provide undergraduate majors and minors with courses of study and related experiences that provide 1) A general avenue for increased understanding of human behavior, 2) A solid foundation for advanced study leading to careers in the fields of psychology, counseling, and guidance, or to study in the health professions, social work, and pupil personnel services 3) Training for bachelor’s level entry into careers in mental health services, industry, and human services, and 4) the ability to enhance the quality of one’s life and to relate more effectively with others.

As a scientific discipline, the Department of Psychology seeks opportunities for students to gain valuable research experiences in the field and further expand their understanding of various aspects of human behavior. Readings and Research courses (PSYC 4515/6/7) allow for students to conduct research with faculty members for course credit, Senior Project (PSYC 4500) allows students to design and conduct their own independent research project, while the TSU-NERVE (Neuroscience Education and Research Vanderbilt Experience) Program provides educational, research, and professional development opportunities, in partnership with Vanderbilt University, to support students interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in Neuroscience.

The Psychology major, as a participating WRITE Program, is committed to providing students with the opportunity to develop the written communication skills necessary to succeed in their discipline and vocation. Working in partnership with the WRITE Program, the Psychology Major builds on and promotes the transference of writing skills from the general education curriculum through specifically sequenced core courses.

Admission, Retention, Graduation

The undergraduate curriculum in psychology terminates in a Bachelor of Science Degree. All majors are required to take a total of 34 hours of psychology courses. Of this number, there are 16 hours of required psychology courses and 18 hours of elective psychology courses.

The required courses include PSYC 2010 (General Psychology), PSYC 2180 (Elementary Statistics) and 10 additional hours in psychology at the 3000/4000 level. The 10 hours of additional required coursework includes PSYC 3180 , PSYC 4110 , PSYC 4115 or PSYC 4116 , PSYC 4500 or PSYC 4820 . A total of 18 hours of psychology electives are required.

Majors must earn a grade of C or better in all psychology courses counted towards the major. Majors who receive a grade of D or F in a required psychology course must repeat and pass the course with a grade of C or better. When a course is a prerequisite for another psychology course, a grade of C must be earned in the course before taking the psychology course for which it is a prerequisite.

Majors are required to participate in performance evaluation measures (taking various tests, responding to inquiries) designated by the Department, College or University.

Bachelor’s Level Employment

Students planning to seek employment in the mental health services area with the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology should enroll in Field Placement, PSYC 4360 , (after completing course prerequisites) or in other internship opportunities. They should also consider declaring a minor (or if this is not possible, taking equivalent course work) in non-profit management, social work, criminal justice, or sociology. Students who plan to seek employment in the area of business should consider a minor in Business.

Degree Requirements (Overview)

Psychology Major Requirements

In addition to the General Education Core, psychology majors complete 16 hours of required courses (General Psychology 2010 plus a research track), and 18 hours of Block electives. See details below.

Psychology Minor Requirements

Students who minor in psychology complete General Psychology 2010 plus 18 additional semester hours of psychology

Social Science Concentration Requirements for IDC Majors

A student may elect to pursue a social science major with a concentration in psychology (see Arts and Science Interdisciplinary Degree Program in this catalog for a detailed description). Students in this program may design a course of study comparable to the educational background provided through the psychology major while at the same time tailoring it to their specific goals and interests.

Requirements to Teach Psychology in Secondary Schools

Students seeking endorsement to teach Psychology at the high school level must:

Be licensed in a specialty area of Social Studies (Admission to Teacher Education Program is required; see section on Teacher Education Admission and Retention in this catalog)
Major in History or Political Science;
Minor in Psychology (PSYC 2010 and 18 Upper Division Hours in PSYC);
Have the enhanced student teaching experience in the secondary school and middle school (Documentation of current professional liability insurance is required.)
Successfully pass the Praxis II Series Examinations: Principles of Learning and Teaching Test (PLT 7-12) and Specialty Area Test for Psychology

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

become familiar with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
gain an understanding and ability to apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
develop respect and ability to think critically and creatively, to make a skeptical inquiry, and, use the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
gain an understanding of and ability to apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
develop the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
build competence and demonstrate the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
develop the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
recognize, understand and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
develop insight into their own and other’s behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
develop realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Programs

Major

Psychology, B.S.

Courses

Psychology