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PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING PROGRAM AREA

219 Carver Complex North

(256) 372-4764

Orientation and Objectives

The Program in Psychology and Counseling is committed to providing the undergraduate psychology major with broad-based academic and experiential exposure to the science of behavior. While concerned with the assimilation of knowledge such as theories, principles, and concepts of psychology, competency development in the methodology and application of Social Science is stressed. With a perspective on research and application skills, the program incorporates use of human learning, animal behavior, and psycho-physiological laboratory experiences. The department is committed to the total development of students in their quest to learn psychology and to further the frontiers of the science either as paraprofessionals or through pursuit of graduate training.

The educational/training objectives of the department include:

• Establishing an awareness and appreciation of the historical development of psychology as the science of behavior and mental processes;
• Developing an understanding of, and competency in, scientific methodology and research design;
• Developing an understanding of, and the ability to competently use, appropriate statistical tools of data description, analyses, and interpretation;
• Creating an awareness and understanding of the psychological substrates of behavior and associated research techniques;
• Providing a solid background in understanding the theories, research, and processes of human development, adjustment, and deviancy;
• Developing skills in the use of laboratory instrumentation, techniques, and concerns involved with human and animal research;
• Instituting an appreciation for, and understanding of, the principles of learning and motivation, emphasizing both the processes and techniques of maximizing acquisition, retention, and recall;
• Creating an appreciation for the derivation, substrates, lawfulness, maintenance, and modification of behavior;
• Developing an understanding of human behavior in a multicultural global society;
• Developing skills in using technology.

Special Information

It is desirable that entering undergraduates have a strong background in science, math, English, history, social studies, and a foreign language. Graduation from the psychology program requires a minimum grade of “C” in all psychology classes taken. The Psychology major must also choose a minor area of concentration.