Psychology (BS)

Affiliation: School of Social & Cultural Studies

There are three overall objectives of the Psychology program: to provide a broad-based education in the discipline, to instruct students in the scientific method, and to prepare students for success in graduate school and in the workplace.

Provide a broad-based education in the discipline: Psychology has long been recognized as a liberal arts and sciences discipline. This recognition is a consequence of Psychology’s study of human behavior (alone, in groups, interacting with the environment) and conscious experience (attitudes, emotions, and thoughts). The psychology curriculum at Truman State University reflects the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science’s recognition of the subject matter of the discipline.

Instruct students in the scientific method: In trying to understand the domains addressed by the discipline, Psychology employs the scientific method and statistical inference and analysis to gather and assess data. Upon graduation from Truman State University, students should understand and appreciate the rationale and methodology of scientific inquiry.

Prepare students for success in graduate school and in the workplace: Major courses are geared toward preparation for graduate school. The content areas in psychology reflect those sampled by the Graduate Record Exam Advanced Test in Psychology. Students are encouraged to become involved in psychological research and internship opportunities that are available. In addition, the variety of courses offered provides students with a broad perspective on human behavior and thought that may be applied across multiple workplace settings.

The psychology curriculum includes physiological bases of behavior such as the brain and nervous system, sensory mechanisms, and perception; learning, memory, concept formation, thinking, language, and problem-solving; development, personality and abnormal behavior; psychological testing; and the influence of social contexts on the individual. In addition, opportunity is provided for students to become involved in psychological research.

An overall cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a cumulative GPA of 2.25 in the major, and a score at or above the 20^th percentile on the nationally-normed senior exam (MFAT-Psychology) is required to graduate with a degree in psychology.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN PSYCHOLOGY

To graduate with Departmental Honors in Psychology, the student must:

1. Meet any three of the following four criteria:
   ​a. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better
   b. Major GPA of 3.75 or better
   c. “A” in Psychological Research (PSYC 466)
   d. 80^th Percentile or above on Major Field Test (MFT)
2. Demonstrate research excellence beyond PSYC 466 in the form of at least one of the following:
   a. Paper publication
   b. Presentation at the Student Research Conference
   c. Presentation at a conference outside the university
3. Demonstrate excellence in serving the Psychology Department in the form of at least one activity such as:
   a. Serving as an officer in Psi Chi or Psychology Club
   b. Assisting at a Prospective Student Visit Day or Majors Day
   c. Serving as a lab manager or grader for a psychology professor
4. Receive the approval of a majority of non-abstaining Psychology faculty

Submitting an application guarantees consideration for this award. The application form is available at http://psychology.truman.edu. Psychology faculty can also nominate students.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: