Psychology

Faculty:

Michelle Hill, M.S.
Ross De Forrest, Ph.D.
Robert Packer, Ph.D.

The psychology program emphasizes the scientific approach to the study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychology bridges the gap between the biological and social sciences by bringing students into contact with the facts and theories of their biological heritage, their relationship to the environment, their inter-relationship with the social world, and with the application of the scientific method to study the many facets of human nature. Courses in psychology emphasize knowledge of scientific theory and recent studies in the field, as well as self-understanding and self-evaluation.

Students in the fields of education, criminal justice, sociology, business administration or any of the helping professions may increase their understanding of their clientele with psychology courses.

The psychology program at UProvidence is special because:

  1. The program has an in-depth set of core courses while also encouraging students to delve into a sub-discipline of psychology by offering 4 specialized concentrations and one generalist concentration.
  2. The program prepares students for careers in a wide variety of disciplines including mental health, educational services, social services, welfare, corrections, and the human services field.
  3. The program solidly prepares students for entrance into graduate programs in psychology, counseling, criminal justice, sociology, business administration, and the health care fields.
  4. Internships and field experiences are encouraged. These experiences allow students to practice what they are learning in a practical way while gaining skills that help them to secure employment and/or entrance into graduate programs.
  5. The program faculty members have diverse backgrounds. They bring this knowledge and experience into the classroom in order to enhance student knowledge of the broad field of psychology.
  6. Personal development is a core goal of the program and all students have multiple opportunities to develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes while learning to value and respect the complex diversity that exists in the world.
  7. The scientist/practitioner focus of the program ensures that students learn to effectively integrate the lens of science with an ethic of care.
  8. The small class size allows for more conversation, discussion, feedback, and interaction with professors and peers.

Program Outcomes for Psychology Major/Minor

The psychology program follows the guidelines suggested by the American Psychological Association. The five goals recommended by the APA for undergraduate psychology programs are listed below, each followed by the outcome that is measured to indicate if the goal is being met.

  • Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
  • Interpret, design, conduct, and communicate basic psychological research.
  • Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving.
  • Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
  • Build and enhance relationships and develop respect for diverse attitudes and culture.
  • Demonstrate effective writing and presentation skills for different purposes.
  • Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

Degree Requirements

Psychology Major (B.A.)

PSY 200GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 201PERSONALITY THEORY3
PSY 212DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 220SOCIOCLTRL & INTERNTL AWRENESS3
PSY 326ETHICS IN HUMAN SERVICES3
PSY 330SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 352ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 355PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING3
or PSY 360 COGNITIVE SCIENCE
PSY 422EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY4
PSY 450PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY I3
PSY 490SENIOR PSYCH CAPSTONE SEMINAR3
MTH 108ELEMENTARY STATISTICS3
SCS 312SOC RSRCH MTHDS & APPLIED STAT4
Specialized Concentration11-13
Total Credits Required:52-54

Specialized Concentrations

Generalist Concentration

Select One Course from Helping Skills Concentration3
Select One Course from Human Services Concentration3
Select One Course from Forensic Psychology Concentration3
Select One Course from Phys. Psych Concentration3-4
Total Credits Required:12-13

Helping Skills Concentration

PSY 241THEORIES OF HELPING 13
PSY 340HELPING SKILLS 13
PSY 498GROUP THEORIES AND PROCESS 13
PSY 451PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY II3
or PSY 495 INTERNSHIP
Total Credits Required:12

Social Services Concentration

PSY 394CASEWORK METHODS & PRACTICES3
SOC 201SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY3
PSY 396CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT3
SOC 304SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR3
or CRJ 401 JUVENILE JUSTICE
Total Credits Required:12

Forensic Psychology Concentration

PSY 396CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT3
PSY 480FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY3
SOC 304SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR3
CRJ 401JUVENILE JUSTICE3
or CRJ 446 VICTIMOLOGY
Total Credits Required:12

Physiological Psychology Concentration

BIO 151GENERAL BIOLOGY I4
BIO 152GENERAL BIOLOGY II4
PSY 451PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY II3
Total Credits Required:11

Sports Psychology Concentration

EXS 233SOCIOLOGY OF SPORT3
EXS 260SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 241THEORIES OF HELPING3
PSY 340HELPING SKILLS3
Total Credits Required:12

Psychology Minor

PSY 200GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 201PERSONALITY THEORY3
PSY 212DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 326ETHICS IN HUMAN SERVICES3
PSY 330SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 352ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY3
PSY 355PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING3
or PSY 360 COGNITIVE SCIENCE
Approved 300/400 level PSY elective3
Total Credits Required:24
UP-Color-Icon UP-Color-Vertical UP-WhiteonBlue-Horizontal UP-WhiteonBlue-Vertical Path 🎨 Color event Combined Shape Shape 🎨 Color 🎨 Color 🎨 Color 🎨 Color 🎨 Color 🎨 Color 🎨 color 🎨 color search icon copy 🎨 Color Upload 🎨 Color