Academics
PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The Psychology Program at York College of Pennsylvania is designed to provide students with the necessary background to pursue a variety of professional careers within and related to the field. Core and area requirements have been designated to provide the integral background for further educational and professional growth. Electives, both within and outside the psychology program, allow the students to concentrate on their individual career goals and needs.

  1. Psychology Program Goals:

    The faculty of the Psychology Program intends that graduates of the Psychology program will:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of psychology;
    2. Possess intellectual skills;
    3. Be capable of writing research and interpretative papers in APA style that are suitable for presentation in the field;
    4. Demonstrate personal growth within the field of psychology.

  2. Psychology Program Objectives:

    To achieve the goals described above, the faculty of the Psychology Program have established the following specific learning objectives for each student completing the psychology major. Courses, curricular and program activities which provide the means for achieving these objectives are identified. These objectives will provide the basis for assessment of each student's development within the program.

    The Psychology Program has identified specific learning outcomes in three major areas. These areas include knowledge, intellectual skills and personal development. These three areas have been further delineated into specific areas.
Major Area Specific Area Specific Learning Objectives Means of Achieving Objectives
Knowledge of Psychology Content Areas Learning and Cognition Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Learning and Cognitive.
Perception, Comparative, Ethology, Sensation and Physiology Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; General or Fundamentals of Biology; Biological Bases; Sensation and Perception; Animal Behavior.
Clinical, Abnormal and Personality Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Abnormal; Adult Psychopathology; Child Psychopathology; Personality; Exceptional Children; Counseling Theories; Internship.
Developmental and Social Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Developmental; Adult Development; Social.
History and Systems Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; History and Systems; Seminar.
Research Methods Research Design Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study.
Statistics Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study.
Psychometrics Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis I, II and III; Testing and Assessment; Abnormal; Counseling Theories.
Intellectual Skills Thinking Skills Demonstrates logical and critical thinking Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis III; Independent Study; Senior Seminar; Brown Bag Discussion Groups; Math 111.
Synthesizes multiple sources of information Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis III; Independent Study; Senior Seminar.
Generalizes results from research findings Intro to Psy; Essential Skills and Tools; Design and Analysis III; Independent Study, Senior Seminar.
Communication Skills Writes in accord with APA style Every course in Psy curriculum; Behavioral Sciences Journal.
Writes effectively Every course in Psy curriculum; Behavioral Sciences Journal.
Creates understandable graphs and tables Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study.
Speaks clearly and persuasively Design and Analysis III; Senior Seminar; Presentation at Scholarship Day.
Information Gathering and Synthesis Skills Conducts traditional and electronic Every course in Psy curriculum; library searches.
Comprehension and retention of major points Every course in Psy curriculum from written and verbal sources.
Quantitative and Scientific Skills Uses scientific methodology Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study.
Uses statistical methodology Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study.
Interprets results Design and Analysis I, II and III; Independent Study; Senior Seminar.
Personal Development Career Development Career Exploration Essential Skills and Tools; Psi Chi Speakers; Joint Programs with Career Services; Advising; Internship; Behavioral Sciences Journal; Psychology Club.
Graduate School Information Essential Skills and Tools; History and Systems; Senior Seminar; Psi Chi. Graduate School Workshop; Joint Programs with Career Services.
Practicum experience Internships; Teaching practica; Psi Chi activities; Behavioral Sciences Journal; Psychology Club.
Ethics and Values Development Understanding and demonstration of ethical Standards for research in psychology Every course in Psy curriculum; Independent Study; Psi Chi speakers.
Understanding and demonstration of ethical standards for professional conduct in professional psychology Every course in Psy curriculum; Psi Chi activities.
Interpersonal Skills Development Interacts with research participants in an ethical manner Design and Analysis III; Independent Study; approval by IRB.
Collaborates effectively Design and Analysis III: History and Systems; Psi Chi activities; Psychology Club.

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