Psychology (B.A.)
Faculty
Dr. Deborah Harris O’Brien, Professor of Psychology (program chair)
Dr. Christopher Bishop, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Carlota Ocampo, Associate Professor of Psychology; Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Keyona Thomas, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr. Debbie Van Camp, Associate Professor of Psychology; Vice President of Assessment and Academic Success
Dr. Chakoria Wells, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Description
The study of psychology emphasizes the behavior and experience of the individual. Psychology investigates the effects on the individual of other individuals, groups, the environment, and the world of sensation and perception. This investigation can be undertaken from a number of different perspectives: physiological, sociocultural, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytic. Psychology thus interfaces with fields such as sociology, economics, political science, education, biology, and philosophy. In summary, psychology contributes to an understanding of how people behave, think, interact, and make sense of the world around them.
The goals of the Psychology Program are to prepare students to continue on to graduate training in psychology or related fields (such as counseling or social work); to enable students to apply psychological theory and research to everyday experience; to work at a Bachelor’s degree level in Psychology related careers; and, to provide students with the skills to devise and conduct psychological studies. In accordance with the overall goals of Trinity, the Psychology Program strives to heighten student awareness of the diversity of human behavior and experience, notably with respect to gender, ethnicity, and age, as well as to teach and instill an ethical approach to the study of human behavior and cognition.
The Psychology major and minor are offered to students in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the major is offered in the School of Professional Studies. Psychology also supports the human relations major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies. In addition, psychology majors also can apply to the B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling program, which allows select students to complete their undergraduate psychology degree while also beginning graduate coursework towards a Master’s degree in counseling.
Major Requirements
In addition to completing a set of required courses (30 credits), all psychology majors are required to complete one of three course clusters (15 credits): general, developmental, or forensic. Each cluster is designed to give the student a degree of expertise within a given area of psychology.
All psychology majors must take the following courses:
Required Courses (30 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods IIntroduces students to research methods in various areas of psychology through active involvement in field and laboratory research, data analysis and interpretation, and written presentation of results. Computer technologies are integrated throughout the course for literature reviews, experimental simulations, and statistical analysis of data. Formerly PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only
PSYC 302 Applied Psychology: Research Methods IIApproaches the application of psychology in a specific sub-discipline, such as developmental, social, or clinical. Emphasizes critical thinking, methodology, and analysis: utilizes field observations, lab experiments, and statistical software in preparation and presentation of a research project.
Replaces PSY 311 Experimental Social Psychology and PSYC 331 Experimental Developmental Psychology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, MATH 210, PSYC 301, Junior Status
PSYC 490 PracticumProvides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Formerly PSY 500 Practicum.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Psychology and Human Relations majors only; second semester junior status (at least 75 total credits earned) or higher
PSYC 499 Senior Seminar in PsychologyExplores major issues in both the history of psychology and current research. Students are exposed to both classic works in psychology and recent theories. Stuednts are prepared to take the Comprehensive Examination in Psychology; which comprises 25% of the grade in this course. Formerly PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Psychology or human relations majors; senior status (88 completed credits) preferred
BOTH of the following statistics courses:
MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsThis course presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, graphical representations of data, normal probability distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, linear correlation and regression and probability theory. This course also offers an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 102, MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course.
MATH 210 Statistical InferenceApplies the principles of inference to the social sciences. Topics include confidence intervals, inference for distributions, one and two-sample t-test, z-test, F-test, chi-square test, linear regression analysis and comparing two proportions. Use of statistical software is an integral part of the course. Formerly MAT 210 Statistical Inference.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110 with a grade of "C" or better
FLC Area IV: Exploration Cluster
ONE ethics course, such as:
PHIL 241 Introduction to Theoretical EthicsExamines Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals in order to see how these texts expose the influence and direction of our consciousness of obligation on our actions. The focus is on what kind of agency human beings must have in order to be in a moral domain and on what the influence of socialization and biology might be on our understanding of this domain. Formerly PHI 210 Introduction to Theoretical Ethics.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs Area
PHIL 245 Ethics IIntroduces the student to social ethics and the concepts of person and community by examining the moral traditions that inform our understanding of the individual. The course traces the focus of ethics from a concern about what kind of person to be to the more modern and narrow concern in how to act in both the public and private domains, acknowledging the ways in which our cultural and historical practices help shape our vision. Formerly PHI 212 The Moral Dimension: Persons and Community.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs Area
Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning
PHIL 251 BioethicsExamines the legal and moral issues in areas dealing with the biology of human health and development, for example, experimentation on human subjects, organ transplants, euthanasia, abortion, fetal tissue use, contraception, and other aspects of human reproduction, as well as questions regarding rights to health care. Formerly PHI 211 Applied Ethics: Bioethics.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs
PHIL 341 Moral PsychologyAddresses the relation between obligation and motivation. The traditional analysis raises two questions: What kind of answer is it appropriate to give an agent when she asks why she should do what she is obliged to do? And, how does this answer make the action psychologically possible?
3 credits
ONE biology course chosen from among:
BIOL 101 Introduction to BiologyExplores various aspects of biology from cell structure to metabolism, diversity and ecology. The course consists of two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for non-science majors. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 101 Introduction to Biology.
4 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area II
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry
BIOL 111 General Biology IPresents a comprehensive base in biology, intended for majors, and is the first of a two-course sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 151 General Biology I.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 102 (It is strongly suggested that MATH 123 is taken as a co-requisite if it has not already been taken)
FLC Area IV
General Education Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry
BIOL 112 General Biology IIPresents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the second of a two-semester sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 152 General Biology II.
4 credits
Prerequisite: "C" or higher in BIOL 111
FLC Area IV
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
Additional courses in mathematics and natural sciences are highly recommended.
General Psychology Cluster (15 credits)
THREE of the following courses:
PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 221 PsychopathologySurveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Formerly PSY 258, PSY 259, and PSYC 221 - Personality and Psychopathology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 241 Physiological PsychologyExamines the structure and function of the nervous system as related to behavior and experience. Physiological correlates of psychological phenomena are emphasized. Formerly PSY 322 Physiological Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101. BIOL 101 and BIOL 114 are recommended.
PSYC 243 Lifespan DevelopmentLifespan development explores the changes, both growth and decline from conception to death. Development is a lifelong process that will be examined over three developmental domains: physical, cognitive, and psychosocial. Emphasis will be placed on the impacts of culture and roles of nature and nurture on each stage of development. Topics will include prenatal environment, language development, self-esteem and identity, attachment and relationships, retirement, and death and dying.
TWO additional psychology electives (6 credits minimum)
Developmental Psychology Cluster (15 credits)
ONE required course in child psychology:
PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
THREE of the following courses:
PSYC 212 Self and IdentityThis course will investigate social psychology's scientific study of the question, "Who am I?" The course addresses the ways in which we come to know and understand ourselves, as well as our biases processing information about ourselves compared to other people. Also covered are the content, structure, organization and function of the self, including the self-concept, self-esteem, self-control, self-regulation and self-efficacy. An important part of the class is a consideration of the ways in which our membership in social groups (race, gender, religion etc) relates to all of these processes and our sense of self.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
PSYC 233 Psychology of AdolescenceStudies the theories and current research in adolescent development. Topics include the psychological impact of puberty, cognitive development, personality development, and the interaction of the adolescent with peers, family, and others. Emphasis is given to the impact of culture, gender, and ethnicity on the adolescent's development. Formerly PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 235 Psychology of AgingStudies human development from early adulthood to old age. Interaction of social, psychological, and physiological aspects of development are emphasized. The course is of special relevance to students planning careers to serve the growing population of senior citizens. Formerly PSY 231 Psychology of Aging.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 262 Psychology of WomenEmphasizes the experience of women and girls using theories and research about development across the lifespan. The course stresses the inter-relationships of biological, socio-cultural and psychological factors. Central issues explored in the course include: identity, interpersonal relationships, gender roles in various cultures, and women's roles in the workplace.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Credits: 3
PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in ChildrenStudies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor
PSYC 402 Juvenile Forensic PsychologyThis course will enhance students' knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness related to detained and institutionized juveniles in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will increase students' knowledge of theoretical explanations and the etiologies of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime from a psychological perspective.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 221 or PSYC 325
ONE additional psychology elective (3 credits minimum)
Forensic Psychology Cluster (15 credits)
TWO required courses in Forensic Psychology:
PSYC 323 Forensic PsychologyIntroduces students to psychological issues in the area of criminal justice, including the topics of juvenile delinquency, mental illness and criminal responsibility, and rehabilitation of offenders. Psychological theories and research on the causes of criminal behavior and the role of the psychologist in the criminal justice system are presented. Formerly PSY 333 and PSYC 323 Criminal and Forensic Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 additional Psychology credits at the 200 level (or may substitute PSYC 402 Juvenile Forensic PsychologyThis course will enhance students' knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness related to detained and institutionized juveniles in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will increase students' knowledge of theoretical explanations and the etiologies of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime from a psychological perspective.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 221 or PSYC 325)
CJUS 100 Introduction Criminal JusticeIntroduces students to the scientific study of crime by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Formerly SOC 202 Criminology: An Introduction and SOCY 205 Criminology: An Introduction.
3 credits
THREE of the following courses:
PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 221 PsychopathologySurveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Formerly PSY 258, PSY 259, and PSYC 221 - Personality and Psychopathology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 317 Psychology of Aggression and ViolenceExamines interpersonal, intergroup, and international violence and aggression. The topic is approached from the standpoints of physiological, motivational, learning, cognitive and interpersonal factors, and structural and ecological factors. Aspects of the psychology of nonviolence are covered. Formerly PSY 204 Psychology of Aggression and Violence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 211 or permission of instructor
General Education: Capstone Seminar
PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in ChildrenStudies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor
PSYC 343 Drugs and Human BehaviorFocuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
General Education: Capstone Seminar
PSYC 402 Juvenile Forensic PsychologyThis course will enhance students' knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness related to detained and institutionized juveniles in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will increase students' knowledge of theoretical explanations and the etiologies of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime from a psychological perspective.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 221 or PSYC 325
ONE additional psychology elective (3 credits minimum)
Minor Requirements
For a general minor in psychology, students are required to take PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II Introductory Psychology and are then advised to pursue a pattern of courses similar to the major described above, although PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods IIntroduces students to research methods in various areas of psychology through active involvement in field and laboratory research, data analysis and interpretation, and written presentation of results. Computer technologies are integrated throughout the course for literature reviews, experimental simulations, and statistical analysis of data. Formerly PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only and PSYC 302 Applied Psychology: Research Methods IIApproaches the application of psychology in a specific sub-discipline, such as developmental, social, or clinical. Emphasizes critical thinking, methodology, and analysis: utilizes field observations, lab experiments, and statistical software in preparation and presentation of a research project.
Replaces PSY 311 Experimental Social Psychology and PSYC 331 Experimental Developmental Psychology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, MATH 210, PSYC 301, Junior Status are not required. A total of eighteen (18) credits, specifically courses with the code PSYC are required for the minor. Furthermore, nine (9) credits must be taken at Trinity Washington University
Minor in Forensic Psychology (18 credits)
Students wishing to pursue a minor in forensic psychology should follow the structure below:
ALL of the following courses:
PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
PSYC 221 PsychopathologySurveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Formerly PSY 258, PSY 259, and PSYC 221 - Personality and Psychopathology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor OR PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in ChildrenStudies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor
PSYC 323 Forensic PsychologyIntroduces students to psychological issues in the area of criminal justice, including the topics of juvenile delinquency, mental illness and criminal responsibility, and rehabilitation of offenders. Psychological theories and research on the causes of criminal behavior and the role of the psychologist in the criminal justice system are presented. Formerly PSY 333 and PSYC 323 Criminal and Forensic Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 additional Psychology credits at the 200 level
CJUS 100 Introduction Criminal JusticeIntroduces students to the scientific study of crime by focusing on definitions, history, types, causes, and consequences of crime as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crimes, criminals, and the victims of crimes. Formerly SOC 202 Criminology: An Introduction and SOCY 205 Criminology: An Introduction.
3 credits
TWO additional courses from the following:
PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in ChildrenStudies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor or PSYC 221 PsychopathologySurveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Formerly PSY 258, PSY 259, and PSYC 221 - Personality and Psychopathology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 343 Drugs and Human BehaviorFocuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
General Education: Capstone Seminar
PSYC 402 Juvenile Forensic PsychologyThis course will enhance students' knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness related to detained and institutionized juveniles in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will increase students' knowledge of theoretical explanations and the etiologies of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime from a psychological perspective.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 221 or PSYC 325
B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling
During senior year, psychology majors have the unique opportunity to apply to the accelerated B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling, which allows select students to complete their undergraduate psychology degree while also beginning graduate coursework towards a Master’s degree in counseling.
Selection Criteria
- Students must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average.
- Students must complete the Pre-screening Information form, and the Admissions Personal Statement, showing evidence of interest and commitment to a School Counseling or a Clinical Mental Health program.
- Students must complete the admissions application, including a personal statement that shows evidence of interest in and commitment to a career either as a School Counselor or as a Licensed Professional Counselor (or both).
- Students must have two recommendations from faculty. One of the recommendations must come from a full-time Trinity psychology professor. The second recommendation can come from a professor in psychology or human relations, who can attest to the student’s intellectual, interpersonal and emotional maturity.
Program of Study
The description below provides an illustration of the student’s final year in CAS after having been admitted into the accelerated B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling as well as after the student’s graduation from CAS and full admittance to the MA in NHP.
The senior year schedule for Psychology majors varies depending on students’ matriculation through the curriculum and completion of General Education requirements and Psychology requirements. Students are typically enrolled in 12-15 credits.
- Fall Term, Senior Year in CAS
- Psychology Courses (12-15 credits)
- COUN 535 Introduction to CounselingThis course is designed as one of the initial courses for those candidates with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or in School Counseling. The primary purpose of the course is for candidates to gain an overview of the counseling profession by conducting an in-depth examination of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession. This examination will occur through readings, class discussion, and experiential activities. In the course candidates will examine: historical, philosophical and social/political influences on contemporary mental health/professional counseling practice and the future of mental health/professional counseling a s a helping profession; professional organizations to which profession al counselors belong, the settings in which they practice, and the roles of mental health/professional counselors in those settings; credentialing and licensing for mental health/professional counseling practice; and knowledge bases critical to mental health counseling including evidence-based practice.
3 credits*
- EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate SchoolNon-credit seminar for students in their first semester of any School of Education graduate program. Information will be provided to students on general education, certification and graduation requirements. Surveys and writing samples that are data requirements for accreditation of the department will be gathered. Academic policies, APA writing style requirements and university-provided resources will be reviewed. Formerly EDCC 601 - Transition to Graduate School Seminar.
0 credits
- Spring Term, Senior Year in CAS
- Psychology Courses (12-15 credits)
- COUN 540 Principles and Theories of CounselingExamines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of the counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. The course reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits*
*Counseling courses require a B or better to continue to the master’s program
After Graduation
Given successful completion of the undergraduate senior year with a B or better in all counseling courses, students are full admitted into the MA in Counseling. Students have the option to continue their Counseling coursework either during the summer term that immediately follows their CAS graduation or in the following fall semester. At this point, the student continues her studies as indicated in the Catalog pages for the student’s program:
In general, students need another 3 years of study to complete the M.A. program of their choice.
Program Policies
Advanced Placement:
Credit for PSYC 101 is granted for a score of a 4 or 5 on the AP examination. These credits may count toward the major and the General Education curriculum.
CLEP Policy:
CLEP examination scores will not be accepted as qualifying for psychology credits or requirements.
Grades in Major Courses:
A minimum of a 2.0 (“C”) cumulative GPA average must be earned in the required courses for the major. A grade of C- may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements, at the discretion of the program faculty, if the overall average in the required courses is at least a 2.0. This policy applies to the required Psychology classes, including the co-requisites in Mathematics (MATH 110, MATH 210), but not in Biology and Philosophy.
Pass/No Pass:
No major courses may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. MATH 110 and MATH 210 may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis. However, required related courses (Biology and Philosophy) may be taken pass/no pass.
Residency Requirement
Students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences with a declared Psychology major must take PSYC 301: Exper Psyc: Research Methods I and PSYC 302: Exper Psyc: Research Methods II in the CAS DAY format. In CAS, these two courses form a 2-semester sequence. CAS students should also enroll in the CAS DAY format for Senior Seminar, unless a waiver is approved by the program chair.
Practicum Requirement
CAS students must arrange their practicum placement site with approval of the course instructor BEFORE the semester in which they are scheduled to take the course. Students who have not secured a practicum placement in the prior semester will not be admitted to the course (or will be dropped). Students should confer with their advisor and the course instructor to plan their practicum in a timely manner.
Senior Assessment:
The Senior Assessment is administered during PSYC 499: Senior Seminar, which all students must take in the Fall of senior year. The Senior Assessment covers the following topics: General Psychology, Lifespan, Psychopathology, Research Methods, Social Psychology, Physiology, Intelligence, Learning, and Memory.
TELL Policy:
Psychology faculty review TELL portfolios and will accept up to nine credits toward the major.
Transfer Credits:
The following courses must be taken at Trinity:
- One of the three Experimental Psychology courses
- PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods IIntroduces students to research methods in various areas of psychology through active involvement in field and laboratory research, data analysis and interpretation, and written presentation of results. Computer technologies are integrated throughout the course for literature reviews, experimental simulations, and statistical analysis of data. Formerly PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods.
4 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only
- PSYC 302 Applied Psychology: Research Methods IIApproaches the application of psychology in a specific sub-discipline, such as developmental, social, or clinical. Emphasizes critical thinking, methodology, and analysis: utilizes field observations, lab experiments, and statistical software in preparation and presentation of a research project.
Replaces PSY 311 Experimental Social Psychology and PSYC 331 Experimental Developmental Psychology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 110, MATH 210, PSYC 301, Junior Status
- PSYC 490 PracticumProvides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Formerly PSY 500 Practicum.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Psychology and Human Relations majors only; second semester junior status (at least 75 total credits earned) or higher
- PSYC 499 Senior Seminar in PsychologyExplores major issues in both the history of psychology and current research. Students are exposed to both classic works in psychology and recent theories. Stuednts are prepared to take the Comprehensive Examination in Psychology; which comprises 25% of the grade in this course. Formerly PSY 480 Senior Seminar in Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Psychology or human relations majors; senior status (88 completed credits) preferred
- At least three psychology electives
All other psychology courses, as well as the Biology and Philosophy requirements, may be accepted as transfer courses toward the psychology major.