2020-2021 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.
Department of Psychological Science
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 Return to: College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Department Chair: Aaron Ashley
Location: Social Science Building, Room 370
Telephone Contact: Mickey Cole 801-626-6247
Professors: Aaron Ashley, Eric Amsel, Azenett Garza, Joseph Horvat, Leigh Shaw; Associate Professors: Theresa Kay, Shannon McGillivray; Assistant Professors: Sarah Herrmann, Cade Mansfield, Aminda O’Hare, Melinda Russell-Stamp; Instructors: Joel Skaria, Kathryn Sperry
The reasons for selecting a major, minor, or BIS emphasis in Psychology are to understand human behavior and to prepare for careers working or doing research with people. The program is designed for students to learn the core content of psychology and the foundational methods of psychological inquiry, as well as to have opportunities to integrate and apply psychological concepts.
Students majoring (including teaching majors) in Psychology have a program of study which provides training in the foundation in the field but allows for additional coursework in students’ areas of interest. BIS students are trained in the conceptual and methodological foundation of the discipline while pursuing topics of interest in the field and related ones. Minors are free to pursue topics of interest to augment their major without the requirement that they acquire the discipline’s foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Psychology Curriculum, Requirements, and Policies
The Department of Psychological Science offers a 45 credit hour major, a 20 hour BIS emphasis, and an 18 credit hour minor. The curriculum provides classes addressing the conceptual, methodological, and statistical knowledge of the discipline (Core General Courses), the breadth of the discipline (Core Content Courses), and the integration and application of the discipline (Capstone Experience). Additional classes provide greater content area specialization (Elective Group A) and experiential or individualized instruction opportunities (Elective Group B).
All Psychology major (including teaching major) and minor students must meet with the designated Department Adviser as soon as they declare to plan their course of study. BIS students with an emphasis in psychology must additionally have their psychology courses approved by the designated Department Adviser (Advising Policy).
To count towards students’ degree in Psychology, psychology courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher (Course Grade Policy).
Students declaring a Psychology major, minor, or BIS emphasis in a given catalog year can apply previously completed courses towards their degree (see Course Grade Policy) as long as the courses were taken no longer than 15 years prior to the date of declaration (Course Sunset Policy).
A student with a Psychology major, minor, or BIS emphasis must earn at least a 2.50 Psychology GPA for courses being used for graduation (Psychology GPA Policy).
Students may transfer undergraduate psychology credits from any other accredited institution of higher education toward their degree (see the Sunset Policy) by submitting a request through the University’s Transfer Office. Courses taught in departments other than Psychology will not generally transfer as Psychology courses. Lower division (1000- or 2000-level) courses at another institution will not generally count as equivalent to upper division (3000- or 4000-level) WSU courses. To challenge a transfer articulation, please contact the Department Chair with documentation including the syllabi from the courses taken (Transfer Articulation Policy).
Students who are majoring in Psychology must complete at least 9 credit hours of Psychology courses (see Course Grade Policy) in residence at Weber State University; students who are minoring in Psychology must complete at least 6 credit hours of Psychology courses (see Course Grade Policy) in residence at Weber State University (Residency Requirement).
Degree Programs in Psychology
Bachelor of Science
- Psychology Major (BS)
- 45 credit hours total, including 11 Core General Course credits, 18 Core Content Course credits, 4 Capstone Course credits, and 12 elective credits taken from any area (only 1 course from Area Group 3). However, only a maximum of 6 credits from Electives Group B will be allowed to apply toward the Psychology Major.
- Psychology Teaching Major (BS)
- 45 credit hours total, including 11 Core General Course credits, 18 Core Content Course credits, 4 Capstone Course credits, PSY 4000 (taken as a capstone or elective), and 9 elective credits taken from any area. Only 6 credits from Electives Group B will be allowed to apply toward the Psychology Teaching Major.
Emphasis Option for Bachelor of Integrated Studies
- Psychology (BIS)
- 20 credit hours total, including 11 Core General Course credits and 9 credits taken from any area with the approval of the designated Department Adviser.
Minor
- Psychology Minor
- 18 credits, including PSY 1010 and 15 credits taken from any area. Only 3 credits from Electives Group B will be allowed to apply toward the Psychology Minor.
Honors, Departmental
- Psychology Departmental Honors
- Department Honors is conferred on students who keep at least a 3.70 GPA in Psychology and 3.25 overall GPA. Students must complete PSY 4910 and 3 credits from the Honors Program. An application for department honors in Psychology is available from the Department Adviser.
Interdisciplinary Minors
The Psychology Department participates in the Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Neuroscience, and Women & Gender Studies minor programs. Students who wish to enroll in one of these programs should indicate their desire to do so with the relevant program coordinator who will help them work out a proper combination of courses to fit their particular needs. (See the Engaged Learning, Honors, and Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog.)
Courses
Psychology Course Descriptions
ProgramsBachelor of ScienceEmphasis Option for Bachelor of Integrated Studies
BIS emphases are also offered for most programs with a minor. MinorHonors, Departmental
Return to: College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
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