DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY

Major in Psychology

Course Descriptions

Chair: Donna M. Desforges (936) 294-1178

Mission

The Department of Psychology and Philosophy supports the Mission Statement of the University and that of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Department is committed to providing a quality educational environment conducive to scholarship and the acquisition of knowledge and applicable skills. We recognize that this ideal requires the effective use of faculty expertise and creativity, a sensitivity to needs of university and community, as well as a genuine concern for the abilities and goals of students.

PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Faculty: Marcus Boccaccini, Jerry Bruce, Stacy Carter, Donna Desforges, Mary Alice Conroy, Richard Eglsaer, Marsha Harman, Craig Henderson, Melanie Kercher, Thomas Kordinak, Rowland Miller, Daniel Murrie, David Nelson, Paul Neunuebel, Ramona Noland, T.C. Sim, Christopher Wilson, Thomas Wood

Information: (936)294-3552; AB4 315

Website: www.shsu.edu/~psy_www

Academic Programs

BS in Psychology

Highlights

• Faculty-student collaborative research opportunities.
• Local Chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology and the Psychology
Club offer networking opportunities with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.
• Psychology faculty publish in nationally recognized scientific journals.

Suggested Minors

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Philosophy
• Statistics

Career Opportunities

The bachelor of science degree in psychology is a useful and interesting program of study for liberal arts students and those desiring work in such areas as human services, public relations, correctional institutions, rehabilitation facilities, program development, and research to name just a few.

Student Organizations and Activities

• Psi Chi Chapter, the National Honor Society for Psychology, Local Chapter
• Psychology Club

Scholarships

John D. Symonds Scholarship. The fund is established in memory of Dr. John Dobie Symonds, Associate Professor of Psychology at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Symonds published and presented scholarly papers in several areas including sleep research, cross-cultural research, and social learning theory.

Contact the department for information on how to apply and for scholarship deadlines.

Program Specific Requirements

The courses within the Psychology Program are divided into four blocks:

Required Courses: PSY 131, 332, 234/214, 387/317
Experimental Block: PSY 333/313, 336, 337, 382, 391, 432, 492
Personality-Social-Developmental Block: PSY 365, 374, 381, 431, 434, 491
Clinical-Adjustment Block: PSY 237, 289, 331, 334, 371, 383, 488

In order to complete a major in Psychology, a student takes 13 hours from the Required Courses plus 6 hours from each of the three remaining blocks. Six hours of elective Psychology completes the 38 semester hours required for the major.

Psychology majors choose an approved minor of 18 semester hours, 6 of which must be advanced. Some suggested minors are Biology, Philosophy, Business Administration, Computer Science, and Statistics.

Minors in Psychology take 18-24 hours. Courses required of non-teaching minors are PSY 131, 3 hours from each of the remaining three blocks, plus 6 hours PSY electives. Of these hours, 6 must be advanced, taken in residence.

Curriculum
Major In Psychology
Bachelor of Science

Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

Course Descriptions:

• Psychology (PSY)