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Psychology major

The Psychology degree is designed to provide the student a broadly based program in behavioral science. The psychology major may be pursued as a component of a general liberal arts background, as preparation for a variety of service oriented occupations, or as a basis for graduate study in psychology and related fields. The emphasis of this degree program differs from the usual undergraduate psychology major offered in many other institutions. A primary concern at Western Oregon University is the understanding of human behavior and experience with a focus on applications of this knowledge. We are continually concerned with the implications that theoretical conceptualizations and experimental results have for understanding and influencing behavior in practical settings. Beyond what is shown on this page, look at Psychology Advising for suggestions on getting started as a psychology major.

Psychology Major Core Courses
Procedures for Applying for a Psychology Major
Admission materials for the Psychology Major
Student Organizations
Occupational and Advanced Educational Opportunities

REQUIREMENTS FOR A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY

The Psychology major requires a total of 56 credit hours taken in psychology. The student begins with a basic core (32 credit hours) which provides a foundation in psychology for all majors, then with the help of a psychology advisor, the student selects a program which is tailored to fit individual interests, graduate study, or potential employment. In addition to the major, the student also selects a minor (27 credit hours) in a field which will support and broaden one's intended use of psychology. Specific courses in the minor are selected with the help of an advisor in that minor field. An outline of the program follows:

Psychology Major 56 hrs --(minimum of 36 hours upper division)

Basic Core - 36 hrs --(required of all psychology majors) *Choose only one of the following I/O courses: PSY 443, 445, 446, 447, 448

Psy 201, 202 General Psych. 8 hrs

Psy 301W Introduction to Research Methods 4 hrs

Psy 311 Developmental Psych 4 hrs

Psy 334 Social Psychology 4 hrs

Psy 360 Cognitive Psych 4 hrs

Psy 443* Group Processes

Psy 445* Intro to Industrial Organization

Psy 446* Psychology of Leadership

Psy 447* Topics on Organizational Psychology

Psy 448* Topics in Organization Psychology

Psy 467Q Quantitative Methods 4 hrs

Psy 468QW Research Methods in Psychology 4 hrs

Additional Electives - 20 hrs

(See Course descriptions to find out more about individual courses)
Students should choose these additional 20 hours with an advisor's assistance.

PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS DESIRING A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

1. Students must apply and be approved for admission to the Psychology Major. Prior to being admitted, potential psychology majors should look at Psychology Advising

To be admitted students must provide evidence that they have:

a. Sophomore standing

b. Completed Psy 201, 202, and 301W or equivalent courses

c. A G.P.A. of 2.67 or higher in all psychology courses

d. An overall G.P.A. of 2.50 or higher

2. Begin the Basic Core with General Psychology (Psy 201, 202, 301W).

3. It is extremely important to consult with an advisor in psychology to plan the most appropriate and efficient sequence of courses.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Western Oregon University Psychology Student Association offers all interested students an opportunity to meet fellow students and share activities specifically relevant to psychology. Activities have included field trips, speakers, and conference attendance. In addition, Psi Chi, the National Honorary Society in Psychology, is open to qualified majors and minors in psychology. See the Psi Chi advisor for more information.

OCCUPATIONAL AND ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In 1986, we completed a survey of graduates of the Psychology Program. Former students were employed in a variety of helping professions. These positions included: Treatment Co-ordinator at Edgefield Lodge, Teacher of the Severely Handicapped, Personnel Assistant at Salem Hospital, Alcohol Counselor, Juvenile Probation Officer, Counselor for Abused Children, Chief Technologist for Good Samaritan Hospital Sleep Disorders Clinic, Social Caseworker for Children's Services Division, Child Therapist at Oregon State Hospital, Coordinator for Community Schools, Program Coordinator for Raleigh Hills Hospital, Marketing Consultant for S.A.I.F. Corporation.

Other graduates have pursued graduate degrees in Psychology or related fields.

Projected trends of future needs for professionals with psychological training show a steady increase. Some job titles which require graduate study in psychology include: clinical/counseling psychologist, school psychologist, psychometrists, experimental psychologists, research psychologist, community college and university instructor, community college and university student counselor-employment counselor, and rehabilitation counselor.

Contact

Psychology Division (503) 838-8344 | or e-mail: kunzel@wou.edu