The Psychology Major

Assistant Professors: Gary Baker, Patrick Mulick, and Nikki Yonts

Psychology, the study of behavior and mental processes, is a social, behavioral, and human science.  The Psychology major at Lyon introduces students to the empirical study of human and animal behavior and such diverse mental faculties and processes as perception, memory, intelligence, problem solving, and decision making.  Students are also introduced to a wide range of current professional issues and responsibilities regarding both the academic discipline and applied profession of psychology.

Psychology students develop an understanding of the social, psychological, and biological causes of behavior and an understanding of the effects of these factors on a variety of psychological phenomena, including interpersonal relationships, human growth and development, learning, personality, and abnormal behavior.  They become skilled researchers and wise consumers of scientific psychological research.  In addition, they are introduced to the application of basic psychological principles in a variety of endeavors, including counseling and other areas of clinical psychology, education, and industry.  Psychology majors interested in applied aspects of the discipline may gain practical experience in the field through a supervised practicum in the junior or senior year.

The major is designed to prepare students for graduate study in psychology and related fields.  A background in psychology is also appropriate and valuable for students planning to enter such professions as business, education, law, medicine, social work, and the ministry.

Summary of Requirements for a Major in Psychology

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology** / 3 Credits

PSY 235 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences / 3 Credits

PSY 240 Introduction to Research Methods / 3 Credits

PSY 290 Human Development

    OR PSY 310 Child and Adolescent Development

    OR PSY 350 Adult Development and Aging / 3 Credits

PSY 332 History and Systems / 3 Credits

PSY Intermediate Research Systems / 3 Credits

 

Two of the Following:

 

PSY 318 Biological Psychology / 3 Credits

PSY 339 Learning and Cognition / 3 Credits

PSY 410 Psychological Testing / 3 Credits

 

Two of the Following:

 

PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology / 3 Credits

PSY 336 Social Psychology / 3 Credits

PSY 338 Personality Psychology / 3 Credits

 

One of the following:

 

PSY 440 Professional Issues and Practicum / 3 Credits

PSY 480 Directed Research / 3 Credits

 

Total Credits Required: 33

**This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.

 

Psychology majors may also select a concentration in Human Resources Management, which is offered in collaboration with the Business Administration program.

 

 

The Psychology Minor

 

The psychology minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students who wish to develop an understanding of the scientific study of behavior and the mind.

 

Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Psychology

 

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology** / 3 Credits

PSY 290 Human Development

    OR PSY 310 Children and Adolescent Development

    OR PSY 350 Adulthood and Aging / 3 Credits

PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology

    OR PSY 336 Social Psychology / 3 Credits

PSY 382 Topics in Psychology / 3 Credits

 

In addition, two other 300 or 400 level psychology courses / 6 Credits

 

Total Credits Require: 18

**This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.