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2023-2024 Rivier Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Day)
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The undergraduate degree in psychology provides students with a broad background in psychology, including a knowledge base and skills in reading, writing, conducting research, and problem solving that will be useful in almost any profession. Beyond the basic requirements set by the department in general psychology, statistics, research methods, biological foundations, and career preparation, there is a great deal of flexibility built into the major in how students shape their undergraduate degree to prepare them for graduate work in psychology or for a variety of career options after graduation.
Graduates majoring in psychology have obtained jobs in a wide range of settings including child care, social services agencies, drug treatment centers, youth and adult residential care centers, crisis centers, senior citizen centers, and a host of federal, state and local agencies serving families and children. In addition, psychology majors receive increased knowledge and skills in topics that enhance their personal and family lives. A minor in Social Work can further enhance the marketability of the psychology degree.
Numerous internship and service-learning opportunities for the development of practical skills and experiences in the helping professions are available for the interested and motivated student who wishes to put their ideals into practice and for further development.
Please refer to the introduction to the Psychology department for more information on this program.
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Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a degree in Psychology should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of and apply the major content domains, concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology;
- Apply scientific methodology and information literacy skills to understand psychological concepts, problem solve, and design and conduct research;
- Use critical and creative thinking and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes;
- Weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline;
- Demonstrate technological literacy and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes;
- Communicate effectively in a variety of formats;
- Understand and value the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity and a commitment to social justice;
- Develop insight into one’s own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement, project management and teamwork;
- Demonstrate a commitment to building community at local, national, and global levels;
- Implement their psychology knowledge, skills, and values in a variety of occupational settings or in advanced graduate school programs.
Major Requirements (40 credits)
- PSY 200 - Two electives
- PSY 300 - Three electives
- PSY300/400 - One elective
- PSY 400 - Two electives
General Education Requirements (42-45 credits)
Who am I and What is the World? Students explore these questions in their first year common core courses.
Associated with General Core
Who is My Neighbor? Students explore this question in their second and third years.(6 credits)
- HUM200 Literature, Art, and the Human Credits: 3
Students take one -200 level interdisciplinary course that addresses a basic human question from the perspectives of the literary, visual, and musical arts.
- HIS203 Interactions: The West in the World I Credits: 3 or
- HIS204 Interactions: The West in the World II Credits: 3
How Shall We Live? Students explore this question in their junior and senior years. (6 credits)
- Religion: Faith, Religion, and Social Justice Credits: 3
Students take one Religion course developed with this theme at its center.
- Philosophy: Ethics, Values, and Moral Choices Credits: 3
Students take one Philosophy course developed with this theme at its center.
What, then, Shall We Do? Students explore this question in their junior or senior year. (3 credits)
- Capstone: Justice and Global Responsibility Credits: 3
Students take one of a number of offerings under Justice and Global Responsibility. This seminar serves as the culmination of the Common Core. Informed by problem-solving pedagogy, this seminar enhances the student’s connection with the Catholic vision of the University by focusing on justice and global responsibility.
Area Distribution Courses: The Core Complement
Humanities and Social Sciences (6 credits)
- One course from: English, History, Modern Language, Philosophy, Religious Studies Credits: 3
- One course from: Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology Credits: 3
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (6 credits)
- One course in Mathematics: MA112 College Algebra or above Credits: 3
- One course from: Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Science Credits: 3-4
Culture through Language (6 credits)
Students must demonstrate university-level introductory competency in a language other than English.
General Electives (36 credits)
Degree Requirements (minimum 120 credits)
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