Psychology

Bluefield College provides students a liberal arts education in Psychology to offer professional training in the field and to prepare students for graduate studies in Psychology.  A major in psychology involves coursework ranging from learning and memory to personality theories, abnormal psychology, and counseling and psychotherapy. Students are encouraged to think critically and are encouraged to apply psychology to “real-world” issues.

Students may apply what they have learned through completing an internship in psychology. Students may work closely in an office or organization that matches their particular area of interests. The student’s experience culminates in a final senior seminar capstone course that is designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete an applied research project.

 

Major Requirements 47 Semester Hours

Core Courses:

 

Electives: 12 hours chosen from the following:

 

Division Core Class Discriptions

PSY 1013 Introduction to Psychology

An introduction to psychology as a scientific and applied discipline including the findings, concepts, theories, methods, and applications of psychology. This course is a prerequisite to all following psychology courses.

PSY 2043 Child and Adolescent Development

A study of growth and development from birth through adolescence. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3014 Social Research Methods (same as CRJ/SOC 3014)

An introduction to concepts and methods associated with the practice of modern social inquiry. Concepts addressed include but are not limited to sampling, construct operationalization, research, design, data collection, methods of analysis, and the dissemination of results. Also discussed are such enduring issues as reliability, validity, and research ethics. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and Co-requisites or Prerequisite: MAT 2023

PSY 3033 Theories of Personality

An introduction to the organization and functioning of personality. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3053 Biological Psychology

The study of how biological processes, especially activity in the brain and nervous system, relate to behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3083 Social Psychology (Same as SOC 3083)

A study of behavior in social contexts, including interpersonal attraction, group dynamics, leadership, and conformity. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 4033 Learning and Cognition

This course will provide a broad yet detailed study of the learning process, learning theory in its historical perspective, and will develop skills in the application of learning theory to current issues. This study is augmented by integrating learning theory with multiple constructs found in cognitive psychology including judgment, memory, perception, attention, categorization and problem solving. PSY 1013 and a junior standing is a prerequisite for this course.

PSY 4043 History and Systems

A study of the historical development and contemporary status of psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and JR standing.

PSY 4603 Senior Seminar

A capstone course for Psychology majors to be taken during the senior year. Students will complete an applied research project in psychology.