Psychology

The major in psychology is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students majoring in psychology are introduced to a spectrum of psychological theories, experiments and problems within the context of a liberal arts college. Although there is considerable breadth in the Department of Psychology’s course offerings, an orientation embracing both research and application is emphasized. Psychology majors having earned their Bachelor’s degrees are prepared for many different endeavors. For example, they may pursue further study at the graduate level; become involved with the work of counseling centers, elementary and secondary schools, or youth authority facilities; earn a credential in early childhood education and/or in special education; or pursue a career in human resource management. Psychology is also an excellent preparation for careers in law, medicine or business.

Faculty

Mark S. Barajas, PhD, Associate Professor
Lynyonne D. Cotton, PhD, Associate Professor
Elena A. Escalera, PhD, Professor
José A. Feito, PhD, Professor, Chair
Emily Hause, PhD, Professor
James McCauley, PhD, Assistant Professor
Hiroko Nakano, PhD, Professor
Keith H. Ogawa, PhD, Professor
Makenzie O’Neil, PhD, Assistant Professor
Sara K. Stampp, PhD, Professor Emeritus
James A. Temple, PhD, Professor
Mary True, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Hoang J. Vu, PhD, Professor
Paul Zarnoth, PhD, Associate Professor

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the requirements for the bachelor of science degree in psychology, students will be able to:

DEMONSTRATE knowledge of and be able to critically analyze the theoretical approaches, research findings, and historical trends in psychology.
UNDERSTAND multiple research methods and statistical tools and be able to use them to design research and collect, analyze, and interpret data, as well as proficiently write a research report using standard APA format.
DEMONSTRATE an understanding of the multiple ways gender, culture, age, and sexual orientation affect psychological processes (e.g., perception, memory, learning, affect, social behavior, and development).
APPLY psychological theory and research to real-world problems and issues.

Full Credit Course Requirement

All course requirements for the Psychology major must be met by full credit courses. In other words, .25 and .50 credit courses may not be used to fulfill course requirements in the Psychology major.

Course Prerequisites and Requirements

A minimum grade of C- in all prerequisites is required for admission to all courses. Prerequisites may be waived at the discretion of the instructor.

Transfer Credit in Psychology

Students already enrolled at Saint Mary’s College who wish to transfer credit for an off-campus psychology course other than PSYCH 001 must submit a formal petition to do so to the chair of the Psychology Department before enrolling in the course.

Concentrations

In addition to general psychology, there are four major concentrations in the Department of Psychology. A student may elect to follow any one of these programs for a bachelor of science degree:

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Psychology Minor

Courses

Psychology - Lower Division

Psychology - Upper Division