Psychology, B.A.

Upon successful completion of the program of studies for the Psychology major, the student will earn a B.A. in Psychology and will have given evidence of the following program outcomes:

• Comprehend the fundamental knowledge and major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in the field of psychology as evidenced by in-class testing and the results of the Major Field Test in Psychology.
• Demonstrate scientific reasoning ability and apply behavioral science research methodology as evidenced by program coursework.
• Identify and apply ethically responsible behaviors within the field of psychology, consistent with the Mercy core values, as evidenced by program coursework.
• Effectively communicate as a professional in written and oral formats as evidenced by academic research, classroom presentations, and evaluations from field-based supervisors within program coursework.

To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

Major Sequence

At a minimum, all psychology majors are required to complete 36 semester hours of credit in psychology. As part of these 36 hours, students must take a series of 30 or 31 credits of core courses.

Addictions Counseling

This course sequence is recommended for students pursuing employment in addictions counseling. It is also recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study in fields such as counseling and clinical psychology. In addition to the core courses listed above, this course sequence recommends:

Students who complete this sequence of courses are eligible to apply for the Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) license once they have completed the requirements for supervised experience required by the Division of Consumer Affairs of New Jersey.

Psychology Scholars Program

The Psychology Scholars Program (PSP) offers students an integrated program of intensive and personal instruction for students whose goal is to pursue a career in psychology, counseling, or a related field.  From the time the Psychology Scholars enter the university as first-year or transfer students, they work in a small cohort of highly qualified students, developing the skills of research and practice that are necessary for success in their chosen field.  Close contact with faculty members of the department and throughout the university enriches the students' learning through interesting and challenging curricular and extracurricular experiences.

Students who enter the PSP as first-year students complete the regular requirements for the psychology major and take honors sections of the following courses:

• In addition, PSP students complete either
  • An internship course or
  • PS440 Supervised Research in Psychology or
  • PS460 Research in Psychology I

Students who are simultaneously enrolled in the PSP and the University Honors program must also complete three courses in the University Honors Program:

• EN221 Honors Argument: Rhetoric & Research
• GEN199 WI:Discovering Self in the Universe
• GEN400 WI:Visioning a Future

Students who transfer into the PSP or enter after the first year:

• Complete the regular requirements for the psychology major.
• Take any of the honors-designated PS courses for which they have not already taken an equivalent; if they are unable to take at least six honors-designated PS courses, they may take courses as honors by contract with permission of the program director. Transfer students do not typically take PS113 Foundations of Psychology, but a student who transfers in with very few psychology credits may be advised to do so.
• Complete the internship or research course requirement for the PSP.

Students may substitute a 300- or 400-level psychology course as honors by contract for a regularly offered PSP course by permission of the program director.

Continuation in the program requires maintenance of honors standing in the PSP. In order to maintain membership in the PSP, students must maintain a GPA of 3.2 or obtain the permission of the program director.

Students who successfully complete the PSP are guaranteed admission to their choice of the GCU Psychology and Counseling M.A. programs, pending an application and a successful interview. In order to retain the automatic admission to the graduate program (conditional upon interview), the student must complete the following:

• Graduation overall GPA at least 3.5, Psychology GPA at least 3.6
• No semester GPA below 3.0
• No more than two course grades below B-

Transfer Regulations for all Psychology Majors

Students must complete a minimum of 21 credits in the Psychology program at Georgian Court including one of the capstone courses (PS431 Experimental Psychology or PS450 Internship in Psychology or PS456 Internship in Psych:Addictions Treatment or PS455 Senior Seminar).

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General Education

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Major

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PS431 Experimental Psychology if ind. research

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PS270 Theories of Personality if internship

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PS331 Basic Counseling if internship