Psychology, B.A.

The mission of the undergraduate program in psychology is to inspire academic excellence in students by promoting knowledge of the theories and content of psychology, scientific inquiry, learning and critical thinking in preparation for employment and/or graduate study. In addition, the program endorses the development of understanding of self and others, a sense of values, an appreciation of diversity, and a commitment to ethical principles.

An important part of liberal arts education involves understanding oneself, one’s own behavior and the actions of others. The undergraduate psychology program is designed to reflect all areas of human behavior and mental functioning. An introduction to techniques for investigating and understanding human behavior both within and outside the normal range of coping is provided in various courses.

In addition, internship courses and research courses provide the student with an opportunity to apply classroom learning along with valuable training for employment or graduate school.

The B.A. in psychology is available in a daytime in-person modality on our Lakewood campus, in an evening program at our GCU@Brookdale Lincroft campus, and in a fully on-line asynchronous program.

Students may choose from two optional concentrations:  sport and exercise psychology and forensic psychology.  A minor in addictions counseling can be integrated with the psychology major, providing the educational requirements for certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

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 fundamental knowledge, major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in the field of psychology.
• Understand scientific reasoning and behavioral science research methodology.
• Identify and apply ethically responsible behaviors within the field of psychology.
• Effectively communicate in written and oral academic settings.

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.

Concentration in Forensic Psychology

A 12 credit optional concentration in Forensic Psychology is available to Psychology Majors. Students may double count PS courses toward both the requirements for the concentration and the requirements for either the psychology major or psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology major. Courses from other disciplines (e.g., CJ or ES) cannot count toward the psychology or psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology major (except for cross-listed courses that are also PS courses).
 

Concentration in Sport & Exercise Psychology

A 12 credit optional concentration in Forensic Psychology is available to Psychology Majors. Students may double count PS courses toward both the requirements for the concentration and the requirements for either the psychology major or psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology major. Courses from other disciplines (e.g., CJ or ES) cannot count toward the psychology or psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology major (except for cross-listed courses that are also PS 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 in the major requirements section, 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 HNRS: Rhetoric, Research & Digital Lit
• 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. Graduation with Departmental Honors in Psychology requires a GPA of 3.3 at graduation.

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 Requirements

All psychology majors 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