Psychology Program Outcomes

I. Knowledge, Skills, and Values Consistent With the Science and Application of Psychology

Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology

Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology

Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology

Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

Goal 4: Application of Psychology

Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Goal 5: Values in Psychology

Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.

II. Knowledge, Skills, and Values Consistent With Liberal Arts Education That Are Further Developed in Psychology

Goal 6: Information and Technological Literacy

Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.

Goal 7: Communication Skills

Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.

Goal 8: Sociocultural and International Awareness

Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.

Goal 9: Personal Development

Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

Goal 10: Career Planning and Development

Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

*Goal adopted by Psychology Department Fall 2006

* Appropriate for an Associate Degree. See Mapping of Psychology Courses to view the degree of specific course emphasis of each goal.