Psychology, B.S.

The Psychology Major

Psychology majors receive a firm grounding in the scientific aspects of the discipline and are required to complete coursework in statistics and psychological research. This training is essential for students to receive adequate preparation for either graduate study or a professional career in psychology or an allied discipline. PS 190 is required for completion of the psychology major. Psychology majors or those who are considering the major should take PS 190 as soon as possible.

PS 101 (or PS 100) is the prerequisite for most upper-level courses in Psychology. PS 100 meets the Issues in Social Justice requirement and PS 101 meets the Natural Science distribution requirement of the Integrative Core Curriculum. PS 100 or 101 may be applied to the Integrative Core Curriculum or general elective credit-hour requirements. Check the listings in the schedule of classes each semester to see which additional courses may be applied to the requirements of the Integrative Core.

Preparation for Graduate Study in Psychology: Graduate study in Psychology takes many forms. Students seek admission in many specialty areas, including clinical, developmental, social, industrial/organizational, sports, comparative, biological, experimental, cognitive, school, or counseling psychology, and neuroscience. The Psychology major is also excellent preparation for medical school and other health professions, law school, business administration, and social work. Students planning to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology or an allied discipline should seek a firm foundation in the core areas of the discipline and obtain research experience through additional course work and independent study. The following courses are recommended for students planning graduate study: PS 241, PS 261, PS 262, 265 (formerly PS 365), PS 301/ PS 301L, PS 3181, PS 326, PS 3321, PS 3801, PS 401, PS 435, PS 457, PS 471, and PS 497N or PS 499.

Interdisciplinary Concentration in Neuroscience
This interdisciplinary concentration is coordinated by the Department of Psychology. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and the behavior of higher animals. It is strongly recommended that students interested in this program investigate the neuroscience concentration as early as possible in their academic careers. Interested students should refer to Concentration in Neuroscience for more information. Coordinator: Dr. Helen M. Murphy.

Co-Operative 3/2 Program with the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
A special agreement with the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (M-SASS) at Case Western Reserve University enables qualified Psychology majors to enroll in the MSASS program after their junior year at John Carroll. Successful completion of this five-year program results in a B.S. in Psychology from John Carroll and a master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University.

Program Learning Goals in Psychology

Students will demonstrate:

A fundamental knowledge base in the core areas of psychology.
Critical thinking skills and their application.
Proficiency in the use of the language of psychology in both written and verbal form.
Expertise in the methods of information gathering, organization, and synthesis as applied to psychology.
Mastery of the experimental method and statistical analysis as practiced by psychologists.
An understanding of the ethics and values of the discipline.
A readiness for graduate study or for transition into the workforce.
Recognition of how psychology contributes to the understanding of human diversity.

Specialized Concentrations in Psychology: Majors may elect to complete one of the four concentrations in applied Psychology described below. These focused concentrations were designed for students with specialized interests in applying psychological principles in business, school, or mental health settings. Because courses in these concentrations are not offered every semester, careful planning and course selection will increase the likelihood of successfully completing a concentration. Concentrations include: Child and Family Studies, Forensic Psychology, Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Requirements for the concentrations can be found on individual concentration webpages.

Major Requirements

39-41 total credit hours

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 479	CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY	3

Group A. Biological Basis of Behavior

PS 3181	SENSATION AND PERCEPTION	4
	or
PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3

Group B. Developmental & Social Psychology

One course chosen from:

PS 241	SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 261	CHILD DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 262	ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT	3

Group C. Individual Differences

One course chosen from:

PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 455	CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3
PS 457	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3

Group D. Learning & Memory

One course chosen from:

PS 3321	LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	4
	or
PS 3801	HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION	4
	or
PS 386	MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR	3

The remaining 18 hours are PS electives. A total of 15 PS credits must be at the 300-level or above.

No more than 6 hours of credit for courses at or above PS 480 can be counted toward the major.

At least 18 credit hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University.

A comprehensive examination, given during the final semester of the senior year, must be passed by all majors in Psychology.

Required Support Courses

DATA 122	ELEMENTARY STATISTICS	3
DATA 260	INTERMEDIATE STATISTICS WITH SPSS	3

Required support courses should be taken by the end of sophomore year.

Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration

This concentration is intended for two groups of students: those who wish to pursue graduate training and those seeking employment in Industrial/Organizational-related areas. Students prepare for both graduate school and entry-level positions in a variety of work settings that involve job analysis, staffing, training, and performance evaluation. Students should select their courses carefully and consult with the department early in their program. Course prerequisites must be observed. Completing both the Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology concentration and the psychology major requires all of the following:

Required Courses

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 241	SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 259	INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 3321	LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	4
PS 350	PSYCHOLOGY OF PERFORMANCE AND CHANGE	3
PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 479	CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS ELEC	TWO PS Electives	6

Choose one:

PS 3181	SENSATION AND PERCEPTION	4
PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 480	PRACTICUM IN BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY	2 to 3
PS 481	PRACTICUM IN BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY	2 to 3
PS 401	ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
CE 104	INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE III	3

Choose four from the following:

MHR 376	COMPENSATION	3
MHR 453	EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS	3
MHR 470	STAFFING	3
MHR 473	TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT	3
BI 200	DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING	3

Coordinator: TBD

Subtotal: 51-52

Child and Family Studies Concentration

This concentration provides an opportunity for students to examine development from prenatal development through the end of life by the integration of theory and practice. There is a focus on the individual and individuals in a family context. This course of study supports students who wish to work in applied settings with children and families after graduation, as well as those who wish to continue to graduate study. Completing both the child and family studies concentration and the major requires the following courses:

Child and Family Students Course Requirements

Required Courses

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 261	CHILD DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 262	ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 265	ADULTHOOD AND AGING	3
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 415	MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 455	CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3
PS 479	CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 342	PSYCHOLOGY OF PREJUDICE	3
SC 255	PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION	3

Choose one:

SC 225	SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY	3
SC 275	FAMILY VIOLENCE	3

Choose one:

PS 3321	LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	4
PS 3801	HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION	4

Choose one:

PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3
PS 3181	SENSATION AND PERCEPTION	4

Coordinator: Dr. Sheri Young

Subtotal: 42

Forensic Psychology Concentration

This concentration is intended for students who have an interest in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, criminology, or law, as well as those who will be seeking employment in the criminal justice system. Requirements for completing both the forensic psychology concentration and the psychology major are as follows:

Forensic Psychology Concentration Course Requirements

Required Courses

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 270	FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 479	CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS ELEC	ONE PS elective course	3

Choose one:

PS 3181	SENSATION AND PERCEPTION	4
PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 241	SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 261	CHILD DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 262	ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT	3

Choose one:

PS 455	CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3
PS 457	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 3321	LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	4
PS 3801	HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION	4
PS 386	MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR	3

Choose one:

PS 401	ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 494	INTERNSHIP IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 275	CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 360	COUNSELING THEORY AND PRACTICE	3

Choose one (Supporting Class):

SC 220	CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS	3
SC 240	CRIMINOLOGY	3
SC 345	CORRECTIONS	3

Coordinator: TBD

Subtotal: 42-44

Clinical and Counseling Psychology Concentration

This concentration is intended for two groups of students: those who plan on graduate study in clinical/counseling psychology or related fields immediately or shortly after graduation, and those who will be seeking employment in some area of human services immediately after graduation. Those planning to go to graduate school should follow the advice given above in the section on preparation for graduate study. In most cases these students will do only one semester of practicum. Students planning to seek employment after graduation should consider doing two semesters of practicum, either at one setting or two. Requirements for completing both the mental health services concentration and the psychology major are as follows:

Clinical and Counseling Psychology Concentration Course Requirements

Required Courses

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 360	COUNSELING THEORY AND PRACTICE	3
PS 381	EATING DISORDERS	3
PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 457	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3
PS 479	CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS ELEC	One PS elective course	3

Choose one:

PS 241	SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 261	CHILD DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 262	ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT	3

Choose one (includes lecture and lab, if applicable):

PS 3181	SENSATION AND PERCEPTION	4
PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3

Choose one (includes lecture and lab, if applicable):

PS 3321	LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	4
PS 3801	HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION	4

Choose one:

PS 275	CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 288	HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY	3

Choose one:

PS 401	ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 482	PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY	2 to 3
PS 483	PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY	2 to 3

Note: Clinical and Counseling Psychology students may repeat either the 3-credit practicum PS 482C (offered in fall) or 483C offered in spring) once.

Coordinator: Dr. Denise Ben-Porath

Subtotal: 42-44

Neuroscience Concentration

The Interdisciplinary concentration in Neuroscience is coordinated by the Department of Psychology and is intended for biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry (biochemistry concentration), and psychology majors who desire an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and behavior of higher organisms. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in BL 155- BL 158 and CH 141- CH 144 is required for admission into the concentration. Requirements for each area are detailed below.

Required Biology Courses:

BL 155	PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I	3
BL 156	PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II	3
BL 157	PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY I	1
BL 158	PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY II	1
BL 360	HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY	4
BL 360L	HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY	0

Required Psychology Courses

PS 100	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE	3
	or
PS 101	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	3

PS 190	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY	2
PS 301	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY	4
PS 301L	EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY	0
PS 326	PSYCHOBIOLOGY	3
PS 386	MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR	3
PS 426/PS 226	PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY	3
PS 497N	ADVANCED RESEARCH TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE	3

Choose one from:

PS 241	SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY	3
PS 261	CHILD DEVELOPMENT	3
PS 262	ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT	3

Choose one from:

PS 351	THEORIES AND RESEARCH ABOUT PERSONALITY	3
PS 435	TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS	3
PS 457	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3

Required Chemistry Courses:

CH 141	GENERAL CHEMISTRY I	4
CH 142	GENERAL CHEMISTRY II	4
CH 143	GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I	1
CH 144	GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II	1
CH 221	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I	3
CH 222	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II	3
CH 223	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I	1
CH 224	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II	1

Psychology Electives

PS ELEC

Four PS elective courses

Coordinator: Dr. Helen Murphy, Department of Psychology

Subtotal: 69

Departments: