Psychology is a basic science of human behavior and mental processes. The goals of the Psychology Department are:

1. to contribute to the understanding of humanity through scientific inquiry into the behavior of living organisms by means of a range of research methods;
2. to provide fundamental training for mental health practitioners or professionals and researchers in the field of human behavior and development;
3. to assist in preparing persons for professions requiring psychological background--such as teaching, the health sciences, social service, law, and ministry; and
4. to encourage the application of this knowledge to a variety of problems, such as those associated with minority status and personal, occupational, and social adjustment;

Students who complete the psychology program will be able to:

• define and use appropriately the important concepts of contemporary psychology;
• identify the major historical and contemporary theories of psychology;
• identify and describe important research methods and analyze and interpret data gathered using the various methods applicable to the discipline;
• define the ethical responsibilities of psychologists in both research and practice;
• communicate the results of empirical, library, and Internet research both orally and in writing;
• apply psychological concepts and research to social problems; and
• recognize the role of psychological research and theory in the practice of various careers.