Goals and Learning Outcomes

The Department of Psychology puts forward the following four broad goals with corresponding student learning outcomes:

GOAL 1. PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE BASE IN PSYCHOLOGY

Students should be able to demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of major concepts, theoretical approaches, historical events, and major research. They should be able to engage in discussions about how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.

Learning outcomes:

1.1 Students describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
1.2 Students develop a working knowledge of psychology content’s domain
1.3 Students can describe practical applications in psychology

GOAL 2. FOSTER STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND RESPECT FOR SCIENTIFICALLY DERIVED KNOWLEDGE

Students should develop skills in scientific reasoning and problem solving including using relevant and effective research methods. Students will study research and apply research principles in interpretive human behavior.

Learning outcomes:

2.1 Students use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
2.2 Students interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research
2.3 Students conduct statistical and other data analysis

GOAL 3. PROMOTE STUDENTS’ ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DIVERSE WORLD.

Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a diverse world. Students will learn principles that govern professional ethics in psychology and act responsively in working with diverse groups of individuals.

Learning outcomes:

3.1 Students demonstrate basic knowledge of the ethical practice and basic skills in ethical
decision making
3.2 Students integrate ethical standards into their own research endeavors and practice

GOAL 4. PREPARE STUDENTS TO BECOME COMPETENT PROFESSIONALS WHO REFLECTIVELY INTEGRATE THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE, RESEARCH FINDINGS AND PRACTICE

Students learn how to apply psychology-specific content and skills. Students apply major psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Learning outcomes:

4.1 Students apply psychological content and skills to career goals
4.2 Students demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of test construction and psychometrics
4.3 Students demonstrate skills in administering, scoring and interpreting psychological tests
4.4 Students demonstrate knowledge and skills in assessment and diagnosis