Psychology Undergraduate Programs - Kendall College of Arts and Sciences

Psychology Undergraduate Programs

Psychology is the study of human nature – how people use information, what motivates them and how they develop and change. Psychologists study behavior and brain function, collect information, identify disorders and research emotional patterns. They apply methods such as observation, assessment and experimentation to develop theories about the beliefs and feelings that influence a person. While most people are aware of clinical psychology, psychology’s domain is broad and encompasses many subfields including counseling, developmental, forensic, industrial-organizational, school and social psychology. Students develop critical thinking and scientific skills to solve human problems important to all of those areas.

Students are encouraged to pursue research in collaboration with faculty to develop their skills and gain experience. Psychology faculty conduct research in a wide variety of areas such as personality influences on workplace accomplishment, personality assessment, treatment and prevention of trauma and its effects, reducing the effects of occupational stress and exploring factors that can influence one’s perception of pain. In addition, students are invited to experience hands-on training with faculty supervision in different community settings.

The Department of Psychology is home to two interdisciplinary institutes that feature sponsored research conducted by faculty. The Institute of Biochemical and Psychological Study of Individual Differences (IBPID) explores the links between biological and genetic systems and their psychological counterparts. The University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice (TITAN) institute is committed to evidence-based education, scholarship, research and service that reduces the incidence and impact of trauma and adversity. Both institutes offer opportunities for research and student travel grants as well as local, national and international networking.

Students have coauthored presentations at regional and national conventions on topics ranging from forensic evaluation to non-conscious acquisition of information. Undergraduates also have coauthored journal articles that have appeared in a range of psychological journals. The psychology club, Psi Chi, and a colloquium series of distinguished guest speakers also provide research, career and networking opportunities for students.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

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

    2.1 Students will be able to review the scientific literature and generate hypotheses.

    2.2 Students will be able to analyze research data and generate an interpretation of the results.

    2.3 Students will be able integrate research findings and present them in an APA-style research paper or a conference-style presentation.

    3. Students who complete a psych major will report that the psych undergrad program assisted in preparing them for employment or further education.

    4. Students will be able to analyze arguments about the role and application of psychological research in society (e.g., fairness of psychological test use) and/or apply scientific reasoning to the particular issue or problem. This analysis will include descriptions of diverse perspectives, a description of how the perspectives relate to psychological theories or principles, and an articulation of a position on the matter supported by evidence.

  • Degree Options

    Psychology, B.A.

    Develop a scientific understanding of human behavior and experience, learn how psychological knowledge is generated and apply psychological principles to the solution of human problems.

    Psychology, B.S.

    Training to use scientific methods to determine the validity of answers to questions about human behavior.

    Psychology Minor

    Non-majors interested in learning more about psychology are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.

  • Typical Four Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTERFRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    Freshman ExperienceFirst Seminar
    Exposition and ArgumentationBlock I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationBlock III - Scientific Investigation
    Contemporary MathematicsBeginning Language II
    Beginning Language IPSY 2253: Foundations of Psychology*
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTERSOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative ExperienceBlock III - Scientific Investigation (lab)
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationIntermediate Language II
    Intermediate Language IPSY 3013: Research Methods*
    PSY 2023: Statistics for Behavioral Sciences*Psychology Core Course**
    Psychology Core Course**Elective
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTERJUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationPsychology Elective (upper division course)
    PSY 3023: Assessment of Individual DifferencesPsychology Elective (upper division course)
    Psychology Core Course**Minor
    Psychology Core Course**Elective
    MinorElective
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTERSENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Psychology Elective (upper division course)Minor (upper division course)
    Psychology Elective (upper division course)Senior Project/Paper
    Senior SeminarMinor (upper division course)
    Independent Research/Practicum or ElectiveElective
    Independent Research/Practicum or ElectiveElective
    *Foundation Courses
    **Core Course choices: Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theories of
    Personality, History of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Biological Foundations of Behavior.
    Note: Advanced Placement credit may allow for more electives, additional majors or minors or study abroad.
    The plan above can also be rearranged to schedule a semester of study abroad.