Psychology

View/Print PDF

Lawrence Brancazio
CHAIRPERSON
Engleman D 069
(203) 392-6868 – Fax (203) 392-6805
BrancazioL1@SouthernCT.edu
Department Secretary: (203) 392-6868

Jo Ann Abe, Professor
Kristine Anthis, Professor
Gayle Bessenoff, Associate Professor
Kelly Bordner, Associate Professor
Lawrence Brancazio, Professor
Deborah Carroll, Professor
Kevin Colwell, Professor
Cheryl Durwin, Professor
William Hauselt, Professor
Julia Irwin, Professor
John Jacobs, Professor
Patricia Kahlbaugh, Professor
Deborah Kraemer, Associate Professor
Kate Marsland, Associate Professor
Dina Moore, Associate Professor
Michael Nizhnikov, Assistant Professor
Claire Novosad, Associate Professor
Kelly Stiver, Associate Professor
Jessica Suckle-Nelson, Associate Professor
Kenneth Walters, Assistant Professor

MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

The Psychology Department offers three major courses of study. These lead to a B.A. degree in general psychology, a B.A. degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health, or a B.S. degree in Psychology. Students with the appropriate prerequisites may take offerings from any psychology concentration, including field practicum and data gathering courses.The degree offers preparation for graduate training in all areas of psychology, meeting the basic entrance requirements of M.A., Ph.D., and Psy.D. programs.

Major Requirements

In order to graduate with a degree in Psychology, a student must be accepted into the Psychology major. Students must be accepted in the program in order to receive permission to take PSY 300, which is a prerequisite for required upper-level courses and must have a grade of "C" or better in courses counted toward the major.

A student may apply for acceptance when all of the following requirements are met:

  • An overall GPA of at least 2.70*
  • At least 39 overall university credits (including transfer credits)
  • At least two PSY courses at the 200-level or higher with a grade of B- or higher. 

*Students who fall short of the minimum 2.70 overall GPA may be eligible for acceptance under an alternative set of criteria. Under these criteria, the student is allowed to recalculate their GPA with one semester removed.  They will be accepted if:  their overall GPA, with the one semester removed, is at least 2.80; and they have 39 credits completed with the one semester removed.

Students may choose one of the degree programs listed below:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, General

This program is designed for students who want to obtain a broad base of knowledge in Psychology.  It provides training in the experimental methods of scientific psychology, as well as the principles of behavior and mental processes.  Students take a mixture of required courses and selections from specific groups of courses and are encouraged to pursue opportunities to become involved in research, including for-credit research internships and thesis projects.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Concentration in Mental Health

Students who choose this concentration are provided with an introduction to issues, problems, and resources in the mental health field.This program consists of coursework more specific to the mental health field and is highlighted by a field practicum and seminar taken concurrently during the senior year. The supervised field placement consists of a minimum of 150 hours of experience in a mental health setting.  The concentration provides background for graduate study leading to careers in school, counseling, or clinical psychology. Interest in the concentration should be explored during the second semester of the sophomore year or the first semester of the junior year.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The program is designed to prepare students for careers and graduate training in:  scientific research or technology (STEM) relating to the brain, the mind, and behavior; quantitative assessment and testing in psychology; applications of psychology to the workplace and public policy.  The program is highlighted by a field or lab practicum, which consists of 150 hours of supervised experience.  The program is structured to provide a firm foundation in psychological science along with flexibillity in psychology and cognate course selections to allow students to focus on their specific area of interest.  Students can follow designed tracks in Behavioral Neuroscience (BNS), Cognitive Science (CS), and Applied Psychology and Neuroscience (AP&A), or develop an individualized plan in consultation with their adviser.