Psychology (B.A.)
Overview
Our psychology students have open minds, curiosity about human behavior and a willingness to challenge stereotypes and beliefs. Our students have a sincere interest in helping others and pursue careers in areas such as counseling, medicine, human resources and community services. Through volunteer work and internships, students gain practical, on-the-job experience in these areas, and they receive a solid foundation in research, statistics and experimental methods.
Psychology students complete formal coursework as well as internship experiences, and guest speakers from the greater Washington area, field trips to mental health facilities, and participation in local and regional conferences are regularly scheduled. In addition, co-curricular activities are provided for students through the Psychology Club and Trinity’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in Psychology.
The psychology program’s goals are to prepare students for careers and/or graduate study in mental health and human services fields through a solid foundation in research, theory and practical skills.
During their senior year, our psychology majors have the unique opportunity to apply to the B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling program, which allows select students to complete their undergraduate psychology degree while also beginning graduate coursework towards a Master’s degree in counseling.
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Featured Courses
PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 212 Self and IdentityThis course will investigate social psychology's scientific study of the question, "Who am I?" The course addresses the ways in which we come to know and understand ourselves, as well as our biases processing information about ourselves compared to other people. Also covered are the content, structure, organization and function of the self, including the self-concept, self-esteem, self-control, self-regulation and self-efficacy. An important part of the class is a consideration of the ways in which our membership in social groups (race, gender, religion etc) relates to all of these processes and our sense of self.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensory-motor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 233 Psychology of AdolescenceStudies the theories and current research in adolescent development. Topics include the psychological impact of puberty, cognitive development, personality development, and the interaction of the adolescent with peers, family, and others. Emphasis is given to the impact of culture, gender, and ethnicity on the adolescent's development. Formerly PSY 261 Psychology of Adolescence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
PSYC 262 Psychology of WomenEmphasizes the experience of women and girls using theories and research about development across the lifespan. The course stresses the inter-relationships of biological, socio-cultural and psychological factors. Central issues explored in the course include: identity, interpersonal relationships, gender roles in various cultures, and womens roles in the workplace.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Credits: 3
PSYC 313 Attribution Theory and Decision MakingAnalyzes the way people interpret the causes of events in their lives. Topics include personal and impersonal causality, the issues of control and freedom, person perception, objective self-awareness theory, analysis of emotional states, the psychology of decision making, and an attributional approach to psychopathological disorders. Formerly PSY 311 Attribution Theory and Decision Making.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 additional Psychology credits at the 200 level, or permission of instructor
PSYC 325 Behavior Disorders in ChildrenStudies childhood psychological disorders within a framework of normal development. Emphases include etiology, diagnosis, treatment methods, current research, and case studies. Formerly PSY 358 Behavior Disorders in Children.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 231 or permission of instructor
PSYC 385 Ethnic & Cross Cultural PsychologyExplores cultural components in theory and research in psychology. The interplay of individual, ethnic, and societal factors in psychosocial development will be emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, SOC 100, and at least three additional credits in Psychology
PSYC 402 Juvenile Forensic PsychologyThis course will enhance students' knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness related to detained and institutionized juveniles in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will increase students' knowledge of theoretical explanations and the etiologies of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime from a psychological perspective.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 221 or PSYC 325
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Career Paths
- Clinical Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Counselor
- School Counselor
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Human Resources Director
- Child Care Provider
- Public Opinion Surveyor
- Personnel Specialist
- Lawyer
- Public Policy Researcher
- Teacher / Professor
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Faculty
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