Download Psychology As A Major At Portland State University

Psychology As A Major At Portland State University
What comes to mind when you think of psychology? A lot of people think therapist,
psychiatrist or social worker. However, psychology is a diverse science as well as a
helping profession. Psychology is a broadly defined field. The psychology major at PSU
has been designed to allow students to explore its breadth, as well as focus in on specific
areas that interest them. Having a broad education in psychology is important no matter
what field of psychology you plan to work in and the major at PSU aims to offer that
diversity in its curriculum.
What types of psychology can I explore at PSU? Portland State offers a variety of
classes to help students learn more about research and theory as well as the practice of
psychology. Courses reflect areas of psychology which include:
Industrial/Organizational Psychology applies psychological concepts and methods to
the study of employees, workplaces, and organizations and works towards improving the
performance and well-being of the people involved in these settings. Some popular
classes offered include: Motivation; Organizational Psychology; and Industrial
Psychology.
Developmental Psychology focuses on the development of the mind throughout an
individual's lifetime beginning at birth and studying changes as we age. Popular classes
include: Human Development; Infant Development; and Child Psychology.
Cognitive Psychology focuses on the mental processes underlying psychology which
involve perception, memory, learning, and emotion. Some examples of classes offered at
PSU include: Perception; Cognition; and Learning.
Social Psychology focuses on how we human beings think about and relate to each other.
It delves into how we influence each other, our beliefs and stereotypes of others and
individuals’ behavior as a result of these attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions towards others.
Some examples of classes offered include: Personality; Self Attitudes and Social
Influence; and Applied Social Psychology.
Community Psychology focuses on relationships between individuals and their
communities (and in some cases society as a whole). Community psychologists aim to
understand and appreciate the attitudes of individuals and their quality of life through
their relationship with the community. PSU offers classes that are specific to this branch
of psychology as well as classes that overlap with social psychology, for instance:
Community Psychology; Group Process; Social Relationships and Groups, and
Preventing Sexual Violence.
Clinical/Counseling Psychology focuses on understanding individuals' psychopathogy,
strengths, and mental health difficulties as well as the structure, strengths, and
dysfunction of couples and families. This area also explores effective therapeutic
solutions geared toward individuals and families. Courses offered in the department
include: Psychopathology; Counseling; Human Sexuality; Marriage and Family Therapy;
and Family Dynamics Through Film.
Other Department Courses: Evolutionary Psychology, Neuroscience, Health
Psychology, Sports Psychology, and Research Methods are some of the other options
available for students taking classes in the psychology department.
Introductory Psychology As A Foundation For The Psychology Major
The PSU Introductory Psychology course sequence is composed of Psy 200 and Psy 204,
two four credit courses that are required for the major. These courses provide a rich
overview of the breadth of areas that compose the field of Psychology. Psy 200 and 204
do not need to be taken in a particular order and they are recommended as courses early
on in your work within the psychology major. These courses are also helpful surveys of
the field for psychology minors, students in related fields, and those interested in better
understanding human behavior. A description of the two courses follows below:
PSY 200 PSY AS NATURAL SCIENCE
Covers the scientific foundations of human behavior in areas such as physiological and
biological psychology, cognitive, moral, and emotional development, sensation and
perception, consciousness, learning, thinking and memory. Also focuses on issues in
experimental design and teaches students how to critically evaluate psychological
research.
PSY 204 PSY AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE
Explores human individuality and the social context of behavior. Topics include
intelligence, personality, motivation, social psychology, coping with stress, and
psychological disorders. Describes theories and research findings in the context of social
issues and introduces students to challenges of psychological measurement.
Psychology Major Requirements*
Portland State University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
All courses taken to satisfy the requirements for a major in psychology, including the
mandatory statistics courses, must be passed with a grade of C- or above. Courses taken
under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward
fulfilling departmental major requirements. In addition to meeting the general university
degree requirements, students majoring in psychology must meet the following
requirements in the Department of Psychology:
Classes
Stat 243 (Non-Business)
Credits Required
4
Stat 244 (Non-Business)
Psy 200
Psy 204
Psy 321
Psy Electives 410-498
Psy Electives 300/400
4
4
4
4
16
20
Total (catalog year before fall 2010)
Total (catalog year 2010 and after)
(excluding courses numbered 399-409)
56
60
*See the Psychology Department Website for additional details and requirements
regarding the Psychology major (at www.pdx.edu/psy/psu-department-of-psychology).