Psychology - Randolph - Macon College

Psychology from Randolph - Macon College is a Campus Bachelor Personality Psychology degree that prepares you for a Psychology career. Liberally educated students should achieve an understanding of self and of others that enables them to function effectively in diverse intellectual, occupational, and interpersonal pursuits. Psychology , which focuses on the nature and causes of action, experience, and mental activity, can play a central role in achieving this educational aim. The psychology curriculum provides intensive instruction in psychological theory and methodology and exposes students to important applications of psychological knowledge. With its emphasis on critical reading and thinking, communication, and active learning, the required course work prepares students for graduate study in the social sciences, and is also well suited to students who do not plan to do graduate work. The theoretical courses in the curriculum provide detailed coverage of fundamental processes in cognition, psychobiology, development, social interaction, and clinical applications. The courses in these areas share the same goal: they are designed to teach basic and advanced principles and methods and to promote analytical skills so that students may deal with complex phenomena, theoretical or applied, with an appropriate level of theoretical sophistication and critical evaluation. The curriculum also includes extensive instruction and experience in research design and the scientific method; in addition to the required Research Methods course, all students are required to take two Research Applications and Theoretical Systems courses (RATS). These courses will follow specific pre-requisite content courses and give students an opportunity to evaluate the empirical and theoretical literature in an area and design and implement an original research project. Students considering graduate study in psychology are strongly encouraged to do further collaborative or independent research under faculty supervision. To support the research activities of students, the psychology department has well-equipped, modern laboratories. For students with an existing interest in a specific area of psychology , we offer the following emphases within the psychology major: Cognitive Science; Psychobiology; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; and Clinical Applications. To obtain such an emphasis, a student must take three courses from a certain category. For example, students interested in a Developmental emphasis would need to take Developmental Psychology (PSYC 330), Infant Development (PSYC 331), and Early Experiences (PSYC 332). It is recommended that the student take his/her RATS course in this area as well. Although the emphasis is not an official designation on the diploma, it is recognized within the department and can be mentioned in letters of application or recommendation for graduate education or employment opportunities following graduation. The department offers many other opportunities for interested students to become involved in research and practice outside of the classroom. Each external site is chosen for its relevance to the student?s interests, abilities, and goals. Sites often selected include hospitals, centers for emotionally disturbed children, personnel offices, corrections departments, nursing homes, and community mental health centers. The field study and internship programs encourage students to relate theory to observation and provide experiences that help students to choose occupational and educational goals wisely. Both are highly recommended for students planning to do graduate work in applied areas such as clinical, counseling, or industrial/organizational psychology. Students may complete up to six hours in internships, field studies, or a combination of the two; however, only three hours will count toward the fulfillment of the major. In addition to internships and field studies, experiential experience may be gained in travel courses and in various course and department-related service projects. View more details on Randolph - Macon College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Personality Psychology courses.