Online B.A. in Psychology

Learning Goals

Students majoring in psychology will:

1. Scientific Inquiry, Critical Thinking, & Quantitative Reasoning

   1.1. Apply innovative, integrative, and critical thinking skills to interpret psychological phenomena.

   1.2. Apply innovative, integrative, and critical thinking skills to design and conduct research, analyze data, and interpret results.

   1.3. Apply information literacy skills to find and evaluate research studies in psychology.

   1.4. Produce, analyze, interpret, and evaluate quantitative materials.

2. Communication

   Writing and Critical Reading

   2.1. Write critically and effectively in the discipline of psychology by developing a cogent scientific argument and evaluating evidence, issues, ideas, and problems from multiple perspectives.

   2.2. Evaluate primary sources in psychology, collect and employ source materials ethically, and understand the strengths and limitations of different types of sources.

   Speaking and Listening

   2.3. Demonstrate competence in oral communication skills by presenting information using a scientific approach, engaging in discussion of psychological concepts, explaining the ideas of others, and expressing their own ideas with clarity.

   2.4. Exhibit flexible interpersonal approaches that optimize information exchange and relationship development.

3. Content Area Knowledge

   Comprehend fundamental knowledge, major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in the primary content areas of psychology.

4. Ethical and Social Responsibility

   4.1. Evaluate formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology.

   4.2. Interact effectively, sensitively, and ethically with people from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate understanding of the sociocultural contexts that influence individual differences.

   4.3. Implement values that will lead to positive outcomes in work settings and a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns.

5. Professional Development

   Apply psychology‐specific content, teamwork skills, and effective self‐reflection in preparation for employment, graduate school, or professional school.

Note: These learning goals align well with skills/learning outcomes identified by employers as being very important, see (Hart Research Associates report, 2015)