The BA in Psychological Science at CCSU prepares students to develop a solid knowledge base in psychological science, scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, communication skills, sociocultural and international awareness, ethical and social responsibility, and applied knowledge in professional settings. The program facilitates life-long learning among students from diverse backgrounds and prepares graduates for employment in different fields and/or advanced degrees.
A minor is required with this major.
Outcomes
Identify, describe, and apply key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
Interpret, design, and conduct basic and applied research.
Write and orally communicate effectively in various formats and for various purposes.
Evaluate theories, philosophies, and research from diverse sociocultural perspectives, including those that do not represent mainstream Western perspectives.
Apply American Psychological Association (APA) ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
Requirements: (42 credits)
Required Courses:
| PSY 112 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 113 | Exploring Psychology | 1 |
| PSY 136 | Life-Span Development | 3 |
| PSY 301 | Research Methods in Psychological Science I | 4 |
| PSY 302 | Research Methods in Psychological Science II | 4 |
| PSY 330 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 490 | History & Systems of Psychology | 3 |
One course is required from each of the following categories:
Social/personality:
Biological:
Experimental:
Diversity:
and 9 credits of psychology electives
Accelerate Central Program in Psychological Science
Eligible students can earn their B.A. in Psychological Science and their M.A. in Community, General, or Health Psychology in as few as 5 years of full-time study with the Accelerate Central program. For accepted students, three graduate courses (or 9 credits) will double-count for either nine credits of undergraduate Psychological Science elective courses or other electives required to meet the 120 credit hours for graduation with a B.A. in Psychological Science. In addition, students may take a fourth graduate course during their final undergraduate year; this course will be excluded from the student’s B.A. program and transferred into the student’s M.A. program.
Eligibility
Students may apply for admission to Accelerate during the fall or spring of their junior year and throughout their senior year and must meet the requirements specified below:
- Students must be at least junior standing.
- At least 12 credits must have been completed at Central.
- Students must have a Central Psychology professor write a letter of recommendation
- Completed PSY 301 and PSY 302 (research methods) with at least a B-.
*Student who have completed PSY 301 but still need to complete PSY 302 may be conditionally admitted. Students that earn lower than a B- in PSY 302 will not meet the qualifications for the Accelerate Central graduate program.
- Have at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.
- Have at least a 3.0 grade point average in Psychological Science courses.
- Submit a personal statement.
How to Apply
Submit Change of Major form, a personal statement,and one recommendation letter from a Central Psychological Science professor to the Graduate Coordinator by November 1st for the spring semester and April 1st for the fall semester. The personal statement should include your professional goals and any specific experiences that helped prepare you for the M.A. Psychology program, such as relevant employment, research or training, internships, etc.
Applications go through the proper parties for review and approval, including the Graduate Program Coordinator. Once the form has been approved by all required parties, the Registrar’s Office will change your undergraduate curriculum to note the Accelerate Central program.
Note: After acceptance, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
In addition, in order to graduate, students must complete the Psychology Exit Survey. The Exit Survey will be administered by the department every semester.
Note: PSY 112 (C- or higher) and STAT 215 (C- or higher) are prerequisites for PSY 301.