The
department is committed to student outcome goals in each of four areas:
1.
Knowledge
Students
will understand psychology as a scientific discipline. Essential to this,
students will understand a core set of statistical and methodological knowledge
regarding how psychologists critically evaluate, creatively test, and
scientifically defend psychological claims. They will also understand a core set
of content knowledge addressing the biological, cognitive/behavioral,
social/personality, and developmental aspects of behavior.
2.
Application
Students
will be able to critically apply psychological principles and research to
explain social issues, inform public policy, solve problems, understand
themselves, and achieve career goals.
3.
Values/Ethics
Students
will share key values adopted by psychologists, which include (but are not
limited to) skepticism and intellectual curiosity, tolerance of ambiguity,
respect for human diversity, appreciation of their civic, social, and global
responsibilities, and humility regarding the limits of their psychological
knowledge and skills. Students will also grasp the spirit of the APA Code of
Ethics, follow its guidelines, and recognize the necessity of ethical behavior
in all aspects of the science and practice of psychology.
4.
Communication
Students
will exhibit skills to professionally communicate their understanding of terms,
concepts, research, and theories of the discipline to others via written and
oral formats. Students will also have interpersonal and collaborative skills
necessary to effectively work in groups with others who hold diverse opinions,
beliefs, and attitudes.