Psychology

Psychology Image

231 Phelps Hall
507.457.5435
Psychology website
John Johanson, Chairperson

Faculty

Amanda M. Brouwer, Professor; BA, Northwestern College; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 2012 -
Robert Casselman, Professor; BA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MA, Concordia University; MA, PhD, Northern Illinois University; 2011 -
Richard A. Deyo, Professor; BS, Viterbo College; MA, PhD, Bowling Green State University; 1990 -
Carrie Fried, Professor; BS, Iowa State University; MS, PhD, University of California-Santa Cruz; 1999 -
John Holden, Professor; BA, MA, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 2008 -
John C. Johanson, Professor; BS, University of South Dakota; MA, University of Nebraska-Omaha; PhD, University of Nebraska; 1999 -
Trisha Karr, Associate Professor; BA, Luther College; MA, Roosevelt University; PhD, Loyola University; 2014 -
Gloria Marmolejo, Professor; BS, National Autonomous University of Mexico; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1994 -
Elizabeth Russell, Professor; BA, Marquette University; MA, Cardinal Stritch University; PhD, University of Akron; 2015 -
Jessica Siebenbruner, Professor; BA, MA, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 2007 -

Purpose

The department’s mission is to develop students’ understanding of the causes and consequences of human thought and behavior and to encourage the application of this knowledge to their personal and professional lives. Psychology is a liberal arts major which will allow students to acquire skills in communication, critical thinking (including the ability to understand and evaluate the various research methods used in psychology), and the appropriate use of technology for examining and presenting information. Students will also learn how psychological principles apply to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Psychology majors acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of settings that involve an understanding of human behavior including careers in human services, nonprofit organizations, technical and/or laboratory work, and business. Students desiring to work as professional psychologists will be well prepared for graduate study. An advanced degree in psychology allows the pursuit of many different careers including, but not limited to, clinical or counseling psychologist, researcher, consultant, or higher education professional.

Psychology Major

Students majoring in psychology can choose between Option A and Option B. Option A has a lower semester-hour requirement which allows students to combine a major in psychology with an additional major or minor, which is required for graduation. Option B is available for those preferring to concentrate their studies in psychology for a more in-depth experience. Option B also requires additional coursework in writing and statistics or communication studies. Option B does not require a minor or second major.

Students should consult with a Psychology Department advisor to plan a major in psychology. All psychology majors are strongly encouraged to take ◆ PSY 231 - Statistics , △ PSY 308 - Experimental Psychology , and ◎ PSY 309 - Experimental Psychology Lab as early as possible in their educational career. The particular elective courses students take, along with their sequencing, depends upon their background, special interests, and goals.

Enrichment Opportunities

To enhance their education in psychology and better prepare for their careers or graduate studies, students are encouraged to take advantage of the following:

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to psychology students.

Two are run through the department (contact department for additional information).

Kerry Williams Memorial Psychology Scholarship: Junior psychology majors may apply for this scholarship. Applications are taken early in the spring semester.
Ardis Serafin Young Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to support an advanced student research project. Preference is given to projects that focus on health-related issues; however, projects in other areas will also be considered.

Two psychology-focused scholarships are run through the WSU Foundation. Applications are usually due mid-February.

The Gutierrez Community Mental Health Scholarship: available to students interested in mental health, especially suicide prevention or veteran mental health issues.
The Connell-Christensen Sociology & Psychology Scholarship: available to senior psychology majors, based on financial need.

Course Repetition Policy

Students may not enroll in any psychology course more than three times whether due to official withdrawal (W) or a grade less than C.

Additional Graduation Requirements

For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see the Academic Policies & University Requirements section of this catalog. Specific requirements for psychology majors/minors are as follows:

For Majors (Options A & B), a minimum WSU overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for graduation.
For Majors (Options A & B), a minimum GPA of 2.50 within the major is required for graduation.
For Majors (Options A & B), a C grade or better is required in PSY courses taken for a letter grade.
No more than 3 credits of general or introductory psychology transferred to WSU can be credited toward a psychology major or minor.
No more than 6 credits in developmental psychology (child, adolescent, adult, lifespan, etc.) transferred to WSU can be credited toward a psychology major or minor.
Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits in psychology at WSU for the Option A major, 25 credits for the Option B major, and 12 credits for the psychology minor.
No more than 6 credits of PSY 400 - Independent Study or Research and/or PSY 404 - Internship may count toward a psychology major and 3 credits toward a psychology minor.

Honors in Psychology

Students have the option of completing additional requirements in order to graduate with Honors in Psychology. Students completing the requirements have it noted on their transcript. Students are responsible for applying to the Department Chairperson through their academic advisor and meeting all departmental requirements for graduation with Honors in Psychology. The requirements for Honors in Psychology are:

Academic excellence: a minimum GPA of 3.60 in all courses completed for the major is required.
Scholarship: The successful completion of a department approved internship or the successful completion of an independent research project with a resulting publication or presentation at a research conference is required.
Community Service: A record of committed service to the community is required. This is broadly defined as the consistent donation of time to assisting the greater community including but not limited to volunteer work in student clubs, university service activities, or community service activities.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Psychology Department:

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

◆ PSY 231 - Statistics (3 credits)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Psychology (PSY) - Minor