The B.A. in Applied Psychology requires 36 credit hours in psychology. The B.A. is focused on serving students who would like to pursue applied careers in psychology and related fields. It is designed to give students more experience in the field, greater skill at evaluating and using scientific data (rather than generating that data), and increased training in professional skills.
All majors in the Psychology B.A. Program are required to take FOUR core courses (PSY 101 Intro, 350 Statistics, 360 Evaluating Psychological Science, 468 Professional Skills in Psychology). Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101) is the prerequisite for all other psychology courses. This introductory course examines research methods, principles of learning, sensation and perception, normal and abnormal personality, motivation, emotion, frustration, conflict, development, the biological bases of behavior, testing, and social behavior. YOU MUST PASS PSY 101 WITH A GRADE OF “C” OR BETTER TO BE A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR.
Although not required, it is highly recommended that students take Psychological Science Fundamentals (PSY 250) in their first or second year in order to better prepare for taking PSY 350 Statistics and PSY 360 Evaluating Psychological Science. PSY 250 is an overview of the science of psychology and includes topics such as how to be successful as a psychology major, language and structure of research as a process of scientific inquiry, analysis and evaluation of research articles, fundamentals of writing in the discipline, careers in psychology, and ethical principles. PSY 101 (with at least a grade of C) is the prerequisite for PSY 250. Transfer students may take PSY 250 and PSY 350 or PSY 360 concurrently with instructor permission.
All students in the BA Program are required to complete at least one PSY course designated as a service-learning course, internship, or special project so that our students will gain applied experience.
Our required PSY 360 and PSY 468 courses are infused to meet the university’s writing, information management and critical thinking emphasis. Students also take 300/400 level PSY elective courses in psychology. They are selected by advisement according to the curriculum outlined below. Other than PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology, there is no minimum grade requirement for our required or elective psychology courses, other than passing the course. But remember to graduate as a Psychology Major you need at least an overall 2.0 average in the major.
A. Required Courses (12 credits)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (Note: majors must receive a grade of C or higher)
PSY 350 Statistics in Psychological Research (prerequisites: PSY101 with at least a grade of C, at least sophomore status and completion of university Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning requirement – Note: this includes MAT options only and at the MAT114 level or higher)
PSY 360 Evaluating Psychological Science (Prerequisite: PSY 350)
PSY 468 Professional Skills in Psychology (Prerequisite: PSY 360)
*SPECIAL NOTE: Although not required, it is recommended that students take PSY 250 Psychological Science Fundamentals prior to taking PSY 350 Statistics as preparation for that course. Transfer students may take PSY 250 and PSY 350 concurrently with instructor permission.
B. Content Courses (15 credits)
Students must choose 1 course each from groups a, b, c, d and e. The prerequisite for all 300-level courses is PSY 101 with grade of C or better, unless otherwise noted.
a. Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSY 304 Learning: Theory and Research
PSY 308 Sensation and Perception
PSY 321 Comparative Animal Behavior
PSY 330 Psychological Power of Language
PSY 333 Brain and Behavior
PSY 340 Cognitive Psychology
b. Social/Personality Psychology
PSY 311 Personality: Theory and Research
PSY 325 Social Behavior
c. Developmental Psychology
PSY 301 Perspectives on Child Abuse and Advocacy
PSY 327 Adult Development and Aging I
PSY 355 Life-Span Developmental
Psychology PSY 356 Child Development
PSY 357 Adolescent and Young Adult Development
d. Clinical Psychology
PSY 392 Abnormal Psychology (Prerequisite: PSY 101 with a grade of C or better and 3 additional hours of psychology)
PSY 393 Abnormal Child Psychology (Prerequisite: PSY 101 with a grade of C or better and 3 additional hours of psychology)
e. Applied Psychology and Diversity
PSY 365 Psychology in the Workplace
PSY 367 Organizational Psychology
PSY 370 Environmental Psychology I
PSY 375 Forensic Psychology
PSY 376 Health Psychology
PSY 381 Psychology of Culture
PSY 382 Psychology of the Consumer
PSY 383 Psychology of Human Sexual Behavior
PSY 384 Psychology of Human Aggression
PSY 387 Psychology of Gender
PSY 388 Death and Dying
C. Advanced and Elective Courses by Advisement (9 credits)
Three additional courses (9 credits) are required. At least two courses must be at the 400-level. One course from the following list may count toward the major: PSY 488, PSY 495, PSY 496, PSY 498, PSY 499.
D. Applied Electives All B.A. students must complete one of the following as part of their Content Courses or Advanced Elective Courses:
PSY 488 Internship or
PSY 495 Special Project or
PSY Service-Learning Course
Internships & Research
PSY 488 Internship Program
Students with a more applied focus can approach faculty members for sponsorship of an internship. Internships and internship sites are varied and reflect faculty breadth and student interests. Internship sites include community and clinical agencies, schools, and businesses. The internship is designed to provide a blend of practical experience and academic rigor.
Teaching Internships
The department provides interested students with a "teaching" internship aimed at helping students acquire teaching skills and learn more effective ways of organizing, preparing and presenting material. This internship is linked to a specific course being taught and is especially relevant to students planning to attend graduate school.
Faculty Supervised "Research Teams"
Students with an interest in a particular topic area of psychology have historically gravitated toward faculty members for independent studies/projects. The "research team" idea takes this one step further. Under the tutelage of the faculty member, students with similar interests form a team to study a research area in a systematic and ongoing basis.
PSY 295/495 Independent Project
Students can also work with faculty on their research projects for credit. The Independent Project allows students to gain valuable experience individually or in groups, while assisting in an ongoing research project on a number of levels – particularly data collection, analysis, and presentation. Independent Projects range from 1-3 credits depending on the level of student involvement.
PSY 499 Independent Study
The research experiences are designed to be flexible and to optimize the match between faculty and student interests. These research experiences have spanned the continuum of basic and applied research. Student research is conducted either in the laboratory or within the Buffalo Niagara Region.
Service-Learning Courses
The Psychology Department offers several designated service-learning courses, including the Psychology of Culture, Learning: Theory and Research, Behavior Modification, The Competent Infant, and The Atypical Infant, among others.
Student Clubs
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club is open to all students with an interest in psychology. It provides a primary vehicle for students to get involved in the social and academic life of the Psychology Department. Activities of the Club include sponsorship of Speakers Series, field trips, "get acquainted” meetings, and fundraising activities.
Psi Chi Honorary Society
This is the international honorary society in psychology. The chapter is actively involved in the department and coordinates its activities with the Psychology Club. Psi Chi members are invited to provide feedback on faculty recruitment and promotion. Members of Psi Chi informally sponsor a Psychology Tutoring program.
Child Advocacy Club
A student club that is open to all majors/disciplines, and is focused on promoting events and connecting those interested in child advocacy issues.
Psychology Students Interested in Community Outreach (PSICO)
A charity drive run by the club members that helps disadvantaged families in the surrounding Buffalo State University neighborhood.