PS - Psychology
Program Title
College
Department(s)
Program Level
Program Type
Degree Designation
Psychology, B.S.
The Psychology Major
Psychology majors receive a firm grounding in the scientific aspects of the discipline and are required to complete coursework in statistics and psychological research. This training is essential for students to receive adequate preparation for either graduate study or a professional career in psychology or an allied discipline. PS 1900 is required for completion of the psychology major. Psychology majors or those who are considering the major should take PS 1900 as soon as possible.
PS 1010 (or PS 1000) is the prerequisite for most upper-level courses in Psychology. PS 1000 meets the Issues in Social Justice requirement and PS 1010 meets the Natural Science distribution requirement of the Integrative Core Curriculum. PS 1000 or 1010 may be applied to the Integrative Core Curriculum or general elective credit-hour requirements. Check the listings in the schedule of classes each semester to see which additional courses may be applied to the requirements of the Integrative Core.
Preparation for Graduate Study in Psychology: Graduate study in Psychology takes many forms. Students seek admission in many specialty areas, including clinical, developmental, social, industrial/organizational, sports, comparative, biological, experimental, cognitive, school, or counseling psychology, and neuroscience. The Psychology major is also excellent preparation for medical school and other health professions, law school, business administration, and social work. Students planning to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology or an allied discipline should seek a firm foundation in the core areas of the discipline and obtain research experience through additional course work and independent study. The following courses are recommended for students planning graduate study: PS 2410, PS 2610, PS 2620, 2650, PS 3011/ PS 3010, PS 3181, PS 3260, PS 3321, PS 3801, PS 4010, PS 4350, PS 4570, PS 4710, and PS 4897 or PS 4995.
Accelerated Dual-Degree Program (B.S./M.S.) - Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis
The Accelerated Dual-Degree Graduate Program between Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in as few as 5 years total. Undergraduate students may apply for admission to the integrated program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credit hours. For students who are accepted, up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework for the Applied Behavior Analysis program will be completed during the fourth year and will count toward combined PS undergraduate major/graduate requirements. Upon completion of 120 credit hours, students will earn their B.S. in Psychology. Following that, upon completion of the graduate coursework as well as fieldwork hours, students will be eligible to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst.
Accelerated Dual-Degree Program (B.S./M.A.) - Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Accelerated Dual-Degree Graduate Program between Psychology and Counseling is designed for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in as few as 5 years total. Undergraduate students may apply for admission to the integrated program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credit hours. For students who are accepted, up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will be completed during the fourth year and will count toward combined PS undergraduate major/graduate requirements. Upon completion of 120 credit hours, students will earn their B.S. in Psychology and upon completion of the graduate program, students will be eligible to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
Accelerated Dual-Degree Program (B.S./M.Ed.) - Psychology and School Counseling
The Accelerated Dual-Degree Graduate Program between Psychology and Counseling is designed for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Education degree in School Counseling in as few as 5 years total. Undergraduate students may apply for admission to the M.Ed. program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credits. For students who are accepted, up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework for the School Counseling program will count toward combined PS undergraduate major/graduate requirements. Upon completion of 120 credit hours, students will earn their B.S. in Psychology and upon completion of the graduate program, students will be eligible to become Licensed School Counselors through the Ohio Department of Education.
Co-Operative 3+2 Program with the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
A special agreement with the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (M-SASS) at Case Western Reserve University enables qualified Psychology majors to enroll in the MSASS program after their junior year at John Carroll. Successful completion of this five-year program results in a B.S. in Psychology from John Carroll and a master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University.
Program Learning Goals in Psychology
Students will demonstrate:
A fundamental knowledge base in the core areas of psychology.
Critical thinking skills and their application.
Proficiency in the use of the language of psychology in both written and verbal form.
Expertise in the methods of information gathering, organization, and synthesis as applied to psychology.
Mastery of the experimental method and statistical analysis as practiced by psychologists.
An understanding of the ethics and values of the discipline.
A readiness for graduate study or for transition into the workforce.
Recognition of how psychology contributes to the understanding of human diversity.
Interdisciplinary Concentration in Neuroscience
This interdisciplinary concentration is coordinated by the Department of Psychology. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and the behavior of higher animals. It is strongly recommended that students interested in this program investigate the neuroscience concentration as early as possible in their academic careers. Interested students should refer to Concentration in Neuroscience for more information. Coordinator: Dr. Helen M. Murphy.
Specialized Concentrations in Psychology: Majors may elect to complete one of the four concentrations in applied Psychology described below. These focused concentrations were designed for students with specialized interests in applying psychological principles in business, school, or mental health settings. Because courses in these concentrations are not offered every semester, careful planning and course selection will increase the likelihood of successfully completing a concentration. Concentrations include: Child and Family Studies, Forensic Psychology, Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Requirements for the concentrations can be found on individual concentration webpages.
Major Requirements
38 total credit hours
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
or | ||
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| ||
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 4790 | CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Group A. Biological Basis of Behavior
PS 3181 | SENSATION AND PERCEPTION | 3 |
or | ||
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
Group B. Developmental & Social Psychology
One course chosen from:
PS 2410 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2610 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2620 | ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Group C. Individual Differences
One course chosen from:
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4550 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4570 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
Group D. Learning & Memory
One course chosen from:
PS 3321 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
or | ||
PS 3801 | HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION | 3 |
or | ||
PS 3860 | MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
The remaining 15 hours are PS electives. A total of 15 PS credits must be at the 3000-level or above.
No more than 6 hours of credit for practicum and/or independent study/research courses above PS 4010 can be counted toward the major.
At least 18 credit hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University.
A comprehensive examination, given during the final semester of the senior year, must be passed by all majors in Psychology.
Required Support Courses
DATA 1220 | ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | 3 |
DATA 2600 | INTERMEDIATE STATISTICS WITH SPSS | 3 |
Required support courses should be taken by the end of sophomore year. Students must earn a C- or higher in DATA 2600 to be eligible to enroll in PS 3010 and PS 3011. If students earn lower than a C- in DATA 2600, the course must be retaken.
Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration
This concentration is intended for two groups of students: those who wish to pursue graduate training and those seeking employment in Industrial/Organizational-related areas. Students prepare for both graduate school and entry-level positions in a variety of work settings that involve job analysis, staffing, training, and performance evaluation. Students should select their courses carefully and consult with the department early in their program. Course prerequisites must be observed. Completing both the Business, Industrial and Organizational Psychology concentration and the psychology major requires all of the following:
Required Courses
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
or | ||
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| ||
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 2410 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2590 | INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 3321 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
PS 3500 | PSYCHOLOGY OF PERFORMANCE AND CHANGE | 3 |
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4790 | CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS ELEC | TWO PS Electives | 6 |
Choose one:
PS 3181 | SENSATION AND PERCEPTION | 3 |
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 4297 | PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 4397 | PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4010 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
CE 1104 | INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE III | 3 |
Choose four from the following:
MOL 3376 | COMPENSATION | 3 |
MOL 4453 | EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS | 3 |
MOL 4470 | STAFFING | 3 |
MOL 4473 | TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
BI 2200 | DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING | 3 |
Coordinator: Dr. Tracy Masterson
Subtotal: 49 (Concentration-specific credits include PS courses that also fulfill PS major requirements; they are not in addition to major PS course requirements.)
Child and Family Studies Concentration
This concentration provides an opportunity for students to examine development from prenatal development through the end of life by the integration of theory and practice. There is a focus on the individual and individuals in a family context. This course of study supports students who wish to work in applied settings with children and families after graduation, as well as those who wish to continue to graduate study. Completing both the child and family studies concentration and the major requires the following courses:
Child and Family Students Course Requirements
Required Courses
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
or | ||
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| ||
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 2610 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2620 | ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2650 | ADULTHOOD AND AGING | 3 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 4150 | MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4550 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4790 | CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3420 | PSYCHOLOGY OF PREJUDICE | 3 |
SC 2550 | PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION | 3 |
Choose one:
SC 2250 | SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY | 3 |
SC 2750 | FAMILY VIOLENCE | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3321 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
PS 3801 | HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3181 | SENSATION AND PERCEPTION | 3 |
Coordinator: Dr. Sheri Young
Subtotal: 40 (Concentration-specific credits include PS courses that also fulfill PS major requirements; they are not in addition to major PS course requirements.)
Forensic Psychology Concentration
This concentration is intended for students who have an interest in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, criminology, or law, as well as those who will be seeking employment in the criminal justice system. Requirements for completing both the forensic psychology concentration and the psychology major are as follows:
Forensic Psychology Concentration Course Requirements
Required Courses
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
or | ||
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| ||
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 2700 | FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4790 | CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS ELEC | ONE PS elective course | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3181 | SENSATION AND PERCEPTION | 3 |
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 2410 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2610 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2620 | ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 4550 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4570 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3321 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
PS 3801 | HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION | 3 |
PS 3860 | MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 4010 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4397 | PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 2750 | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3600 | COUNSELING THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
Choose one (Supporting Class):
SC 2200 | CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS | 3 |
SC 2400 | CRIMINOLOGY | 3 |
SC 3450 | CORRECTIONS | 3 |
Coordinator: Dr. Sheri Young
Subtotal: 41 (Concentration-specific credits include PS courses that also fulfill PS major requirements; they are not in addition to major PS course requirements.)
Clinical and Counseling Psychology Concentration
This concentration is intended for two groups of students: those who plan on graduate study in clinical/counseling psychology or related fields immediately or shortly after graduation, and those who will be seeking employment in some area of mental health services immediately after graduation. Those planning to go to graduate school should follow the advice given above in the section on preparation for graduate study. In most cases these students will do only one semester of practicum. Students planning to seek employment after graduation should consider doing two semesters of practicum, either at one setting or two. Requirements for completing both the mental health services concentration and the psychology major are as follows:
Clinical and Counseling Psychology Concentration Course Requirements
Required Courses
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
or | ||
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| ||
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 3600 | COUNSELING THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
PS 3810 | EATING DISORDERS | 3 |
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4790 | CAPSTONE SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS ELEC | One PS elective course | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 4550 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4570 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 2410 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2610 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2620 | ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3181 | SENSATION AND PERCEPTION | 3 |
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 3321 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
PS 3801 | HUMAN MEMORY AND COGNITION | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 2750 | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2880 | HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Choose one:
PS 4010 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4297 | PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 4397 | PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
Note: Clinical and Counseling Psychology students may repeat either practicum once.
Coordinator: Dr. Denise Ben-Porath
Subtotal: 40 (Concentration-specific credits include PS courses that also fulfill PS major requirements; they are not in addition to major PS course requirements.)
Neuroscience Concentration
The Interdisciplinary concentration in Neuroscience is coordinated by the Department of Psychology and is intended for biology, cell and molecular biology, chemistry (biochemistry concentration), and psychology majors who desire an interdisciplinary approach to the study of physiology, biochemistry, and behavior of higher organisms. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in BL 1500, BL 1505, BL 1600, BL 1605 and CH 1410- CH 1440 is required for admission into the concentration. Requirements for each area are detailed below.
Required Biology Courses:
BL 1500 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I | 3 |
BL 1600 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II | 3 |
BL 1505 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY I | 1 |
BL 1605 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY II | 1 |
BL 3600 | HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY | 4 |
BL 3605 | HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY | 0 |
Required Psychology Courses
PS 1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
| or |
|
PS 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
|
|
|
PS 1900 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PSYCHOLOGY | 2 |
PS 3011 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3010 | EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY | 0 |
PS 3260 | PSYCHOBIOLOGY | 3 |
PS 3860 | MIND, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
PS 4260 | PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY | 3 |
PS 4895 | ADVANCED RESEARCH TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE | 3 |
Choose one from:
PS 2410 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
PS 2610 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
PS 2620 | ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Choose one from:
PS 4350 | TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS | 3 |
PS 4570 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
Required Chemistry Courses:
CH 1410 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I | 4 |
CH 1420 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II | 4 |
CH 1430 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I | 1 |
CH 1440 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II | 1 |
CH 2210 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
CH 2220 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
CH 2230 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I | 1 |
CH 2240 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II | 1 |
Psychology Electives
PS ELEC | Four PS elective courses | 12 |
Coordinator: Dr. Helen Murphy, Department of Psychology
Subtotal: 68 (Concentration-specific credits include PS courses that also fulfill PS major requirements; they are not in addition to major PS course requirements.)