Psychology (B.S.)
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychology uses the scientific method to study such diverse topics as development sensation and perception consciousness memory thinking language intelligence motivation emotions personality psychological disorders and how humans relate to interact and influence each other individually and in groups. Psychology has wide appeal and is of interest to most people. However, the type of student that will do well in the psychology program has an interest in becoming a good consumer of information. This includes critical thinking skills, in-depth analysis and the willingness to release pre-conceived notions of pop psychology and pseudoscience. Students will be challenged to discover how their newly acquired knowledge applies to real life settings, as they realize that psychology is not only with us, but also all around us. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore their own lives and choose areas of personal growth on which to focus. Maturity and an expanded worldview are often the results of success in the psychology program, both qualities that help prepare students to be successful. The psychology program at West Liberty University is an excellent choice for students who wish to learn more about this fascinating science and about themselves and prepare for careers working with people in settings such as mental health, academics, research, organization, K-12, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, human resources, banking, real estate, laboratories, and more.
Admission Process
Requirements for admission to the Psychology Program and permission to enroll in Core II courses:
- Completion of General Studies Communication and Quantitative courses with a grade of C or better
- Completion of Core I course with a grade of C or better
- Minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.5
- Minimum grade of C in all Core I courses
- Score of at least a 70% on each section of the Core I Exam with at least a 70% in each section
Students who do not successfully pass all Core I courses with a C or better within 2 attempts will not be admitted to the program and cannot enroll in Core II courses. An updated Psychology portfolio will be evaluated by the psychology faculty.
Requirements
Psychology Core I
Required before admission into the program.
Psychology Core II (Admission into the program required)
A minimum grade of C required in all major courses.
Psychology Major Required Courses
These courses are required for all Psychology majors and may be taken concurrently with Core I or Core II courses.
Choose 12 hours from the following:
A minimum of 12 credit hours of psychology-approved electives are required for psychology majors. These courses may be taken concurrently with Core I or Core II courses.
| Any 200-400 PSYC | 3 |
| Any 200-400 PSYC | 3 |
| Any 200-400 PSYC | 3 |
| Any 200-400 PSYC | 3 |
| BIO 360 | Drugs, Brain & Behavior | 3 |
| BIO 450 | Zoo Animal Behavior Management | 4 |
| CJ 320 | Victims of Crime | 3 |
| CJ 354 | Drugs & Society | 3 |
| MKT 340 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| SPED 241 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 3 |
| SPED 401 | Autism I: Characteristics of Autism | 3 |
| SPED 402 | Autism II: Assessments & Interventions | 3 |