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.

COM 101Fundamentals of Oral Communications

3

ENG 102College Composition II

3

Or

ENG 103Accelerated College Composition

3

MATH 160Introduction to Statistics

3 or 5

PSYC 100Introduction to Professional Psychology

3

PSYC 310Design & Analysis I

4

PSYC 322Personality Psychology

3

PSYC 323Developmental Psychology

3

PSYC 341Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

3

PSYC 416Social Psychology

3

Psychology Core II (Admission into the program required)

A minimum grade of C required in all major courses. 

PSYC 335Introduction to Learning

3

PSYC 409History of Psychology

3

PSYC 439Biological Psychology

3

PSYC 446Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy

3

PSYC 460Practicum

3

PSYC 470Senior Seminar

3

Psychology Major Required Courses

These courses are required for all Psychology majors and may be taken concurrently with Core I or Core II courses. 

PSYC 452Cultural Psychology

3

PSYC 465Junior Seminar

3

PSYC 302Advanced Professional Psychology

3

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 360Drugs, Brain & Behavior

3

BIO 450Zoo Animal Behavior Management

4

CJ 320Victims of Crime

3

CJ 354Drugs & Society

3

MKT 340Consumer Behavior

3

SPED 241Introduction to Exceptionalities

3

SPED 401Autism I: Characteristics of Autism

3

SPED 402Autism II: Assessments & Interventions

3