Program Goals and Values
The CSU Stanislaus Psychology program strives to provide a balanced
curriculum that exposes students to the rich theoretical perspectives
used by psychologists and teaches them to approach problems in human
behavior from a scientific perspective. The undergraduate major provides
the understanding and skills needed by students who plan careers that
require an understanding of people and the ability to analyze behavior
problems. It also prepares students who intend to pursue graduate study
in Psychology at the masters or doctoral level.
Undergraduate Psychology courses at CSU Stanislaus take an active
approach to learning. Faculty and students work together to analyze and
research problems in behavior using both theoretical and empirical
tools. Teaching strategies based on scientific principles of learning
allow students to continually assess their progress and refine their
understanding of the material. Advanced students, working as teaching
assistants, augment the efforts of faculty to provide support and
assistance throughout the learning process. Through their experiences in
the undergraduate program, psychology students also develop skills in
written and oral communication and the use of technology in the research
process.
Structure of the Major
The CSU Stanislaus undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide a
firm foundation in basic principles of human behavior, a working
knowledge of the methods psychologists use to study behavior, and an
understanding of how scientific principles are used in a variety of
applied areas within the domain of psychology.
- The Beginning
The major begins with an introductory course that explores a variety
of topics within psychology, providing students with a first
understanding of the basic principles and theories used to explain
behavior. Psychology majors also study the principles of
psychological research in a lower-division research methods course.
- The Middle
Upper division study in psychology combines a deeper exploration of
research with courses that instill a strong understanding of
psychology as a natural science, a social science, and an applied
science. Students select a variety of survey and specialized courses
that provide a knowledge base about psychology as a discipline. An
upper-division experimental design course and a 3000 level research
seminar provide training in research techniques and first-hand
experience in the research process.
- The End
The Psychology program allows seniors to explore the field at a
deeper level through a 4000 level research seminar that
requires intensive study of a single research question. Students develop stronger critical thinking skills and an
appreciation of the role of Psychology in society.
Undergraduate Research
The undergraduate Psychology program has a strong research emphasis.
Students complete a lower-division course in Psychological Methods and
an upper-division class in Experimental Methods and Design that
incorporates a lab. Upper division research seminars provide students
with hands-on experience in psychological research and build a clear
understanding of how psychologists use empirical methods to answer
questions about human behavior.
Collaborative research between faculty and undergraduate students is
common at CSU Stanislaus. Some Psychology faculty members have teams of
undergraduate students working on ongoing research projects and others
invite student participation in their own and graduate student research.
The highlight of the undergraduate research program is the bi-annual
research conference. Students from the undergraduate research seminars
and those involved in ongoing research projects present their work to
faculty and other students in a poster session format.
Psychology
