The Psychology program is offered during the day for traditional undergraduate students and in an online format for non-traditional students through the Center for Professional & Continuing Studies.
Psychology is the study of human behavior (normal and abnormal) and the cognitive, emotional, social, and biological processes related to that behavior. Our program will prepare you to embark on a number of career paths or to pursue graduate study in many specialized fields.
Curriculum
As a Psychology major at Claflin you will develop knowledge, competence, and skills in one of three concentrations: General Psychology, Counseling, or Research. You will have core competencies in:
1. Career Management
2. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
3. Oral/Written Communications
4. Professionalism/Work Ethic
5. Teamwork/Collaboration
To complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, students must complete twelve hours of core psychology courses, four hours of an extra science plus lab, eight hours of departmental core courses, and 21 hours of concentration courses (at least 6 hours must be at the 400 level).
Core Courses
- Introduction to Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Additional Science plus lab (Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry)
Departmental Courses
- Fundamentals of Research
- Social Statistics
- Senior Seminar or Senior Research (2 credit hours)
Concentrations
The General Psychology concentration prepares students for a variety of careers in many fields. This concentration is appropriate for students who are not seeking to attend graduate school, are not interested in counseling or research, or do not intend on working in a psychology-related field. In addition to the five core competencies listed above, students in this concentration will also gain competency in Global/Intercultural Fluency. *Students completing the degree online will have a concentration in General Psychology.
Courses: Cognition, Personality Theories, Cross-Cultural Psychology, plus four Psychology electives
The Counseling concentration prepares students to enter graduate school for careers in the counseling field such as counselors/therapists, clinicians, mental health specialists, school psychologists, social workers, etc. Students will become certified in Mental Health First Aid and be encouraged to gain experience through a practicum and/or internship. In addition to the five core competencies listed above, students in this concentration will also gain competency in Empathy, including rapport-building techniques such as active listening.
Courses: Required: Mental Health, Counseling & Therapy
Choose five courses from the following: Psychology of Health & Wellness, Alcohol & Drugs, Personality Theories, Human Sexuality, Death & Dying, Psychology of Religion, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Applied Mental Health
The Research concentration prepares students to enter graduate school for a variety of psychology careers outside of counseling that require a higher degree. This concentration is especially appropriate for students who want to eventually obtain a Ph.D. Students will become proficient in data analysis software, participate in service learning, and be encouraged to gain experience conducting research through an internship. In addition to the five core competencies listed above, students in this concentration will also gain competency in Digital Technology.
Courses: Cognition, Advanced Psychological Research, Experimental Psychology, History of Psychology, plus three Psychology electives
Psychology Major Electives
- Theories of Aging
- Psychology of Health & Wellness
- Adult Development & Life Assessment
- Cognition
- Mental Health
- Alcohol & Drugs
- Sensation & Perception
- Personality Theories
- Human Sexuality
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Special Topics in Psychology
- Death & Dying
- Psychology of Religion
- Forensic Psychology
- Counseling & Therapies
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Advanced Psychological Research
- Experimental Psychology
- History of Psychology
Student Opportunities and Experience
We offer opportunities to participate in two student organizations: The Psychology Club and Psi Chi, a chapter of the international honor society in psychology. Psi Chi honors the brightest of exceptional students and gives students the opportunity to become involved in social and academic activities. These groups often work together to engage in community service activities, host on-campus workshops and social activities, and travel to various psychology conferences. Students can also get involved in on and off-campus internships related to psychology and behavioral health. Psychology students regularly travel to present at regional undergraduate research conferences.
Careers and Outcomes
Psychology students at Claflin often pursue graduate school opportunities in school psychology, marriage & family therapy, social work, education, speech pathology, counselor education, counseling, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, rehabilitation counseling, and industrial/organizational psychology. Some graduates directly pursue job opportunities in a wide range of fields including law enforcement, mental health, group homes, governments and non-profits, faith-based organizations, juvenile justice, sales and marketing, management, human resources, and hospitality services.
Admissions Requirements
Click here for information about the application process.