Psychology
Disciplinary Major or Minor (Bachelor of Science)
Professors - Fergus Hughes, Illene C. Noppe, Lloyd Noppe, Dean Rodeheaver
Associate Professors - Regan A.R. Gurung (chair), Dennis Lorenz, Timothy Sewall, Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges
Assistant Professors - Kristin Vespia, Dean VonDras
Web site: http://www.uwgb.edu/psychology/
Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of behavior and experience. It seeks to explain how physiological, personal, social, and environmental conditions influence thought and action. Research with humans and animals aims at understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior.
In the past century, psychology has moved from being a branch of philosophy to being both an experimental science and an active helping profession. It has developed several specialized subareas with focuses spanning from the level of the nerve cell (e.g., the neural basis of memory) to that of society (e.g., the developmental consequences of the Head Start program).
A strong grasp of psychology requires knowledge of the approach and content of each of its subareas. Students gain this understanding by completing core courses. They choose additional courses to meet individual needs with the help of a psychology adviser. Those who major in psychology learn to evaluate research articles and to design, conduct and report experiments by fulfilling the research methodology requirement.
The program offers several special opportunities for students to strengthen their professional preparation. Psychology faculty frequently work with students on collaborative research projects. Support for advanced student research is enhanced by new computers in the human psychology laboratory and a diversity of sophisticated stimulation and recording equipment in the physiological psychology laboratory. Internships are available in a variety of community settings.
Psychology helps to deepen understanding of individual and social behavior and provides a strong general background for many careers. Psychology graduates are employed in a variety of positions with social and community service agencies, businesses, research firms, and governmental agencies. Preparation for specialized professional work - such as testing, counseling, university teaching, and many research activities - usually requires master's or doctorate degrees. Preparation for advanced study should combine a broad program in liberal arts with a sound background in the physical and biological sciences and should emphasize research skills and experiences.
Graduates continue professional training in such fields as social work, education, medicine, and business, as well as psychology. Students seeking teaching licensure should consult advisers in psychology and education.
Psychology majors must choose an interdisciplinary minor. Such a minor strengthens preparation in psychology and enables students to prepare for a diversity of careers. Human development is the most chosen minor, though a number of minors are also completed in human biology and in the social science interdisciplinary programs.
Students seeking information on teacher certification should contact the Education Office.