Learning Outcome Competencies for BA in Psychology
Goals of your education
Argosy University has identified the following goals for your education in Psychology:
Degree completion programs, such as that in Psychology, focus on the continuing development of skills pertinent to a practical preparation in a specific profession. The general goals of study in Psychology are also outlined in the Argosy University Catalog as part of the statement on degree completion in the area of Psychology:
“The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree prepares students for careers in human services in positions such as entry-level counselor, case manager, human resources administrator, management, and business services. A number of states also offer opportunities for credentialing or certification at the bachelor’s level. This program provides sufficient core and elective course flexibility to allow students to pursue such opportunities. The program also prepares students for graduate study in the diverse fields of psychology, such as counseling, social work, and marriage/family therapy” (2006-2007, p. 65).
Through your studies in the BA Program in Psychology, you will develop competence in the following areas:
I. Cognitive Abilities
· Critical Thinking: Given a psychological issue, employ skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to respond to the issue.
· Information Literacy: Given a research question related to psychology, access information from a variety of sources and select appropriate sources to respond to the question.
II. Research
· Understanding Research Methods: Given an article about research findings in the field of psychology from a scholarly journal, identify the research methods and statistical tools used (including research design, data analysis, and interpretation) and the findings of the article.
III. Communication Skills
· Oral: Effectively present psychological concepts orally as appropriate to the audience.
· Written: Effectively present psychological information, in writing, using software and style appropriate to the audience.
IV. Ethics/Diversity
· Ethics: Identify the issues and challenges related to ethics in the filed of psychology.
· Diversity: Identify the issues and challenges related to diversity in the field of psychology.
V. Knowledge of the Field
· Foundations: Recognize the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications, and historical trends in psychology.
VI. Knowledge of Applied Psychology
· Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and/or organizational issues.
The following competency has been added, effective Fall 2007:
| Program Outcome Seven: Interpersonal Effectiveness Students will develop and improve positive relationship skills via effective communication, respect for others, appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity, and awareness of their impact on others. | |
| - Apply active listening communication skills in interpersonal and organizational scenarios to establish empathetic, collegial relationships that facilitate consensus building in working toward common goals and are appreciative of diversity and culture. | |
| - Analyze the importance of effective nonverbal communication skills in developing strong interpersonal and organizational relationships that are culturally sensitive and respectful of diversity. | |
| - Solicit and utilize feedback to develop adaptable strategies of facilitating dynamic interpersonal and organizational relationships. | |
| - Analyze the impact of technological advances on communication within interpersonal and organizational relationships. | |
| - Utilize effective communication and relationship skills in order to promote the growth of others and effect change. | |
Activities in each of your various classes will support development of one or more of the above competencies.
Your capstone course (PSY492), and the completion of your writing portfolio, will allow you to integrate the competencies you have developed in these areas.
