2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Description and Learning Outcomes


Program Description

Psychology emphasizes the fundamental importance of understanding human behavior and thought. It is a wide‐ranging discipline, encompassing diverse fields of study. It is also, by its history and nature, an applied discipline. Students focus on such diverse topics as human development, prejudice, aggression, Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology, health, and social interaction, not solely to acquire knowledge, but also with the intent of using this knowledge to better their community and their world.

At New England College, it is the goal of the faculty to merge practical skills with theoretical content and critical thinking abilities. One aim of the program is to prepare students for continued study at the graduate level. Another goal is to prepare students for careers in counseling and human services, business, education, community health, and political and social service. A psychology major provides students with a variety of career options upon graduation. In all courses, students are challenged to move beyond their common sense and personal history and to acquire an understanding of how questions about human functioning are answered through systematic investigation and hypothesis testing. Moreover, the faculty make psychology meaningful and relevant to students so that what they learn can be applied to real life skills such as parenting, interpersonal relationships, health, conflict resolution, motivational and emotional difficulties, and personal development.

The bachelor’s degree program may be completed in 4 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

The associate’s degree program may be completed in 2 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

Bachelor’s Learning Outcomes

Students completing this Psychology program should possess the following:

  • Knowledge Base of Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology major will explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. 
  • Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology major will employ the scientific approach to solve problems and to categorize theory, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in various domains of psychology.   
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility ‐ Students in the Psychology major will construct ethical values and socially responsible environments that underpin the scientific field of psychology.  
  • Communication ‐ Students in the Psychology major will perform oral and written communication skills in a variety of settings.  
  • Professional Development ‐ Students in the Psychology major will employ knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits

Associate’s Learning Outcomes

Students completing this Psychology program should possess the following:

  • Knowledge Base of Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology minor will explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. 
  • Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology minor will employ the scientific approach to solve problems and to categorize theory, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in various domains of psychology.   
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility ‐ Students in the Psychology minor will construct ethical values and socially responsible environments that underpin the scientific field of psychology.  
  • Communication ‐ Students in the Psychology minor will perform oral and written communication skills in a variety of settings.