 Welcome
to the Department of Psychology
Psychology is the science
of behavior and mental processes (perception, emotion, and
cognition), and the application of the knowledge acquired
to the resolution of personal and social problems. For students
seeking either a B.A. or B.S., the Department of Psychology
offers a major in psychology with an optional applied concentration
in either human performance or counseling/clinical psychology.
The concentration in human performance
combines the related specialties of human factors and industrial/organizational
(I/O) psychology. Human factors applies psychology to the
design of systems, machines, and products so that people
can use them more comfortably, safely, and effectively.
I/O psychology applies psychology to improve the productivity
and satisfaction of members of organizations (such as employees
in manufacturing plants).
The concentration in counseling/clinical
psychology combines the related areas of counseling
psychology and clinical psychology. Counseling psychology
applies psychology to common problems in living, such as
in choosing a career or resolving issues in a personal relationship.
Clinical psychology applies psychology not only to common
problems in living but also to psychological disorders,
such as a phobia or a clinical depression. Basic and applied
specialties in psychology are numerous and extraordinarily
diverse. Not all students majoring in psychology pursue
one of the two applied concentrations.
A major in psychology is an excellent choice for some
students. Some students majoring in a different area who
have the ability to complete two majors may wish to major
in psychology as well. Given its nature, it complements
many other academic areas.
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