Psychology is the scientific study of a vast array of phenomena related to the actions and experiences of organisms.  Psychologists study phenomena such as perception, memory, thought, behavior, and the psychological, social, physiological, and developmental processes that underlie these phenomena.

In addition to its commitment to scientific truth, psychology requires the application of knowledge and critical thinking/reasoning skills to assess, prevent, and resolve individual and social problems.

The study of psychology serves as a useful foundation for the pursuit of careers in business, law, medicine, social work, and other helping professions; or majors may pursue further study in psychology at the graduate level.  The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences features five academic options:

• The 120-hour Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program, focusing on a psychological science core with content in clinical/counseling, developmental, social, physiological/neurological, and other fields in psychology
• The 12-hour undergraduate certificate in Social Issues and Human Relations.

School of Psychology Mission, Vision, and Values Statement

Mission: 

The Psychology Program at Kentucky State University is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, impactful, and ethically-driven community that leverages its psychology expertise to advance the principles of social justice, mental health, and holistic well-being.  Our mission is to provide a comprehensive education that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values needed to excel in the field of psychology while championing equity, inclusion, diversity, and a commitment to social betterment.  

Vision: 

The vision of the School of Psychology at Kentucky State University envisions itself as a scholarship, advocacy, and high-quality programming provider, leading the way in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and impactful learning environment.  We train scientist-practitioners who are dedicated to discovery-based research, and lifelong learning that provide a foundation for successful careers and leadership roles while championing equity, inclusion, diversity, social justice, and ethical principles. 

Values:  

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Psychology is defined as the study of the mind and human behavior.  Psychologists engage with human behavior on a broad spectrum, ranging from biological responses to stimuli in the environment to global interactions.  Psychology encompasses every academic discipline; all things are inherently psychological because humans interact with and create the environments, materials, cultures, societies, institutions, laws, and the very knowledge by which we understand and operate within our world.  Within this spectrum opportunities for rewarding careers abound.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including 42 semester credit hours in Psychology.  PSY 200 General Psychology, is required as part of the core requirements.  PSY 215 Orientation to Psychology,  which does not count toward the core major requirements, is also required for Psychology majors before students enroll in 300 or 400 level courses.  The required courses for the Psychology core are BSS 300 Interdisc Applied Quant Method ; BSS 301 Research Methods for BSS; PSY 223 Theor. & Met. in Dev. Psych.; PSY 304 Experimental Psychology; PSY 320 History/Systems of Psychology; PSY 399 Seminar in Psychology; PSY 400 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 317 Personality Theory; PSY 402 Industrial Psychology; PSY 318 Proposed: PSY 318: Social Psyc; a minimum of three hours of PSY 490 Psychology Practicum I or PSY 491 Psychology Practicum II or PSY 492 Psychology Practicum III, Psychology Practicum I, II, or III; and BSS 499 Senior Colloquium.. 

Course Sequencing

Students should plan to complete the following courses in sequence:  Semester 1, PSY 200 General Psychology; Semester 2, PSY 215 Orientation to Psychology; Semester 3, BSS 300 Interdisc Applied Quant Method; Semester 4, PSY 301 Research Methods Fos BSS; Semester 5, PSY 304 Experimental Psychology; Semester 6, PSY 399 Seminar in Psychology; Semester 7, PSY 490 Psychology Practicum I; Semester 8, BSS 499 Senior Colloquium.  These are the research core courses for the Bachelor of Science degree.  Each course in the sequence builds on the knowledge and skills of previous courses.  The purpose of this sequence is to introduce students to the field (General Psychology and Orientation to Psychology); introduce the foundations of research (Statistics, Research Methods, and Experimental Psychology); practice how to find and synthesize literature on specific research topics (Seminar in Psychology); practice designing and conducting an original research project ( Practicum); and preparing professional research presentations and papers for their original research project (Senior Colloquium).  

Elective Concentrations

Elective concentrations are offered in Counseling/Clinical Psychology (6 hours, PSY 404 Psychological Assessment, and PSY 407 Theories in Psychotherapy), Educational/Developmental Psychology (6 hours from PSY 408 Learning and Motivation, PSY 409 Cognitive Psychology, and PSY 413 Social Cognition); and Experimental/Biological Psychology (PSY 410 Physiological Psychology and PSY 411 Sensation and Perception).  

Sample Course Plan

The course plan below is an example of how you should plan to schedule your courses.  Please note that the sample schedule does not total 120 hours.  Once you have met your general education, psychology core, and psychology elective concentration credit hour requirements, you may apply any remaining hours from the 120 hour degree requirement toward a minor or certificate in any area you choose.