Welcome to the School of Psychology!

DEGREES OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY

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 18-hour minor in Psychology.
• The 18-hour minor in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies.
• The 18-hour minor in Sociology.
• The 15-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 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 aspire to train scientist-practitioners who are dedicated to discovery-based research, and lifelong learning that provides a foundation for successful careers and leadership roles while championing lifelong learning that provides a foundation for successful careers and leadership roles while championing equity, inclusion, diversity, social justice, and ethical principles.

Values:  

To support our mission at all levels the School of Psychology values:

• Scholarship and Advocacy:  We envision a program that excels in scholarship, actively contributing to advancing psychological knowledge and serving as a passionate advocate for the field's role in addressing societal issues.
• High-Quality Programming:  We aspire to be known for high-quality, innovative programming that equips students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to excel as scientist-practitioners in a rapidly evolving field.
• Discovery-Based Research:  Our program envisions a strong culture of discovery-based research that stimulates intellectual curiosity, encourages creativity, and propels students to contribute to the field's growth.
• Lifelong Learning:  We see our graduates as lifelong learners who remain at the forefront of psychology, continually seeking opportunities for professional development and making a sustained impact in their chosen career paths.
• Successful Careers and Leadership:  We envision our students as future leaders who make a significant impact in their respective fields, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities and advancing the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Inclusivity and Impact:  We strive to create an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and every voice is heard.  Our program aspires to have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the communities they serve.
• Ethical Excellence:  Our program envisions graduates who are ethical leaders, advocating for the responsible use of psychology knowledge and principles in all contexts.

Through unwavering dedication to these ideals, the School of Psychology at Kentucky State University aims to be a national leader in producing graduates who are not only experts in the field of psychology but also champions of equity, inclusion, diversity, social justice, and ethical values.  We envision our graduates as catalysts for positive change, impacting the field, their communities, and the world at large.

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.

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.   

Students should plan to complete research core courses for the Bachelor of Science degree in sequence:  PSY 200; PSY 215; PSY/BSS 300; PSY 301; PSY 304; PSY 399; PSY 490/491/492; PSY/BSS 499. 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 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).  

Students are encouraged to explore certificate, minor, or double major opportunities to broaden their knowledge, skills, and experience.  Students who have met the number of core and elective concentration credit hours required for their major may elect to use 18-21 elective hours to pursue a minor.  

SAMPLE EIGHT-SEMESTER 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.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor Degree in Psychology?

The U.S. Department of Labor projects significant job growth in psychology.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies should drive employment growth.  The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will continue to grow as people seek counseling in the areas of marriage and family problems, job stress, addiction, trauma, rehabilitation, and other areas.  A greater number of counselors and clinicians will be needed for the treatment of mental disorders and other areas in the health care industry, for interdisciplinary work on teams including doctors, social workers, and other health care professionals.  Psychologists will be needed to provide services to an aging population, helping people deal with the mental and physical changes that happen as they grow older. Through both research and practice, psychologists are helping other special groups, such as veterans suffering from war trauma, other trauma survivors, and individuals with autism. 

Upon graduation, our students help shape the world as researchers, clinicians, and specialists in other areas including law and government, mental health, and teaching.  Through student effort and dedication and faculty mentoring, the B.S. degree in Psychology provides opportunities for professional development and growth, a good foundation for future graduate study, and a sound foundation for many career options. 

Graduates with a 120-hour BS in Psychology from Kentucky State University can utilize their knowledge, skills, and abilities in diverse settings, such as:

This information and other resources are available at:

https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychology-careers-2794917  

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-can-you-do-with-a-bachelors-degree-in-psychology-2794943 

Other Undergraduate Minors and Certificates Available from the School of Psychology

Minor in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Minor in Sociology

CERTIFICATE IN CULTURAL DIVERSITY STUDIES

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