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 Psychology 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 Sociology.
• The 12-hour undergraduate certificate in Social Issues and Human Relations.

School of Psychology Mission, Vision, and Values Statement

Mission: 

The mission of the School of Psychology 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:  

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.

The School of Psychology has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Minor in Psychology, a Minor in Sociology, and a Certificate in Social Issues and Human Relations.

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/BSS 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.

Undergraduate Minors and Certificates Available from the School of Psychology

MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

A minor in Psychology requires the completion of 18 semester credit hours. Specific course requirements include  PSY 215, PSY 223, PSY 300/BSS 300, PSY 304, and PSY 317.  Students must complete PSY 200 as part of the Liberal Studies Requirement.

MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY 

 An 18-hour sociology minor complements majors in fields like psychology, political science, education, and business, enhancing students' analytical abilities and preparing them for diverse careers that require a deep understanding of social dynamics and human relationships.  A minor in sociology offers students a foundational understanding of societal structures, interactions, and institutions. This program focuses on providing students with a foundation in statistics, research methods, and key topics such as social behavior, race, class, gender, deviance, and contemporary social problems. Through this curriculum, students develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into the complexities of social behavior and organization. 

Students must complete SOC 203, Principles of Sociology, as part of their core curriculum.  Required courses include BSS 300, Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences or BSS 301, Research Methods; SOC 304, Race and Ethnic Relations; SOC 305, Contemporary Social Problems; and PSY 403, Social Psychology.  The remaining six hours of elective courses may be taken from among BSS 300 or 301 (whichever is not taken as one of the required courses); BSS 499, Senior Colloquium; PSY 490, PSY 491, or PSY 492, Psychology Practicum; or other courses at the 300-400 level that offer a sociological perspective of that topic (e.g., Sociology of Education).

CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL ISSUES AND HUMAN RELATIONS

The Certificate in Social Issues and Human Relations provides students with an in-depth understanding of the complex social factors that shape human interactions in diverse communities and workplaces. This certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to engage thoughtfully with varying perspectives, address social challenges, and contribute to positive community and organizational environments.

Program Highlights:

• Gain practical tools for examining social structures, group dynamics, and human behavior.
• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze social problems and their impact on communities and organizations.
• Build communication and self-reflection skills to enhance personal and professional relationships.
• Prepare for careers that require an understanding of social responsibility, community engagement, and human relations.

Certificate Requirements:
To earn the Certificate in Social Issues and Human Relations, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours from approved courses in the Behavioral and Social Sciences program. Coursework focuses on exploring social topics through multidisciplinary approaches and includes a capstone experience.

Students must also complete SOC 203 (Principles of Sociology) as part of the General Education Core requirements. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.  The Sociology department is the advising unit for this certificate.