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May 22, 2023
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Psychological Science
Psychological Science
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The objectives of the program in psychology are (1) to develop in students an understanding of the theories, principles, methodologies, research findings and applications of psychology; (2) to develop the students’ critical and analytical thinking skills and communication skills as they relate to the study of psychology and (3) to prepare students for admission to graduate or professional training in psychology or related fields. The minor in psychological science provides a knowledge base in the topics and applications of psychology. The Bachelor of Arts degree develops additional scientific inquiry skills and professional development. The Bachelor of Science degree in requires additional research and interdisciplinary coursework to provide a broader background in the biological and chemical underpinnings of behavior.
Program Faculty
Mary Jacobsen
Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychological Science
336-721-2657
Katharine Blackwell
Associate Professor of Psychology
Olutola Akindipe
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Helpful Links
Overview
Your Program
The psychological science curriculum has three objectives: to help you develop an understanding of the theories, principles, methodologies, research findings, and applications of psychology; to help you develop your critical and analytical thinking and communications skills as they relate to the study of psychology; and to prepare you for admission to graduate or professional training in psychology or related fields.
Your Experience
Salem’s psychology students are eager to combine the study of psychological theory with hands-on research and fieldwork. Many of them supplement their work with a minor or second major in a field such as communication, business, or education.
Your Faculty
As active practitioners in the field, the faculty members are able to convey to your and your fellow students the latest advancements in psychological scholarship.
Your Results
When you major in psychology, you may continue on to graduate study or to a career in psychology and psychiatry, counseling, social work, communication, and other fields. Thanks to the department’s liberal-arts underpinning, you will be armed with superior skills in communication, analytical ability, and critical thinking.
You will join other successful Salem Psychology Department graduates like the following in pursuing your goals: Jessica Atkinson C’99, Orange County Department of Social Services; Kate Pinkerton Long C’04, learning consultant, Muskingun College; Alicia Columbo C’03, lead resident counselor, Eliada Homes, Inc.; and Lesley Simmons C’04, master’s program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Major/Minor
Psychological Science Major (BA)
A student seeking a bachelor of arts degree with a major in psychological science must complete nine courses (31 semester hours minimum) in psychology:
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 201. Statistics with SPSS (3 hrs)
MATH 107. Statistics with R (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 220. Tests and Measurements (4 hrs)
PSYC 225. Experimental Psychology: Physiology (4 hrs)
PSYC 240. Experimental Psychology: Cognition (4 hrs)
PSYC 262. Experimental Psychology: Neural Basis of Learning (4 hrs)
Professional Development and Capstone:
PSYC 350. Senior Seminar in Psychological Science (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 200. Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 290. Honors Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 280. Internship in Psychology (3 hrs min)
At least five of the courses necessary for a major (BA) in psychology, including PSYC 350 (Senior Seminar in Psychological Science), must be completed at Salem.
Psychological Science Major (BS)
A student who seeks a bachelor of science degree with a major in psychological science must complete fifteen courses (57 semester hours minimum), including ten courses in psychology:
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 201. Statistics with SPSS (3 hrs)
MATH 107. Statistics with R (3 hrs)
Choose two:
PSYC 220. Tests and Measurements (4 hrs)
PSYC 225. Experimental Psychology: Physiology (4 hrs)
PSYC 240. Experimental Psychology: Cognition (4 hrs)
PSYC 262. Experimental Psychology: Neural Basis of Learning (4 hrs)
Senior Thesis and Capstone:
PSYC 350. Senior Seminar in Psychological Science (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 200. Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 290. Honors Independent Study (3 hrs min)
Allied Disciplines (five courses)
BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
BIOL 218. Anatomy & Physiology I (5 hrs)
CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)
And, choose one:
MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs)
MATH 100. Calculus I (5 hrs)
NOTE: Students who intend to pursue graduate education in neuroscience or careers in the health sciences are advised to take MATH 100 rather than MATH 070.
At least five psychology courses required for the major (BS) in psychological science, including PSYC 350 (Senior Seminar in Psychological Science), must be taken at Salem. The Senior Thesis will consist of an original research project designed in collaboration with a faculty mentor and culminating in a thesis paper and presentation; students are encouraged to prepare and design the study during their junior year and conduct the study during the Fall of their senior year.
Psychology Minor
The minor in psychology requires completion of five courses. At least three of the five courses for the minor must be taken at Salem.
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
Internships
AT&T Research Laboratories
Juvenile Psychological Services Program of the Forsyth County Department of Juvenile Justice
Adult psychiatry division of the Medical Center of Princeton University
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools
Safe Harbor runaway shelter in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Family Life Center of Reidsville, N.C.
Success Stories
What sets Salem apart is the professors’ dedication and desire to help students individually. Professors make it a priority to be readily available to meet with students on an individual basis. My three internships gave me a glimpse of my future career path and cemented my decision to continue in the field of mental health. Each class, professor, internship, presentation, and independent research had a substantial impact on the graduate student that I am now and the type of clinician I hope to one day be. I would not trade my experience for any other.
Lauren Moody
Class Year:
2012
Major:
Psychology
Graduate Studies:
- Masters in psychology at The New School For Social Research in New York City.
- Currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology at The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC
Career:
Psychology extern in the Child Development Clinic at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC
Your Program
The psychological science curriculum has three objectives: to help you develop an understanding of the theories, principles, methodologies, research findings, and applications of psychology; to help you develop your critical and analytical thinking and communications skills as they relate to the study of psychology; and to prepare you for admission to graduate or professional training in psychology or related fields.
Your Experience
Salem’s psychology students are eager to combine the study of psychological theory with hands-on research and fieldwork. Many of them supplement their work with a minor or second major in a field such as communication, business, or education.
Your Faculty
As active practitioners in the field, the faculty members are able to convey to your and your fellow students the latest advancements in psychological scholarship.
Your Results
When you major in psychology, you may continue on to graduate study or to a career in psychology and psychiatry, counseling, social work, communication, and other fields. Thanks to the department’s liberal-arts underpinning, you will be armed with superior skills in communication, analytical ability, and critical thinking.
You will join other successful Salem Psychology Department graduates like the following in pursuing your goals: Jessica Atkinson C’99, Orange County Department of Social Services; Kate Pinkerton Long C’04, learning consultant, Muskingun College; Alicia Columbo C’03, lead resident counselor, Eliada Homes, Inc.; and Lesley Simmons C’04, master’s program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Psychological Science Major (BA)
A student seeking a bachelor of arts degree with a major in psychological science must complete nine courses (31 semester hours minimum) in psychology:
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 201. Statistics with SPSS (3 hrs)
MATH 107. Statistics with R (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 220. Tests and Measurements (4 hrs)
PSYC 225. Experimental Psychology: Physiology (4 hrs)
PSYC 240. Experimental Psychology: Cognition (4 hrs)
PSYC 262. Experimental Psychology: Neural Basis of Learning (4 hrs)
Professional Development and Capstone:
PSYC 350. Senior Seminar in Psychological Science (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 200. Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 290. Honors Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 280. Internship in Psychology (3 hrs min)
At least five of the courses necessary for a major (BA) in psychology, including PSYC 350 (Senior Seminar in Psychological Science), must be completed at Salem.
Psychological Science Major (BS)
A student who seeks a bachelor of science degree with a major in psychological science must complete fifteen courses (57 semester hours minimum), including ten courses in psychology:
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 201. Statistics with SPSS (3 hrs)
MATH 107. Statistics with R (3 hrs)
Choose two:
PSYC 220. Tests and Measurements (4 hrs)
PSYC 225. Experimental Psychology: Physiology (4 hrs)
PSYC 240. Experimental Psychology: Cognition (4 hrs)
PSYC 262. Experimental Psychology: Neural Basis of Learning (4 hrs)
Senior Thesis and Capstone:
PSYC 350. Senior Seminar in Psychological Science (4 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 200. Independent Study (3 hrs min)
PSYC 290. Honors Independent Study (3 hrs min)
Allied Disciplines (five courses)
BIOL 100. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 hrs)
BIOL 101. Biodiversity (4 hrs)
BIOL 218. Anatomy & Physiology I (5 hrs)
CHEM 110. General Chemistry (5 hrs)
And, choose one:
MATH 070. Essential Calculus (4 hrs)
MATH 100. Calculus I (5 hrs)
NOTE: Students who intend to pursue graduate education in neuroscience or careers in the health sciences are advised to take MATH 100 rather than MATH 070.
At least five psychology courses required for the major (BS) in psychological science, including PSYC 350 (Senior Seminar in Psychological Science), must be taken at Salem. The Senior Thesis will consist of an original research project designed in collaboration with a faculty mentor and culminating in a thesis paper and presentation; students are encouraged to prepare and design the study during their junior year and conduct the study during the Fall of their senior year.
Psychology Minor
The minor in psychology requires completion of five courses. At least three of the five courses for the minor must be taken at Salem.
Knowledge Base:
PSYC 010. Introduction to Psychological Science (4 hrs)
PSYC 100. Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 130. Social Psychology (3 hrs)
Choose one:
PSYC 101. Statistics (4 hrs)
PSYC 110. Psychology of Women (3 hrs)
PSYC 140. Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 150. Psychology of Personality (3 hrs)
PSYC 160. Human Sexuality (3 hrs)
PSYC 180. Animal Behavior (3 hrs)
PSYC 190. Introduction to Clinical Counseling (3 hrs)
PSYC 270. History and Systems in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSYC 282. Special Topics in Psychology (3 hrs min)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
PSYC 102. Research Methods in Psychology (4 hrs)
What sets Salem apart is the professors’ dedication and desire to help students individually. Professors make it a priority to be readily available to meet with students on an individual basis. My three internships gave me a glimpse of my future career path and cemented my decision to continue in the field of mental health. Each class, professor, internship, presentation, and independent research had a substantial impact on the graduate student that I am now and the type of clinician I hope to one day be. I would not trade my experience for any other.
Lauren Moody
Class Year:
2012
Major:
Psychology
Graduate Studies:
- Masters in psychology at The New School For Social Research in New York City.
- Currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology at The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC
Career:
Psychology extern in the Child Development Clinic at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC
AT&T Research Laboratories
Juvenile Psychological Services Program of the Forsyth County Department of Juvenile Justice
Adult psychiatry division of the Medical Center of Princeton University
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools
Safe Harbor runaway shelter in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Family Life Center of Reidsville, N.C.
See our Academic Catalog for all of our course offerings.