COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

Centered on the study of human behavior, the Bachelors degree in Psychology is applicable to many disciplines and serves as a viable foundation for students wishing to go into community or mental health services, criminal justice fields, church-related ministry, education, or for those who plan to obtain graduate degrees.  Psychology also contributes as an excellent minor or double major to several academic fields of study (e.g., Criminal Justice, Education, Business, Religion/Philosophy, Sociology, Family and Consumer Science, etc.).

The psychology department at College of the Ozarks offers a total of over 60 credit hours in core and elective courses.  Courses involve theory, application, experience, and critical analysis.  All professors in the department hold a terminal degree in Psychology, with each professor bringing professional specialties into the wide variety of course offerings.

“A career in psychology means hard work, but it can also mean
opportunity to break new ground in science,
to help people and to be challenged.”

Objectives of the Psychology Program:

1. To provide students with a practical working knowledge of the science and profession of psychology
2.  To help students gain insight into the behavior, needs, motives, and feelings of others in order to more effectively serve Christ and their community
3.  To prepare student for professional training or graduate work in such fields as counseling, clinical psychology, criminal justice, social services, or school counseling

Major in Psychology

Required major courses:  36 hours (18 hours must be 300-400 level)

PSY 103 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 233 History and Systems of Psychology
PSY 252 Psychology Seminar
PSY 313 Personality Development WI
PSY 373 Abnormal Psychology
PSY Capstone___(414,424,48V, 49V)
PSY Additional courses 18 hrs.

A comprehensive exam is required during the first semester of the senior year.  Additional Psychology courses may be assessed as a result of the exam.

General Education course option specified by the psychology major:

MAT 143 Statistics

Credit is given in a psychology major or minor for one of the following:

CJS 233 Juvenile Delinquency
SOC 393 Social Psychology

Minor in Psychology

Required minor courses:  18 hours (9 hours must be 300-400 level)

PSY 103 Introduction to Psychology
PSY Additional courses 15 hrs.