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Major and Minor requirements

Requirements for a BA in Psychology.

Requirements for a minor in Psychology.

Psychology course descriptions.

UC Merced General Catalog

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of their BA in Psychology, students will be able to:

1) Demonstrate content knowledge and applications. This will be displayed by an ability to describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science. Students will also develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields, be able to portray significant aspects of the history of psychological science, be able to apply psychological content to solve practical problems, and provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes.

2) Demonstrate scientific inquiry and critical thinking. By developing these skills, students will be better able to exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena; be able to interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research and incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific research practices; as well as use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings.

3) Demonstrate values in psychological science. Having learned to employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts, students will learn to develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness and apply psychological principles to strengthen their community and improve the quality of life for themselves and others.

4) Demonstrate effective communication, psychological literacy, and technology skills. Students will learn to interact effectively with others and to write and present effectively for different purposes. They will learn how to provide evidence of psychological literacy in their communication, and how to use appropriate technological skills to improve communication of the psychological sciences.

5) Acquire personal and professional development. This will be acquired by learning effective self-regulation and the refinement of project management skills. Students will learn to exhibit effective judgment in professional interactions and will cultivate workforce collaboration skills. Ultimately, students will acquire the appropriate workforce technological skills and develop direction for life after graduation.

Health Psychology Emphasis

Health psychology focuses on the connection between psychological factors and physical health. It explores how behaviors, thoughts, and emotions impact well-being and illness. Courses cover health behavior change, stress management, coping mechanisms, and the psychological aspects of chronic diseases. Graduates can work in healthcare settings, promoting healthy behaviors, and assisting patients in managing their conditions. They also contribute to research and interventions that enhance overall health and quality of life. Health psychologists play a vital role in integrating psychological knowledge into healthcare practices, benefiting individuals and communities alike.

Social Psychology Emphasis

Social psychology is the study of how individuals are influenced by others and how they perceive and interact with the social world. It explores topics such as attitudes, group dynamics, social cognition, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships. Courses cover social thinking, group behavior, emotion, and the impact of culture on behavior. Graduates gain a deep understanding of human behavior within a social context, and they can apply their knowledge to various fields, including marketing, education, and public health.

 

Updated 2024