Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology (BA)
Program Purpose
The ECU undergraduate program in psychology provides students with both a broad exposure to the major areas within the behavioral sciences as well as a focused appreciation for statistics and research design as core competencies within the discipline. Program instruction serves equally well as preparation for a research or teaching career in psychology, or for entry into various professional fields that focus on behavior challenges. The major may prove useful to students planning professional careers in such fields as medicine, law, education, business, social work, or counseling, as well as to students interested in a general background in the behavioral sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Biological Basis of Behavior
Students will demonstrate knowledge of and competence in analyzing the biological basis of behavior including genetics, evolution, and the structure of the central nervous system.
Ethical Principles
Psychology majors will demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles in research conduct.
Human Subject Protection
Students will demonstrate knowledge of relevant regulations and principles that protect human subjects involved in research.
Learning Theory and Cognition
Students demonstrate knowledge of the major principles of learning theory and cognitive psychology.
Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Students demonstrate competency in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
Scientific Writing
Students will demonstrate the ability to compose documents using APA style.