The Psychology program aims to develop a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and experience. To this end, students are introduced to research methodology and critical analysis of current findings in the clinical and experimental fields of psychology.
The BA degree in psychology provides a foundation for students aspiring to graduate study in counseling, developmental, clinical, and experimental psychology, as well as psychology in business. Students not pursuing graduate work may enter training in social service and mental health programs in such areas as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, case work, child care work, and resource coordination.
Students seeking state certification in special education, elementary education, or early childhood education should see the requirements in the School of Education.
Requirements: 34 to 44 credits. The total of all Psychology courses, including major electives, must be at least 31 and not more than 44 credits.
Transfer students must take at least 18 of these credits at Carlow.
| Required Courses - Psychology Major |
| Course # |
Description |
Credits |
| PY 101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| Developmental: Select at least two of the following: |
| PY 205 |
Child Psychology |
3 |
| PY 208 |
Adolescent and Adult Development |
3 |
| PY 265 |
Psychology of Women |
3 |
| PY 308 |
Psychology of the Exceptional Child |
3 |
| Counseling: Select at least two of the following: |
| PY 303 |
Introduction to Counseling (prerequisite for counseling services) |
3 |
| PY 380 |
Family Counseling |
3 |
| PY 403 |
Counseling and Therapy for the Aged, Sick, and Dying |
3 |
| PY 414 |
Counseling and Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Addiction |
3 |
| PY 430 |
Crisis Intervention |
3 |
| Personality and Behavior: Select at least two of the following: |
| PY 203 |
Personality Theory |
3 |
| PY 209 |
Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
| PY 240 |
Psychology of Black Americans |
3 |
| PY 340 |
Social Psychology |
3 |
| PY 450 |
Field Placement |
credit varies |
| Research: All are required: |
| PY 301 |
Elementary Statistics |
4 |
| PY 306 |
Research Methods |
3 |
| PY 320 |
Qualitative Research Methods |
3 |
| PY 325 |
Experimental Psychology |
3 |
Required Support Courses: 6 credits
One English course beyond EN 102
Psychology Minor
Requirements: 21 credits 21 credits in Psychology including PY 101
Note: Transfer students must take at least 12 of these at Carlow.
Counseling Concentration for Psychology Majors
The Concentration in Counseling is offered by the Department of Psychology to students who major in psychology (those who do not major in psychology may consider a minor in counseling). The department understands that many of our graduates, with their BA in psychology, obtain pre-professional jobs within the helping professions. The Concentration in Counseling is designed to acquaint the student who is interested in a career in the helping professions with pre-professional-level counselor training.*
The concentration requires the following: Students are required to satisfy the regular requirements for the major (PY 101, two courses in developmental psychology, two courses in personality and behavior, and our research courses); in addition, they are required to complete at least 12 credits in counseling from the following list of courses:
| Required Courses - Psychology Major w/Counseling Concentration |
| Course # |
Description |
Credits |
| PY 303 |
Introduction to Counseling |
3 |
| PY 380 |
Family Counseling |
3 |
| PY 403 |
Counseling and Therapy for the Aged, Sick, and Dying |
3 |
| PY 414 |
Counseling and Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Addiction |
3 |
| PY 430 |
Crisis Intervention |
3 |
| PY 488 |
Domestic Violence Seminar |
3 |
Transfer students may substitute a transfer course for one of the above, but only with the approval of the director of the Psychology Department. A minimum of nine counseling credits must be taken at Carlow University.
*The student is cautioned that graduate level training is required before one can appropriately represent oneself as a professional counselor.
Counseling Minor for Non-Psychology Majors
The minor in counseling is offered by the Department of Psychology for students who are not majoring in psychology (those who major in psychology may take a concentration in counseling). |
