Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Psychology] From Whittier College

Psychologists are concerned with advancing knowledge of behavior and experience. The mission of the Department of Psychological Sciences?is to teach you how to think like a psychologist. To accomplish this, we have identified five goals that we focus on throughout our curriculum:

1. Knowledge Base of Psychology:?To demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, interdisciplinary connections, and historical roots of psychology.

2. Research Methods and Resources of Psychology:?To understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, handling subjects, data analysis and interpretation, as well as use the library, computers, and online resources.

3. Critical Thinking and Communication Skills:?To develop and use critical and creative thinking skills, including skeptical inquiry, critical reading skills, analysis, synthesis, problem solving, professional writing, oral communication, listening, and collaboration skills.

4. Application of Psychology:?To understand and apply psychology to diverse individuals and groups, and social, cultural, and organizational issues.

5. Clarification of Values, Personal Development, and Career Planning:?To facilitate clarification of values, including tolerating ambiguity and acting ethically, showing insight into one?s own behavior and mental processes and applying effective strategies for self management and self improvement, and to develop realistic ideas about how to use psychological knowledge, skills, and values in various occupations, and in graduate and professional school.