The psychology curriculum provides students with a broad and balanced foundation in each of the core areas of the discipline. Students will study various aspects of the human psychological experience, including lifespan development; learning, memory, and cognition; biological foundations of behavior; abnormal psychology; social psychology; and personality and adjustment. Students supplement these core courses with chosen electives on more specific topics such as child psychology, positive psychology, cross-cultural psychology, sleep, addictions, pre-occupational therapy, and controversial topics in the field. Students will also learn research, analytical, and writing skills through courses in statistics and research methods. During their senior year, students choose from various capstone options that allow them to apply what they have learned in the lab or the field. Additional learning opportunities for students include assisting with faculty research, completing supervised internships, conducting and participating in student research in the psychology laboratory, or exploring the field through independent study projects. Interested students also have the opportunity to present their own research at local and regional conferences.
Students are encouraged to enhance their major course of study by choosing a minor that emphasizes the intersection between psychology and related disciplines. Students work with their advisors to determine the best minor for their educational and career goals.
The psychology curriculum prepares students for employment at the baccalaureate level or advanced study in psychology and related disciplines upon graduation. The psychology program conforms to guidelines established by the American Psychological Association.
The major consists of 42 credit hours of courses. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale from all colleges/ universities attended as well as a GPA of 2.5 in psychology courses for acceptance into the major, to remain in the program, and for graduation.
Major Approval
Major approval is required during the second semester of the sophomore year, or after the completion of 45 credit hours at Fontbonne. For transfer students, major approval is required after completing the equivalent of one full semester (a minimum of 12 credits) at Fontbonne.
Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements
All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under academic policies and regulations in the introductory section for undergraduate programs in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religion or theology.
General Education Requirements
The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the academic information section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.
