Psychology, B.S.

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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.

Courses Required in the Major

Required courses may not be taken independently.

PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 200 - Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 305 - Personality Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 310 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
OR
SOC 310 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 315 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 320 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
PSY 330 - Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3

Two of the Following Three Courses (6 credits)

PSY 335 - Cognitive Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 445 - Biological Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 450 - History and Systems of Psychology Credit(s): 3

One of the Following Three Capstone Course Sequences (6 credits)

PSY 496 - Senior Research Seminar I Credit(s): 3
AND
PSY 497 - Senior Research Seminar II Credit(s): 3
PSY 391 - Testing and Measurement for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
AND
One additional 300 or 400 level elective
PSY 440 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-6
AND
One additional 300 or 400 level elective (Intended for students pursuing the 3/2 partnership in occupational therapy)

Elective Courses (9 credits)

Psychology majors must also complete nine credits of elective courses (at least three credits of these elective courses must be at the 300 or 400 level). Some courses are offered every other year.

The courses chosen for electives may not meet both a requirement and an elective.

PSY 160 - Animal Behavior Credit(s): 3
OR
BIO 160 - Animal Behavior Credit(s): 3
PSY 250 - Cross-Cultural Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 270 - Psychology of Religion Credit(s): 3
OR
REL 270 - Psychology of Religion Credit(s): 3
PSY 275 - Psychology of Women Credit(s): 3
PSY 293 - Special Topics Credit(s): 3
PSY 301 - Careers in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 312 - Positive Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 325 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 327 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 335 - Cognitive Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 350 - Environmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 370 - Controversial Issues in Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 391 - Testing and Measurement for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
PSY 440 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-6
PSY 450 - History and Systems of Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 445 - Biological Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 490 - Independent Study Credit(s): 1-6
PSY 494 - Special Topics Credit(s): 3
PSY 495 - Undergraduate Research in Psychology Credit(s): 1-6
PSY 496 - Senior Research Seminar I Credit(s): 3
PSY 497 - Senior Research Seminar II Credit(s): 3

Additional Requirements

The discipline of psychology involves working closely with people and social organizations. In keeping with the guidelines of the discipline and the mission of Fontbonne University, all students enrolled in the major are required to act ethically and to treat all others with respect and dignity. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to dismissal from the major at any time.

Dual Degree Arrangement in Occupational Therapy with Washington University in St. Louis

Fontbonne University students may elect to pursue a 3/2 program of study in connection with the Occupational Therapy (OT) program in the Washington University School of Medicine. Students who have completed the first three years of coursework for either a psychology or a biology degree at Fontbonne and who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in required prerequisite courses may apply for admission to the OT program at Washington University during their junior year at Fontbonne. Application to the program does not guarantee admission, however, and students are advised that admission is highly competitive.

Upon admission and satisfactory completion of the first year of coursework at Washington University, the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Fontbonne University. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for the bachelor’s degree from Fontbonne during the fall semester of the first year at Washington University. At the end of the second year of study at Washington University, the student would qualify for a master of science in occupational therapy degree from the Washington University School of Medicine.

Required OT Prerequisite Courses in Psychology for admission to the dual degree program in Occupational Therapy

PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 200 - Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 315 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 320 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
PSY 440 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-6 (Credits: 3)

Required OT Prerequisite Courses in Other Disciplines

SOC 100 - Survey of Sociology Credit(s): 3
BIO 220 - Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab Credit(s): 4
BIO 222 - Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab Credit(s): 4

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