Psychology, B.S.

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 clinical psychology. Students supplement these core courses with chosen electives on more specific topics such as child psychology, adult development and aging, cross-cultural psychology, psychology of women, industrial/organizational psychology, pre-occupational therapy, stress adn resilience, 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.

Major Retention

The major consists of 45 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 to remain in the program, and for graduation.

Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements

All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under Academic Policies and Regulations . 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 General Education 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.

Learning Outcomes

The following goals are based the American Psychological Association’s current guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (created in 2006 and revised in 2013). Across educational contexts, Psychology majors are expected to develop scientific thinking skills, as well as values and skills that reflect the theoretical, scientific, and applied foundations of the discipline.   

Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science students will demonstrate: 
A thorough content knowledge of the field of psychology. 
Mastery of research methods, design, statistical analysis in psychology. 
Satisfactory ability to engage in analytical, integrative, and creative thinking.   
Awareness of ethical principles and values in psychology.

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 310 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 315 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 325 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 330 - Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3 *
PSY 335 - Cognitive Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 445 - Biological Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 320 - Statistics for Scientists Credit(s): 3
OR
MTH 125 - Biostatistics Credit(s): 3

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

Thesis Option
PSY 496 - Senior Research Seminar I Credit(s): 3 *
AND
PSY 497 - Senior Research Seminar II Credit(s): 3
Non-Thesis Option
PSY 301 - Careers in Psychology Credit(s): 3
AND
PSY 337 - Service Learning in the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3

Elective Courses (12 credits)

Psychology majors must also complete twelve credits of elective courses (at least six 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 250 - Cross-Cultural Psychology 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 303 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy Credit(s): 3
PSY 305 - Personality Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 323 - Adult Development and Aging Credit(s): 3
PSY 327 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology Credit(s): 3 *
PSY 337 - Service Learning in the Behavioral Sciences 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 494 - Special Topics Credit(s): 3
ECE 230 - Infant and Toddler Development Credit(s): 3
SWK 371 - Human Sexuality Credit(s): 3
^This course does not count as an elective for students pursuing a non-thesis capstone sequence
*Writing Intensive Course

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 303 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy Credit(s): 3
PSY 315 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 440 - Internship in Psychology Credit(s): 1-4
PSY 320 - Statistics for Scientists Credit(s): 3
OR
MTH 125 - Biostatistics Credit(s): 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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