Degrees

Admission

Requirements for Major

Optional Program Emphases

Human Service Degree Completion Program

Requirements for Minor

Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR)

Interdisciplinary Studies

Master in Applied Psychology (MAP) Graduate Program

MAP Prerequisites

MAP Curriculum

Certificate Programs

Additional Educational Offerings

Psychology Courses

Psychology

Education-Psychology 246
541-552-6206
Josie A. Wilson, Chair

The Department of Psychology program prepares students to:

1. Achieve a broad understanding and appreciation of human behavior, which serves as the foundation for a liberal arts education;
   
2. Prepare for paraprofessional work in applied behavioral sciences and social service fields; and
   
3. Prepare for graduate and professional study in psychology or related fields.
   

Nine goals are identified as desired outcomes of completing the psychology major. Students will acquire:

1. A knowledge base
   
2. Critical thinking skills
   
3. Writing and speaking skills
   
4. Information-gathering and synthesis skills
   
5. Research methods and statistical skills
   
6. Interpersonal skills
   
7. Ethics and values clarification
   
8. Culture and diversity sensitivity
   
9. Application skills
   

Degrees

Minor

Psychology

Admission

1. Certain psychology courses (Psy 498, 499) are designated for majors only. Only individuals who have formally advanced to the standing of psychology major are allowed to register for these courses.
   
2. Students who have not advanced to the standing of psychology major but who intend to be majors must register with the department and be assigned an advisor. Such students are designated pre-psych majors. For more details, contact the department or write to the department chair at the Department of Psychology, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, Oregon 97520.
   
3. Immediately after deciding to transfer to Southern Oregon University, transfer students who are juniors or seniors should contact the Psychology Department about obtaining an advisor and fulfilling requirements for advancement to the psychology major.
   
4. Requirements for advancement to psychology major standing: Cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5; University Colloquium or Wr 121, 122; Bi 101 and 102 or 103; Mth 243; and psychology courses as listed under section 2a of the Requirements for Major section (see below). Students may be enrolled in no more than 11 credits of the required courses for advancement during the term in which they apply for advancement to the major. Failure to complete the courses with a minimum grade of C- will result in cancellation of psychology major standing
   
5. Exceptions to these criteria may be presented to the department chair for consideration.
   

Requirements for Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
   
2. A minimum of 53 credits in psychology, at least 32 credits of which must be upper division, is required for the baccalaureate degree, including:
   
1. Courses required for advancement to the psychology major (17 credits): Psy 201, 202, 211, and 228, 229.
   
2. Core curriculum (16 credits): Psy 334 or 370; Psy 341, 351, and 498, 499. Psy 334 must be taken from the Psychology Department.
   
3. Psychology electives (20 credits, of which 16 must be upper division). Different courses in the same content area may not be used to fulfill both core and elective areas.
   
3. Upper division elective coursework is selected with advisor approval.
   
4. A minimum grade of C- for each psychology course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all psychology courses are required for a BA or BS in psychology or human services.
   
5. Wr 121, 122 or the University Colloquium and Psy 201, 202 are prerequisites to all upper division courses, unless otherwise noted and specifically waived by the instructor.
   
6. Writing and research competency will be achieved as components in Psy 201, 202, 228, 229, and one approved research proposal in specified upper division courses.
   

Note: A maximum of 6 credits from human service and practicum courses (Psy 209, 309, 409, and 416) may be counted toward the 53 credits needed for a psychology degree.

A minimum of 180 credits is required to graduate from SOU. Factors such as the number of hours and types of courses transferred to SOU may affect the total number of credits accrued in satisfying all requirements for graduation with a psychology major.

Optional Program Emphases

There are several program emphases for psychology majors, depending on particular career plans (e.g., paraprofessional programs and pregraduate school programs, including experimental, clinical or counseling, child psychology, and organizational psychology). See your advisor for suggested coursework in these program emphases.

Human Service Degree Completion Program

In collaboration with the School of Social Science, the Department of Psychology offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program focusing on the needs of human service professionals. Classes are conveniently scheduled at nights and on weekends in Ashland and Medford to accommodate the schedules of working students. The program is for students who: (1) have completed an associate of arts degree or approximately two years of college; (2) want to better understand their community and social environment; (3) desire to improve their career opportunities and reach educational goals; and (4) wish to enhance specific human relations skills and strengthen their ability to work effectively in social services.

SOU’s small class sizes and friendly learning environment foster close ties among students, faculty, and the community. The length of the degree completion program varies with each individual, depending on prior coursework and employment status.

Requirements

The following courses are required for the human service major:

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
   
2. Wr 121, 122 or the University Colloquium and Psy 201, 202, Soc 204, and a Lifespan Development course are prerequisites to all upper division core curriculum courses. Mth 243 is an additional prerequisite for Psy 429.
   
3. A minimum of 46 core curriculum credits from Psychology and Sociology:
   
1. Psychology (30 credits): Psy 409 (6 credits), 429, 438, 443, 471, 475, and 497.
   
2. Sociology (16 credits): Select four courses from Soc 304, 310, 312, 334, 444, and Anth 310.
   
4. Select upper division electives (14 credits) with advisor consent.
   
5. A GPA of 2.5 in all human service program courses is required for a BA or BS in social science.
   
6. Meet writing and research competency through components in Psy 429.
   

Requirements for Minor

A minimum of 24 credits in psychology is required for a minor. These 24 credits must include Psy 201, 202; 16 approved credits, only 4 of which may be Special Studies/Practicum or teaching assistant credits; and at least 12 credits at the upper division level. Special Studies/Practicum courses (Psy 199, 209, 309, 399, and 409) applied toward the psychology minor must be taught by a full-time member of the Psychology Department unless otherwise approved by the department. Credit toward a minor is only given for courses passed with a grade of C- or better.

Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR)

The Certificate in Management of Human Resources is collaboratively offered by the School of Business, the Psychology Department, and the Communication Department. The program is open to current upper division undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students, as well as professional development individuals with significant managerial experience. To be awarded the Certificate in Management of Human Resources, students must meet the 36-credit course requirements, which are listed in the Certificates section on page 158.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The objective of the interdisciplinary studies major with an emphasis in psychology or a related behavioral science is to prepare students for occupations requiring behavioral science backgrounds (e.g., welfare caseworker, probation/parole worker, psychometric aide, and research aide). The degree granted is a BA or BS in social science.

This program permits a broad major in the social sciences with a concentration in psychology for those whose educational goals are not met by any of the other psychology programs. The general requirements for this degree are found under Area Degrees Programs on page 162. The specific requirements for social science majors with a concentration in psychology should reflect the needs of the individual student and must be planned with advisors in the Psychology Department. Application to the Psychology Department is required after the following prerequisites have been met: all required courses and one approved research proposal in upper division psychology courses; Bi 101 and 102 or 103; Psy 201, 202; and Psy 228, 229. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The required psychology capstone courses (Psy 498, 499) may not be taken until the student has: (1) been formally approved for an interdisciplinary studies major with a psychology emphasis, and (2) registered with the Psychology Department and been assigned an advisor.

Master in Applied Psychology (MAP) Graduate Program

Prospective students should address inquiries to the Psychology Department office coordinator or the Master in Applied Psychology (MAP) graduate coordinator.

The principle objective of the MAP is to provide professional training in the application of psychological principles and methodologies to increase the quality of function and service in public and private agencies, organizations, and communities. Each of the three tracks (Organizational Training and Development, Human Service, and Mental Health Counseling) is based on a common, integrated core of courses. The central goal of this core is to train master’s level practitioners to be grounded in professional ethics and values, well-versed in the empirical nature of their professions, and sensitive to and supportive of the increasing multicultural diversity of their communities.

Organizational Training and Development (OTD). Prepares students for professional positions as trainers of individuals and groups. Students learn how to facilitate group process in a variety of settings, foster team-building, and assist with organizational development. Coursework includes development and evaluation of training programs and the use of various media technologies to enhance training. The OTD track is a member of the Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology (CAMPP).

Human Services (HS). Enhances the knowledge base and competence of providers and administrators of regional social service agencies. Managerial skills and public policy analysis, as well as program development, implementation, and analysis, are central to this program. These skills are in increasing demand at both public and private agencies. The Human Services curriculum is designed to intersect with the SOU Human Service Degree Completion Program. It also conforms to broad educational objectives in human services, as outlined by the National Organization for Human Service Education (NOHSE).

Mental Health Counseling (MHC). Prepares professional counselors who are capable of providing extensive mental health services within public and private agencies, as well as in private practice. The curriculum is designed to meet national counseling standards so graduates will gain mobility in responding to changing employment needs throughout the U.S. Only the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) can determine such accreditation status. The MHC Program is currently initiating this process, and since the track started in 2000, it has not yet had the opportunity to pass the formal accreditation process of CACREP. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists has indicated that the curriculum meets the educational requirements for application for licensure as a licensed professional counselor.

The track has also been designed to meet the majority of the educational requirements for application for licensure as a marriage and family therapist in California.

Admission Process

The deadline for applications for the next academic year is February 15. However, the OTD and HS tracks accept applications at other times on a space-available basis. Students are required to submit two separate applications:

1. an SOU application for admission using the policies described on page 173, along with a $50 application fee; and
   
2. a Master in Applied Psychology application, which may be acquired by contacting MAP Graduate Coordinator Lori Courtney at 541-552-6947 or map@sou.edu. These applications are also available online at www.sou.edu/psych/graduate.htm.
   

MAP Prerequisites

Prior to beginning their graduate program, all MAP students are required to complete the following undergraduate psychology requirements:

All Tracks

MHC and OTD Tracks

MHC Track

OTD Track

OTD and HS Tracks

HS Track

MAP Curriculum

Core Required Courses for the Master in Applied Psychology

All Tracks

The common core of the MAP includes coursework in ethics (Psy 581 or 582), research (Psy 542), and multicultural diversity (Psy 586 or 587). The specific option is prescribed by the track in which the student is enrolled. Each track requires the following coursework, taken in the sequences listed.

Organizational Training and Development*

(69 credits)

Human Services

(62 credits)

Mental Health Counseling

(90 credits)

Certificate Programs

The department offers two certificate programs at the graduate level: the Child/Family Specialization and the Adult/Elder Specialization. These programs are intended for professionals who wish to increase their knowledge of research, theory, and clinical issues in working with either children and families or adults and elders. Courses are taken with students who are currently enrolled in the MHC track of the MAP program. Enrollees are expected to have met the undergraduate prerequisites for graduate courses in the certificate. Enrollees pay the same tuition as for any graduate course at SOU. Below are the courses offered in these areas:

Child/Family Specialization

Psy 543, 563, 569, 576, and 577

Adult/Elder Specialization

Psy 566, 567, 569, 578, and elective

Prospective enrollees in the certificate programs should address inquiries to the Psychology Department office coordinator or the MAP graduate coordinator.

Students develop a program of study in consultation with the Department of Psychology graduate studies coordinator and a major advisor from the department. The course content must conform to the social science requirements of the Psychology and Graduate Studies Departments (see the Graduate Studies section on page 173).

Additional Educational Offerings

Within the major and minor degree curricula, the Psychology Department presents or conducts a variety of additional practica, field studies, seminars, and research activities.

Human Services, Field Practicum, and Internship Programs

The human services, field practicum, and internship programs provide a sequence of progressively intensive experiences in human service agencies on campus or in the community. Students in these programs are exposed to a wide range of human service activities and acquire experience as human service providers. Students have been placed in the following organizations: Community Works; Mental Health Services; Welfare Department, Children’s Services; Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Veterans Domiciliary; preschools; Headstart; elementary and secondary school counseling programs; special education programs for the mentally disabled, emotionally disturbed, and physically disabled; private residential treatment centers; SOU’s Counseling Services; the Women’s Resource Center; juvenile justice programs; and public health programs.

Students interested in field experience programs must carefully plan with their advisor well in advance of any placement in such programs. Instructor consent and formal admission are required in all field service programs. Interested students should consult an advisor at their earliest convenience.

A maximum of 15 credits for field experience courses in psychology may be applied toward the bachelor’s degree. These credits may be selected from any combination of Psy 209, 309, and 409. Only 6 credits from these courses may be counted toward the minimum 53 psychology credits necessary for a psychology degree.

Research and Community Service

Students are encouraged to become involved in research and community activities. In addition to formal research courses, there are opportunities for involvement in the private research activities of various faculty members. Past projects have focused on such topics as competency examination development for professional groups, surveys of transportation facilities for the elderly and disabled, design and development of residential treatment facilities for the emotionally disturbed, creation of preschool education and Headstart projects, needs assessment surveys, and program evaluation research in a variety of areas.

Students should consult their advisors and faculty members to determine which research projects are currently ongoing or in the planning stages. Students are encouraged to initiate contact with faculty members for assistance with research activities, development of research proposals, and presentations of research findings at local and regional professional meetings.

Psi Chi

Qualified students may become members of the local chapter of Psi Chi, a national honorary society in psychology. The purposes of Psi Chi are to encourage, stimulate, and maintain the scholarship excellence of individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. To achieve these goals, Psi Chi offers a wide range of local, regional, and national programs.

Psychology Courses

Lower Division Courses

Upper Division Courses

Note: University Colloquium or Wr 121, 122 and Psy 201, 202 are prerequisites for all upper division psychology courses, unless otherwise noted. Additional prerequisites are listed at the end of individual course descriptions.

Graduate Courses

Note: All 500-level graduate-only courses require instructor consent or current enrollment in MAP.