Psychology

Judy Matthews, Ph.D., Division Chair

Ronald Browne, Ph.D.

Lisa Caswell, Psy.D.

Laurie G. Dodge, Ph.D.

Marnie Elam, Ph.D.

Joselita Faustino, Psy.D.

G. Evelyn LeSure-Lester, Ph.D.

Mary E. Mallory, Ph.D.

Michael J. McGuire, Ph.D.

Kathleen Ringenbach, Ph.D.

Richard Sinacola, Ph.D.

Angela Wade, Psy.D.

The mission of the department of psychology is to help students acquire a broad-based knowledge in the field of psychology in its historical and cultural contexts, both as an empirical science of human behavior and as a foundation for a professional career in human services.

Bachelor of Arts

Chapman University College offers an undergraduate program in psychology. The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, methods of inquiry, research methodology, psychology processes, and the application of psychological principles to diverse areas of human behavior. Students are encouraged to complete elective courses that provide a strong theoretical background and the application of psychology in a field that best suits students' professional goals. Students are encouraged to participate in practical fieldwork experience and elective independent research projects. Each student's major is individually designed around a core of lower- and upper-division courses covering history and theories, critical thinking, statistics, research, physiological psychology, and the capstone Senior Thesis courses. Overall, the psychology undergraduate curriculum is designed for students who want to prepare for graduate study in psychology or related disciplines, for graduate study in fields where knowledge of human behavior would be beneficial, for professional careers in psychology or for baccalaureate-level careers in human services or in psychological support settings.

The core foundation curriculum in psychology provides the student with the essentials of psychological science and thought. Culminating with the senior thesis, the core curriculum produces an integration of the student's goals and objectives with psychology's present and future. In addition to the core foundation curriculum, students pursue a curriculum of electives in psychology chosen in consultation with their psychology academic advisor. Students pursuing the psychology degree must receive at least a "C" grade in all courses used to satisfy the degree requirement. Moreover, psychology major courses taken while attending Chapman cannot be satisfied with a "Pass" grade under a pass/no pass grading system. Courses in the major will not be accepted for credit by examination with the exception of PSYU 101, provided it was completed prior to taking any other psychology course.

Departmental Honors

Students who are majoring in psychology are eligible for departmental honors if they meet the following criteria:

1. Chapman University GPA of 3.70 or higher
2. Psychology Major GPA of 3.80 or higher
3. Receive an A in PSYU 499 (3 credits)

Minor in Psychology requirements

There are two tracks for a psychology minor. The general track is designed to enhance knowledge of a psychological process and/or area within the discipline. The applied track is designed to provide exposure to the essential skills and procedures underlying the use of psychological processes and procedures. Students seeking a psychology minor should discuss the selection of track and courses with a psychology division advisor.