Knowledge & Skills Gained

Applying What You Learn

We believe in increasing your awareness of the knowledge and skills that you're developing so you can capitalize on your strengths in graduate school, your career, and in life.

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In his message to the students in the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean Boocker explains the importance of "making knowledge matter."  We believe that means helping you develop useful skills that have real-world applications along with the sense of fulfillment and enrichment that studying Psychology can provide.  

Knowledge & Skills Gained as a Psychology Major

Knowledge: 

  • An understanding of physiological, emotional, cognitive, and social determinants of behavior
  • Basic understanding of the various disciplines in psychology as well as major theories and history of psychology
  • Familiarity and experience with psychological research methods, including data collection and analysis
  • Knowledge of research ethics
  • Specific knowledge and abilities related to your concentration (e.g., Cognitive, Neuroscience, Developmental, etc.)

Skills:

  • Communication skills -  Students can write and speak about issues in detail, as well as concisely write within pre-set formats required for writing practical research reports.
  • Problem-Solving -  Students learn to apply strategies and approaches for understanding problems as well as learn to identify  practical steps for implementing solutions.
  • Critical Evaluation -  Students learn to assess whether evidence for a phenomenon is accurate or not and how to identify the shortcomings and pitfalls of a particular line of action.