Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Trauma Studies

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 42-course, 126-credit degree. This program is designed to offer small classes and balanced coursework. The curriculum provides a broad back- ground in the liberal arts and sciences, research skills, and the understanding of human behavior. Within the Psychology program, students will study how human behavior changes from infancy through old age. Students will learn how to critically evaluate research often reported in the popular media. Students will also be introduced to research techniques such as survey construction and systematic observation, which they will find useful in the workplace. Specific areas of human behavior such as behavior disorders, counseling techniques, and forensic psychology are examined through a choice of psychology electives.

Concentration in Trauma Studies

The Trauma Studies Concentration is a 6 course, 18 credit concentration that focuses on issues relevant to individuals working in educational, clinic or social work settings that serve individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma is unique in that it can be ameliorated or encouraged by social pol- icy, and institutions, as well as individuals. This concentration will give students writing, research and foundational skills in Trauma Studies that they will need to work with veterans, domestic violence victims, refugees, and schools or other work settings that have experienced traumatic events.

This interdisciplinary concentration will focus on the student’s ability to assess risk and engage in critical thinking about trauma and its impact on individuals and society. The coursework will draw from the fields of Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice and Politics.

The Concentration in Trauma Studies will be open to all students enrolled in our BA Program in Interdisciplinary Studies and our BS Programs in Psychology, Business Management and Criminal Justice. These concentration courses will replace corresponding open elective credit requirements.

Please note: Completion of the courses and program does NOT lead to any type of licensure or certification.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 125

General Education Requirements - 24 Credits

World Cultures Course (3 Cr.)
Aesthetic Awareness & Creative Expression Course (3 Cr.)
Literary Perspectives Course (3 Cr.)

Individual & Society (3 Cr.)

Quantitative Reasoning (3 Cr.)
Values & Ethical Reasoning Course (3 Cr.)
Science & Technology Courses (3 Cr.)
Global Issues Course (3 Cr.)
General Education Electives (Two must be above 100 level) (12 Cr.)

First Year Adult Learning Experience (7 Credits)

EC 201 - Experience, Competency and Belonging (Cr: 3)
EC 355 - Career Transitions (Cr: 4)

Writing Designated Courses (6 Credits)

ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)

Upper Level Core Electives (6 Credits)

Must be 300 level or higher.

Psychology Major Requirements (18 Credits)

Psychology Major Electives (Must be 300 level or higher) (6 Cr.)

PSY 100 - General Psychology (Cr: 3)
PSY 110 - Lifespan Development (Cr: 3)
PSY 207 - Social Psychology (Cr: 3)
PSY 212 - Psychopathology and Clinical Science (Cr: 3)
PSY 322 - Biological Psychology (Cr: 3)
PSY 345 - Cognitive Psychology (Cr: 3)

Final Research Project (9 Credits)

PSY 235 - Statistical Methods in the Social Sciences (Cr: 3)
Or
PSY 236 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
PSY 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)
PSY 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)

Open Electives (16 Credits)

Trauma Studies Concentration Required Courses - 18 Credits

Trama Studies Elective* - 3 cr.

HMS 310 - Crisis Intervention (Cr: 3)
PSY 225 - Psychology of Trauma (Cr: 3)
PSY 326 - Developmental Trauma (Cr: 3)
PSY 335 - Theories of Counseling (Cr: 3)
SOC 201 - Trauma & Society (Cr: 3)

*Trauma Studies Electives

CJ 241 - Victimology (Cr: 3)
CJ 341 - Domestic Violence (Cr: 3)
HMS 309 - Contemporary Issues in PTSD Treatment (Cr: 3)
HMS 327 - The Victimization of Children (Cr: 3)
HMS 357 - Workplace and School Violence (Cr: 3)
HMS 440 - Understanding and Treating Sexual Trauma: Theory, Research and Practice (Cr: 3)
POL 216 - International Conflicts (Cr: 3)
POL 430 - Human Rights (Cr: 3)
CJ 317 - Criminal Profiling (Cr: 3)
PSY 435 - Group Therapy: Theory and Practice (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in academic discourse within the psychology discipline.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Communicate effectively within the conventions of the discipline.
Design, execute and present a personal project, which synthesizes and applies selected knowledge, skills, and experiences appropriate to the student’s personal and professional goals and/or their chosen area of specialization.

In addition to fulfilling the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, students completing the concentration in Trauma Studies will:

Comprehend how trauma is an individual, political and cultural issue
Assess individual and organizational risk by engaging in critical thinking regarding the impact of trauma on individuals and society
Prepare students to understand the populations that have experienced trauma and to develop programs that better service populations who have experienced trauma
Identify and describe research issues relevant to policy and educational issues that prevent trauma
Demonstrate the critical thinking, writing, and research skills that are necessary to participate in the trauma studies field