School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Department of Behavioral Sciences

Psychology - General

Bachelor of Arts degree

Why choose a Bachelor degree in Psychology - General option

An education in psychology will provide you with sound, scientific knowledge about the behavior and mental activities of humans as individuals and in groups. At the most fundamental level, the study of psychology may simply help you understand yourself and others. This knowledge will provide insights that will enhance any activity or career in which the ability to relate to and understand others is critical. If, after graduation, you are interested in a career as a professional psychologist, the balance struck between classroom based learning and field experiences (where you learn practical real-world skills) will enhance the prospect of continuing your education at professional schools and university graduate programs.

Our interdisciplinary approach provides you with the background for understanding both the theory and application of psychology in a number of different areas: psychological disorders, social behavior, neuroscience, organizational behavior, early childhood development, gerontology, research and statistical analysis - to name a few. A flexible schedule of courses is offered so that you can pursue your educational goals while attending to a job or other responsibilities. You can choose courses to meet your individual interests or career goals.

Career options with a Bachelor degree in Psychology - General option

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology you might, as have many of our graduates seek immediate employment at the entry level in such settings as: child-care facilities, mental health clinics, social welfare services, government agencies, as well as business and industry. An advanced assortment of professional opportunities is available when you use your bachelor's degree as a ticket to graduate studies leading to the master's and doctoral degrees in psychology. As a professional psychologist you might engage in basic research at a college or university and investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. You might also choose to practice in an applied area as a clinical, school, or industrial-organizational psychologist. Whatever career option you choose, you will find that your degree in psychology from the Department of Behavioral Sciences to be an invaluable first step.

Graduation Requirements

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a new graduation requirement for students who will be starting Purdue University Calumet in Fall 2008. This is a new approach to teaching; students go beyond theory based learning and explore ways to gain practical knowledge within their program of study. Students will enroll in two experiential learning courses while completing their degree. Experiential learning is offered through undergraduate research, internships, service learning, cooperative education, cultural immersion/study aboard, design project or practicum. Your academic advisor will assist you in selecting an experience that is right for you.

General Admissions Information

Admission to Purdue University Calumet is based on demonstrated academic quality rank factors, which includes a high school diploma or GED, meeting subject matter requirements, grade average in degree-related subjects, as well as overall grade average, trends in achievement, class rank, SAT or ACT test scores and the strength of the college preparatory program.

• Beginning Students — Need to submit an official high school transcript or GED scores and SAT/ACT scores (writing component is required). For applicants who have graduated from high school one year or more, the appropriate placement test results from the university's Skills Assessment and Development Center will substitute for SAT or ACT scores.
• Transfer Students — Need to submit an official high school transcript or GED scores, Transfer Credit Documentation Sheet - official college/university transcripts from each institution attended (if selected for evaluation) and $30.00 Transfer Evaluation Fee (if applicable). Applicants with fewer than 15 semester credits earned must submit SAT/ACT scores or PUC placement test results

For information about admissions requirements, including International, Re-Entry, Inter-Campus Transfer, Re-Classification and Non-Degree Seeking please visit the Office of Admissions web site.