Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes and is traditionally a popular field of study. By the very nature of the profession, psychology is a service vocation. This major fits well with Waldorf's mission of "instilling values of service, community, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning."
A bachelor's degree in psychology prepares students to be well-rounded, educated individuals as it reflects many of the goals of a liberal arts education by providing:
- A knowledge base
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical reasoning skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ethical values
The intent of the psychology program is to provide a comprehensive plan of study that will introduce students to many subfields of psychology and prepare them for careers in a number of human services careers as well as graduate and professional programs. Graduate degrees are required to pursue licensure as a psychologist, counselor, or social worker. Waldorf College psychology majors should be prepared to enter these degree programs upon graduation. Through graduate studies, students may choose to specialize in areas including clinical, experimental, developmental, social, cognitive, human factors, sports, industrial/organizational, health, and forensics.
Estimated time of completion of this program is 4 years for full-time students.
This program is available online only.
Available Concentrations
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Science
- Health Care Management
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Sport Management
B.A.S. Degree Requirements
- Completion of the B.A.S. core curriculum (30 Credits)
- Completion of the required courses in a major field (30 Credits)
- Completion of additional courses (including any supported courses required by the major in other departments) to a total of 120 credits depending on the major
- A grade of C or higher in all coursework in the major and, if applicable, in the concentration(s)
- 2.00 cumulative grade point average for work completed at Waldorf (Some majors may require a cumulative GPA higher than a 2.00)
- Minimum of 30 upper-division credit hours
Review the complete list of core requirements for this program.
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 30 | ||
| PSY | 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3140 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3150 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3350 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| PSY | 3450 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3460 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 4021 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 4501 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY | 4995 | Senior Capstone | 3 |
| REL | 4035 | Life, Meaning, and Vocation | 3 |
| Professional Electives* | 60 | ||
| PSY | 3019 | History and Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3100 | APA for Academic Writing | 1 |
| PSY | 3205 | Psychology of Gender | 3 |
| PSY | 3210 | Close Relationships | 3 |
| PSY | 3220 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3380 | Psychology of Adjustment | 3 |
| PSY | 3480 | Principles of Learning | 3 |
| PSY | 3490 | Industrial Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY | 3500 | Judgment and Decision Making | 3 |
| PSY | 4030 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| PSY | 4510 | Attitudes and Persuasion | 3 |
| PSY | 4515 | Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination | 3 |
| PSY | 4560 | Psychological Assessment | 3 |
| Grand Total: | 120 | ||
Students considering graduate school for Psychology are strongly advised to enroll in the B.A. program, rather than the B.A.S. program.
*Any Waldorf courses may be selected from the catalog and course schedule to be used as electives, provided that they are not used to satisfy other program requirements. The following are sample electives—it is recommended that 12 Psychology electives be taken from this list. A concentration is recommended, and the concentration options listed below may also be used toward elective credits.