Psychology

Marsha Weinraub, Chair
658 Weiss Hall
215-204-7360
mweinrau@temple.edu

Peggy de Wolf, Associate Chair
606 Weiss Hall
215-204-3409
peggy.dewolf@temple.edu

Psychology identifies several learning goals for each level of instruction in the program. At the introductory level (generally 1000-level courses, including 1061, 1071 and 1167), goals include familiarity with the discipline as it is grounded in both the social and the natural sciences, as well as familiarity with basic descriptive statistical applications. At the Foundation level (generally 2000-level courses), there are two sets of goals. One set is directed toward the further development of critical thinking. This is achieved through two courses, 2168 (Inferential Methods in Psychology) and 2196 (Scientific Thinking in Psychology), which prepare students dispassionately to examine conflicting claims, to analyze data, to organize research papers, and generally to become more proficient with the scientific process. The second set of goals includes familiarity with a spectrum of content areas in the discipline, which are broadly organized in two groups: Developmental/Clinical/Social (DCS) and Bio-Behavioral Cognitive (BBC). Students are required to choose at least one course from each of these two general areas, and this ensures familiarity with a scope of information across two content areas. At the Advanced level (generally 3000-level courses), students are required to select three courses, either continuing with a broad selection or choosing to delve into greater depth in one area, such as clinical psychology. Finally, at the 4000 level, Capstone is the only course offered. This 4-credit writing-intensive course is designed to help students integrate their knowledge base, to develop further the critical and writing skills they have developed, and generally to synthesize their knowledge of the discipline.

Elective Psychology Courses At Any Level

Each term, the Psychology Department will offer a few courses that are not listed under the regular required curriculum. These courses will be open to both the Psychology major and the non-major and usually will have the prerequisite of only Psychology 1061.  Psychology majors taking these courses will receive elective CLA credit, which will contribute to the CLA upper-level course requirement.

Psychology 3791, 3891, 4791, and 4891 collaborative Research

One or two terms of Psychology 3791 - 3891 may be taken as elective psychology credit and helps fulfill the CLA upper-level course requirement.  Your student advisor has information on the research interests of the faculty.  You must contact the faculty member with whom you plan to work and receive their approval prior to registration.  Working with a faculty member on a research project can be a very valuable experience, and this course is an important one to have on your record when making application to graduate school.  The maximum credit permissible for 3791 - 4891 is 16 s.h.; a maximum of 4 credits each in 3791, 3891, 4791 and 4891.

Psychology 3785 - 3787 Internship

Designed for those who want to experience psychology in the workplace, the internship allows students to apply theory to real-life situations, build an employment record, and complement future applications for graduate work in psychology or social work.  Work placements are available in a number of different applications in psychology, including, but not limited to: organizational, applied behavior analysis; education; clinical and counseling psychology; opportunities to work with autistic children, probation officers; and a variety of other placements.  Each setting offers students a range of employment options that link classroom learning with practical experience.  Students graduating from the program will have on-the-job experience as well as recommendations and job performance evaluations so that they can move easily from their undergraduate studies into psychology-related job opportunities or into graduate schools with an applied focus. Contact Peggy de Wolf for information about our internships, 215-204-3409 or peggy.dewolf@temple.edu.

Requirements for the Major

41 Credit Hours in Psychology.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed below and are identified by "WI" in the RCI column.

Introductory Courses Required:

Psychology Science Requirement:

Methods Courses Required:

Foundation Courses (2000 Level):

Three courses required – at least one each from the BBC Area (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2501, 2502) and one from the DCS Area (2201, 2301, 2401, 2402). The third foundation course can be in either area. Foundation courses are prerequisites for the advanced (3000-level) areas.

Advanced Courses (3000-3620):

Choose three from any of the advanced courses (3000-3620) for which you have completed the prerequisite foundation course.  These courses cover specialty areas within particular fields of psychology.

Psychology Elective: one additional course at the Foundation Level or the Advanced Level.

Capstone Courses - One 4000-level course required:

(Seniors only - minimum of 90 credits completed and completion of both Method Level Courses)

Individual Study Courses:

(Permission of the instructor required.)

Distinction in Major

Completion of the Psychology Honors program.

The Psychology Honors Program:

Honors students take honors courses from the Psychology 3991–4996 sequence in the Junior and Senior years.  Independent study is guided by a faculty sponsor whose research interests coincide with the student's, and seminars deal with topics in research design as well as the substantive issues arising out of the student's research.  Grade requirement is a 3.5 GPA across all courses.  Contact Dr. K. Hirsh-Pasek, e-mail: khirshpa@temple.edu.

The Undergraduate Psychology Majors' Association

The Psychology Majors' Association is an organization intended to serve as an information base concerning faculty, classes, etc., a gathering/meeting place, and a social support network of students with diverse background/interests within the Psychology field.  We are located at 605 Weiss Hall and welcome the suggestion and input of all members.

PSI CHI - The National Honor Society in Psychology

The minimum requirements for membership in PSI CHI are a 3.20 cumulative GPA and a 3.50 GPA in Psychology courses.  Applications are available in the PSI CHI office, Room 605, Weiss Hall.

Student Advisor/Ombudsperson

When a grievance such as a grade dispute or personality conflict arises between an instructor and student, the student ombudsperson acts as a liaison or mediator in an attempt to resolve the problem.

The student ombudsperson for the Department of Psychology is located in 607 Weiss Hall, 215-204-1576.  The student advisor can also give fellow students helpful information in their major as seen through the eyes of a student.  The student advisor can provide any information concerning major requirements, core curriculum, graduate school, and academic procedures.

Phi Beta Kappa

See Supplemental Educational Opportunities: Academic Opportunities: Honor Societies.

Minor in Psychology

The Minor in Psychology introduces the student to a representative array of Psychology courses, prepares the student for the minimal course requirements for acceptance to most Psychology graduate schools, and results in formal university recognition on the student's official transcript. 

Cognitive Neuroscience Minor

Students in the College of Liberal Arts (including Psychology majors) as well as students in other colleges, schools, and departments may choose to minor in Cognitive Neuroscience. No more than two courses can be double-counted for the Psychology major and the Cognitive Neuroscience minor. Cognitive neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field with a focus on a fundamental mystery of science: how the mind arises from the brain.  A minor in Cognitive Neuroscience will strengthen the academic record of students who plan to apply for graduate programs.  For example, in Psychology this minor will strengthen applicants' records for specializations such as Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Neuropsychology, Cognitive Psychology, or Psychophysiology.  Students might also go into General Neuroscience or Cognitive Science.  Pre-med students with a Cognitive Neuroscience minor would present distinctive profiles to medical school admissions offices.