Psychology
| Degrees: | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
| Major: | Psychology |
| Minors: | Psychology Sport and Exercise Psychology |
| Certificate: | Human Resources |
| Department: | Psychology Building 41, Room 251 (850) 474-2363 http://uwf.edu/psychology |
| College: | Usha Kundu, MD College of Health |
| CIP Code: | 42.0101 |
| Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120 | |
Psychology B.A.
The B.A. in Psychology enables students to study human behavior. An understanding of psychological processes entails understanding the multiple influences created by the biological characteristics of the organism, the effects of learning and experience, social and cultural dynamics, and developmental change. As a scientific discipline, the study of psychology requires competence in research methodology and critical thinking. Psychology is also an applied discipline, with applications in behavioral and physical health, business, education, and law, among others. Students completing a major in psychology will be prepared to pursue a wide range of careers at the bachelor's level or to pursue advanced training in psychology or other professional schools (such as medicine and law). Students will attain a high-quality liberal arts degree focused on knowledge in the discipline of psychology, integrity in the application of that knowledge, effective project management, and excellent critical thinking and communication skills.
Contact the Department of Psychology for information concerning the Human Resources certificate or the Focus on Human Development.
Program Requirements
In addition to the University's general requirements, students seeking the B.A. in Psychology must meet the requirements listed below.
Acceptance to the University does not constitute admission to the upper division BA Psychology Program. Students entering UWF or declaring a major in Psychology will automatically be placed in a pending status until they meet the requirements for admission.
· Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all previously attempted college work.
· Successfully completed the following courses within three (3) registered semesters of entering the pending program:
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2023 | Professional Development in Psychology | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| BSC 1005 | General Biology for Non-Majors | 3 |
| PSY elective 1000/2000 level | ||
A minimum grade of "C" is required for PSY 2012 General Psychology in order to declare a major in the program.
A minimum grade of "C" is required for PSY 3213 Research Methods in Psychological Science I, and for one course in each of the Social, Learning and Cognition, Biological, Developmental, Clinical and Workplace cognate areas. No more than 6 sh credits in informal courses (directed study, practicum, field work, co-op, etc.) may be applied to fulfill the upper level Psychology degree requirements.
Students should consult with their academic advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites.
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Students should take STA 2023 Elements of Statistics to partially fulfill the mathematics component of General Education.
General Education Curriculum:
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021 | Complete a course or exam |
| Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter | Complete both a course and exam |
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics * | 3 |
| Any 1000 or 2000 level Psychology course ** | 3 | |
| BSC 1005 | General Biology for Non-Majors * | 3 |
| * | Common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements |
| ** | CLP, DEP, EAB, EXP, INP, PCO, PPE, PSB, PSY, IDH, SOP courses |
Lower Division Electives (12-24sh)
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. Students should take STA 2023 Elements of Statistics if not completed as part of General Education. | ||
Upper Division Electives (18-21sh)
| Students must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all major requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater. | ||
Major Related **(0-3sh)
STA 2023 Elements of Statistics
**If not completed at the lower division
Major
| PSY 3213 | Research Methods in Psychological Science I + | 3 |
| PSY 2023 | Professional Development in Psychology (+) + | 3 |
| PSY 4930 | Capstone in Psychology: Special Topics (+) + | 3 |
| Social: | ||
| SOP 3004 | Social Psychology + | 3 |
| Learning and Cognition (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Psychology of Learning + | ||
| Memory and Cognition + | ||
| Biological (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Sensation and Perception + | ||
| Brain, Behavior, and Experience + | ||
| Developmental (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Child Development + | ||
| Psychology of Adolescence + | ||
| Adulthood and Aging + | ||
| Application of Psychology: Clinical/Counseling (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Abnormal Psychology + | ||
| Health Psychology + | ||
| Theories of Personality + | ||
| Psychobiology of Sexual Behavior + | ||
| Psychology of Assessment + | ||
| Applications of Psychology: Workplace (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Human Factors Psychology + | ||
| Industrial Psychology + | ||
| Organizational Behavior + | ||
| Psychology of Workforce Diversity + | ||
| 3000/4000 level Psychology Electives + * + | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
| * | CLP, CYP, DEP, EAB, EXP, INP, PCO, PPE, PSB, PSY, IDH, SOP courses + |
| + | Courses included in the major GPA |
Psychology B.S.
A bachelor’s degree in Psychology enables students to study human behavior. An understanding of psychological processes entails understanding the multiple influences created by the biological characteristics of the organism, the effects of learning and experience, social and cultural dynamics, and developmental change. As a scientific discipline, the study of psychology requires competence in research methodology and critical thinking. Psychology is also an applied discipline with applications in behavioral and physical health, business, education, medicine, and law, among others.
Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Psychology will be prepared to pursue a wide range of science- and research-related careers at the bachelor’s level or to pursue an advanced degree in a STEM related field. Students will attain a high-quality scientific degree focused on knowledge in the discipline of psychology, integrity in the application of that knowledge, effective project management, and excellent critical thinking and communication skills.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology can prepare students interested in pursuing a degree in the medical field. To assist in meeting all pre-med requirements, students should take the following coursework when completing General Education requirements:
| BSC 2010+L | Biology I (+Lab) | 4 |
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) | 4 |
| CHM 2210+L | Organic Chemistry I (+Lab) | 4 |
| PHY 2053+L | Algebra-Based Physics I (+Lab) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (prerequisites are MAC 1114 and MAC 1140) | 4 |
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology can prepare students interested in pursuing a degree in Law. There are no prerequisites for a law degree but the ABA recommends the following knowledge bases to assist in preparing for law school which can be gained in psychology coursework: Problem Solving, Critical Reading, Writing and Editing, Oral Communication and Listening, Research, Organization and Management, Public Service and Promotion of Justice, Relationship-building and Collaboration, Background Knowledge and Exposure to the Law. Recommended General Education courses: CCJ 2002 Survey of Crime and Justice and PLA 2013 Survey of American Law.
Admission Requirements
Acceptance to the University does not constitute admission to the upper-division BS Psychology Program. Students entering UWF or declaring a major in Psychology will automatically be placed in a pending status until they meet the following requirements for admission to the BS Psychology program:
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all previously attempted college work.
- Students must successfully complete the following courses within three (3) registered semesters of entering the pending program:
-
PSY 2012 General Psychology 3 PSY 2023 Professional Development in Psychology 3 STA 2023 Elements of Statistics 3 BSC 1005 General Biology for Non-Majors 3 PSY elective 1000/2000 level
A minimum grade of "C" is required for the Psychology core and all Major requirements. No more than 6 sh credits in informal courses (directed study, practicum, field work, co-op, etc) may be applied to fulfill the upper level Psychology degree electives.
Students should consult with their academic advisor for course which may satisfy the General Education requirements and common prerequisites.
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Students should take STA 2023 Elements of Statistics to partially fulfill the mathematics component of General Education.
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021 | Complete a course or exam |
| Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter | Complete both a course and exam |
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics * | 3 |
| Any 1000 or 2000 level Psychology course ** | 3 | |
| BSC 1005 | General Biology for Non-Majors * | 3 |
| * | Common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements |
| ** | CLP, DEP, EAB, EXP, INP, PCO, PPE, PSB, PSY, IDH, SOP courses |
Lower Division Electives (4-24 sh)
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. Students should take STA 2023 Elements of Statistics if not completed as part of General Education.
Upper Division Electives (0-18 sh)
Students must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all major requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
Major Related ** (0-3 sh)
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics ** | 3 |
| ** | If not completed at the lower division |
Major
Disciplinary Foundations (12 hours)
| PSY 2023 | Professional Development in Psychology (+) + | 3 |
| PSY 3213 | Research Methods in Psychological Science I (+) + | 3 |
| PSY 3215 | Research Methods in Psychological Science II (+) + | 3 |
| PSY 4930 | Capstone in Psychology: Special Topics (+) + | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Major Requirements (21 hours)
| Biological Processes (one of the following) | 3 | |
| Brain, Behavior, and Experience (+) + | ||
| Sensation and Perception (+) + | ||
| Cognition and Learning | 6 | |
| Psychology of Learning (+) + | ||
| Memory and Cognition (+) + | ||
| Developmental Processes (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Child Development (+) + | ||
| Psychology of Adolescence (+) + | ||
| Adulthood and Aging (+) + | ||
| Interpersonal Processes (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Social Psychology (+) + | ||
| Health and Wellness (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Abnormal Psychology (+) + | ||
| Health Psychology (+) + | ||
| Professional Preparation (one of the following): | 3 | |
| Industrial Psychology (+) + | ||
| Organizational Behavior (+) + | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Upper-Level Electives (9 hours)
| 3000/4000 level Electives | 9 | |
Any 3000/4000 or Directed Study Psychology Course * + + | ||
Total Hours 42
| * | CLP, DEP, EAB, EXP, INP, PCO, PPE, PSB, PSY, IDH, SOP courses. |
| + | Courses included in the major GPA. |
Psychology
The Minor in Psychology consists of the following courses or their equivalent. No directed studies, service learning, or internship courses may be taken to fulfill the requirements for the minor. A minimum of 9 sh must be completed at UWF. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in all courses used to satisfy the minor. Psychology majors may not earn this minor.
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| 2000 level Psychology Elective | 3 | |
| 3000/4000 level Psychology Electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Sport and Exercise Psychology
The 18 semester hour Minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology is offered by the Department of Psychology in affiliation with the Department of Movement Sciences and Health. The minor is primarily designed for those students interested in the psychological aspects of sport and other exercise activities. This minor provides an opportunity for coursework centered on health and exercise (e.g., health, nutrition and physical fitness) and psychology (e.g., sport and exercise psychology) with the option of taking relevant electives from both fields. This minor is available to all students. No directed study may be taken to fulfill the requirements for the minor.
Required:
| PSY 2012 | General Psychology | 3 |
| APK 2000 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| SPM 4012 | Sociology of Sport | 3 |
| PSY 4832 | Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| PET 4765 | Theory and Practice of Coaching | 3 |
| Pick one elective course (3 ch): | 3 | |
| Success in Sports | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Health Aspects of Stress Management | ||
| Changing Health Behaviors | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Human Resources Certificate
Department: Psychology
Method of Instruction: Classroom
Semester Hours: 15
The Human Resources Certificate is designed for undergraduates who wish to complete a module of psychology courses related to the management of human resources. This certificate can be earned by those majoring or minoring in psychology, those majoring in other fields such as management, and those who are enrolled as special students with or without a bachelor’s degree.
| INP 3004 | Industrial Psychology | 3 |
| INP 3313 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| INP 4224 | Psychology of Workforce Diversity | 3 |
| SOP 3004 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| Three additional hours which may include: | 3 | |
Any upper-level undergraduate elective approved by I/O faculty | ||
Directed Individual Study or Service Learning (an applied experience in human resources) * | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |