Guilford College

Eva K. Lawrence, Associate Professor, Chair
Richard L. Zweigenhaft, Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology
Kathrynn A. Adams, Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology
Karen Hayes, Associate Professor
Karen M. Tinsley, Associate Professor
Sarah Estow, Assistant Professor
Christopher Henry, Assistant Professor
Julie Jacks, Visiting Assistant Professor

Psychology students at Guilford are challenged to recognize the role of multiple causation in the determination of human behavior.  Why do people do what they do? How do personality, culture, biology and ethnicity affect perceptions and behavior?

The Psychology curriculum provides opportunities for students to investigate current methods and theories in personality, social interaction, learning, motivation, perception and human development.

Students are encouraged to appreciate different approaches and points of view and to understand how clinical and laboratory methods supplement each other.

A student majoring in Psychology can expect to develop rigorous habits of observation with reference to psychological phenomena; to develop statistical knowledge; and to grasp the often complex interplay of theory, observation, research and analysis.

Our recent graduates have obtained positions in mental health, education, research, and administration. Some continue on in graduate school in psychology or social work, and others have taken a completely different route such as environmental studies, writing, or politics. The program fosters critical thinking and writing skills that are valuable to a wide variety of graduate programs and careers. Our students gain insight into how people think and behave as well as an appreciation for individual and cultural differences. The knowledge and skills they acquire will serve them well both personally and professionally.

Degrees Offered

The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in Psychology.

Major Requirements

The major requires a minimum of 32 credit hours (eight courses).

• PSY 100 General Psychology – 4 credits
• PSY 301 Research Methods and Analysis (will not be accepted as transfer credit and may not be taken at a consortium school) – 4 credits
• PSY 445 History and Contemporary Issues (will not be accepted as transfer credit and may not be taken at a consortium school) – 4 credits
• At least two PSY courses at any level (except PSY 303) to meet the 32 credit requirement. JPS 270, PHIL 377, and SPST 340 can count toward this requirement – 8 credits
• Three 300 or 400 level PSY courses (except PSY 303) – 12 credits

Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in Psychology – 32 credits

PSY 301 should be taken no later than the fourth psychology course unless a student transfers three or four psychology courses to Guilford. In the latter case, PSY 301 should be taken as the second psychology course a student takes at Guilford.

Of the remaining five courses, three must be at the intermediate or advanced level (300 and above). Majors should consult with their departmental advisors regarding the selection of their courses. Interested students are encouraged to consider the possibility of a double major. A list of alternative plans and detailed course sequences for pursuing a major may be obtained from the student’s advisor or any other member of the department.

Field experiences are strongly encouraged. Recent majors have received credit through internships for activities such as work in the community with autistic; with developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children; with the elderly; with children at the YWCA and a local shelter for homeless families; and with such organizations as Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford County, Moses Cone Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, Pathways Family Shelter, Triad Health Project and the Women’s Resources Center.

Similarly, the department encourages students to pursue their interests through independent studies in specific topics not offered as regularly scheduled courses. Should a student wish to undertake original research, the department offers assistance toward presentation of papers at professional meetings and/or publication. The department offers guidance toward graduate training.