Psychology Major

The course of study for Cabrini's Psychology major* is based on a generalist model that is designed to prepare students for a variety of fields within psychology as well as in related disciplines. Heavy emphasis is given to preparing Psychology majors for graduate study and developing those skills necessary to function effectively in a field that is based on empirical research. Students take a wide array of courses fostering laboratory research, social and developmental skills, and neurological and clinical experiences.

Emphasis is given to psychology as both a natural and social science within the framework of a liberal arts and sciences education. Students may pursue double majors and minors. The department works closely with the sociology, criminology, and social work programs to enhance the student’s career opportunities and allow for diversity of curricula and faculty.

It is important for students who plan careers as professional psychologists to know that graduate training in psychology is often essential. Therefore, heavy emphasis is given to preparing students for future graduate training and specialization in our program.

*To be classified as a Bachelor of Science beginning in the 2022–23 academic year.

Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the psychology major are those prescribed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and include the knowledge, skills, and values consistent with the science and application of psychology.

APA Learning Goals    

                        I.        Knowledge Base in Psychology

                       II.        Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

                     III.        Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

                     IV.        Communication

                      V.        Professional Development

Cabrini Psychology Major Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology (APA goals I, III);
2. apply basic research methods and the scientific approach to solving problems ethically in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and presentation skills (APA goals II, III, IV);
3. use critical thinking to apply psychological principles to personal, social, and
   organizational issues in a diverse world (APA goals I, II, III);
4. acknowledge biological and cognitive underpinnings in understanding the development of diverse thinking and behavior (APA goals I, II, III);
5. explore pathways in psychology for career and professional development (APA goal V).                                            

Psychology Department Mission Statement

The Psychology Department at Cabrini University works to develop a strong work ethic and inclusive sense of community. Both students and faculty work together to help create a learning environment rich in high quality teaching and education across the arts and sciences, to develop well-rounded individuals to benefit the field of psychology and the diverse individuals that the discipline serves.

Psychology Department Policies

As a psychology major at Cabrini University, students will engage in the following practices for
successful completion of the major or minor:

• Regularly check Cabrini-issued email and course designations on Blackboard/Learn;
• Please give faculty at least 24-48 hours to respond to emails and other communications;
• Keep cell phones/laptops not used for class silenced and put away during all course-assigned meetings and activities;
• Attend and engage in class regularly for the entire class period, and arrive on time;
• Explicitly communicate with instructors at the beginning of each semester if any documented disability accommodations are needed

*Note: Individual instructors may have additional policies noted in their syllabi (which may also affect a student’s grade in a class). Please consult your syllabi for more details.

All new majors and minors will be added to the CabriniLearn Blackboard community of the Psychology Department. There, students will have access to important documents, announcements and resources related to Psychology at Cabrini.

Psychology Department Grading Scale

The Psychology Department observes a standard grading scale which faculty use for grading purposes across psychology courses. Plus (+) and/or minus (-) grades would also fall within these ranges. A faculty member observes the right to subjectively grade according to course syllabi.

“A” range: 90 – 100 %

“B” range: 80 – 89 %

“C” range: 70 – 79 %

“D” range: 60 – 69 %

“F” range: 59 % or below

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology Core Courses:

Psychology Minor
The psychology department offers a minor program made up of 18 credits of psychology courses.

At least nine credits must be from Cabrini courses at the 200 level or above. Transfer students may count up to nine credits towards the minor.

Courses with grades of C- or lower may not be used to fulfill the psychology minor requirements. For more information, students should consult the department chair.

Transfer Students

Transfer students wishing to fulfill the Psychology major at Cabrini University may transfer in a variety of Psychology coursework. Transfer students will be expected to complete a 4-part sequence of Statistics I (PSY 271) and Statistics II (PSY 272), then Research Methods I (PSY 341) and Research Methods II (PSY 342), which takes 4 semesters or two years to complete. Courses may not be taken simultaneously. Transfer minors must take at least half (9 credits) of 18 credits at Cabrini. Please consult the Department Chair for more information about transferring in coursework.

Psychology Honors Program
Students who meet the following psychology department requirements will graduate with honors in psychology: 

1. membership in Psi Chi Honor Society
2. minimum overall GPA of 3.4
3. minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in all psychology courses taken at Cabrini  
4. successful completion of PSY 498, Honors Research Practicum