Mission and Goals

Mission Statement

The undergraduate program in psychology is designed to empower and affirm undergraduate students through broad-based training in the foundations of psychology. The program emphasizes the need to explore behavior and mental processes through critical thinking and scientific endeavors as well as the importance of psychological practice that is informed by science. The program prepares students to pursue programs in several fields including psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, law and medicine. Students receive training that will help prepare them to deliver health, educational and scientific services. The program is flexible enough to provide students the opportunity to take coursework that directly relates to their individual career goals. The program’s philosophy, curriculum, faculty and students attempt to create an atmosphere that is supportive, open and flexible. Leadership skills are encouraged through coursework, involvement in professional organizations and program activities. In addition, the program provides training to undergraduate psychology students in the applied fields of psychology through early field and cooperative education. Through this training, students provide services to many Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex social service agencies.

Goals

Coursework and degree plans in psychology were designed in accordance with the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. As such, our undergraduate program is guided by five overarching learning goals. Students will develop:

1. A knowledge base in psychology.
2. Skills in scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
3. A sense of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world.
4. Written and oral communication skills.
5. Professional development skills, including project management and the ability to work in a team.