The Psychology program is offered during the day for traditional undergraduate students and in an online format for non-traditional students through the Center for Professional & Continuing Studies.
Psychology is the study of human behavior (normal and abnormal) and the cognitive, emotional, social, and biological processes related to that behavior. Our program will prepare you to embark on a number of career paths or to pursue graduate study in many specialized fields.
CURRICULUM
As an online Psychology major at Claflin, you will gain core competencies in:
- Career Management
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Oral/Written Communications
- Professionalism/Work Ethic
- Teamwork/Collaboration
To complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, you will need to fulfill certain requirements. This includes completing twelve hours of core psychology courses, four hours of an additional science course with a lab, eight hours of departmental core courses, and 21 hours of concentration courses (with at least 6 hours at the 400 level).
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
These courses provide a solid foundation in psychology.
- PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)
- PSYC 203 Developmental Psychology (3 credit hours)
- PSYC 308 Social Psychology (3 credit hours)
- PSYC 309 Abnormal Psychology (3 credit hours)
Additional Science plus lab (BIOL 102 Biology, Health, and the Environment; or CHEM 101 Physical Science; 4 credit hours)
Departmental Courses (8 credit hours)
These courses will enhance your research skills and understanding of statistical analysis.
- HSSC 390 Fundamentals of Research (3 credit hours)
- HSSC 391 Social Statistics (3 credit hours)
- HSSC 492 Senior Research (2 credit hours)
General Psychology Concentration
Currently, students completing the degree online will have a concentration in General Psychology. The General Psychology concentration prepares students for a variety of careers in many fields. In addition to the five core competencies listed above, students in this concentration will also gain competency in Global/Intercultural Fluency. The required courses (all 3 credit hours) for this concentration include:
- PSYC 316 Cognition
- PSYC 322 Personality Theories
- PSYC 405 Cross-Cultural Psychology
As an online Psychology major, you will also take a range of other Psychology courses (all 3 credit hours) which include:
- PSYC 311 Psychology of Health & Wellness,
- PSYC 320 Alcohol & Drugs,
- PSYC 401 Death & Dying,
- PSYC 404 Counseling & Therapies
- PSYC 414 History of Psychology
- Other courses options may become available.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCE
We offer opportunities to participate in two student organizations: The Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi honors the brightest of exceptional students and gives students the opportunity to become involved in social and academic activities. These groups often work together to engage in community service activities, host workshops and social activities, and travel to various psychology conferences. Students can also get involved in internships related to psychology and behavioral health.
CAREERS AND OUTCOMES
Psychology students at Claflin often pursue graduate school opportunities in school psychology, marriage & family therapy, social work, education, speech pathology, counselor education, counseling, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, rehabilitation counseling, and industrial/organizational psychology. Some graduates directly pursue job opportunities in a wide range of fields including law enforcement, mental health, group homes, governments and non-profits, faith-based organizations, juvenile justice, sales and marketing, management, human resources, and hospitality services.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
This program is designed specifically for working adults. To be considered for the program potential students must:
- Complete and submit Claflin University's online admissions application
- Submit all official transcript(s) (HS and/or College-Transfer Credits)
- Have access to WiFi and computer
Click here for information about the application process.
For more information about the online program and admissions, please contact:
Deborah Cooper-Davis
Academic Program Coordinator
Center for Professional and Continuing Studies
Center for Global Education
phone: 803-535-5574
email: dcooperdavis@claflin.edu