Psychology
Faculty
Chair: Dr. Shane Gomes
Professor: Dr. Nathalie Coté
Associate Professors: Dr. Ann Calhoun-Sauls, Dr. Shane Gomes
Assistant Professor: Dr. Richard Dell’Isola, Dr. Elizabeth Bookwalter
Program Mission
In accordance with the Catholic, Benedictine, and liberal arts traditions, the Psychology Department supports students' learning of the cumulative knowledge base and methods central to psychology, within a framework of ethical principles and integration of knowledge. Our commitment is to educate the whole student effectively, integrating the intellectual, behavioral, spiritual, and emotional aspects inherent in the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and emotion, and the application of psychological science to the promotion of human welfare. Regardless of the career path taken by our students after graduation, our goal is to enable them to think clearly and act with integrity in their professional, public, and personal lives.
Program Goals
Students majoring in psychology will: 1) Develop knowledge, skills, and values consistent with the science and application of psychology. Understand the philosophical and historical background of psychology, as well as integrative themes across the discipline; 2) Critically evaluate the production, interpretation, and application of psychological research to understand the human person and promote human welfare; 3) Apply ethical standards and values of psychology to evaluate psychological science and practice, in order to resolve ethical dilemmas in personal and professional contexts; 4) Demonstrate psychological literacy by communicating effectively in multiple platforms, including orally and in writing; and 5) Embrace opportunities for practical professional experiences and career exploration.
Standards for Admission and Graduation
Prospective majors should meet with the department chair as soon as possible to declare the major. All courses in psychology require basic computer competencies, competencies specific to the discipline will be addressed in PC307W, PC410W, PC11W or PC412W. Students must earn a “C” or better in all major requirements to earn a degree in psychology. For the majors and for the minor, the preponderance of the credit hours must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
Overview
The department offers students a choice of earning a B.S. in Psychology or a B.A. in Psychology, with an optional concentration in Applied Psychology. The B.S. emphasizes biological psychology and the connections between psychology and the natural sciences and mathematics. The B.A. focuses on the connections among psychology and other disciplines, particularly other social sciences and the humanities. The concentration in Applied Psychology focuses on the application of psychological science to solve problems and promote human welfare. Students who complete any of the department’s undergraduate programs will be eligible to compete for acceptance into graduate programs or into post-baccalaureate employment in the health and human services fields, industries and businesses, and educational organizations. Students who wish to become professional psychologists—whether in clinical, research, or academic settings—must complete a bachelor’s degree, and subsequently, either a Master’s or doctoral degree.