Overview

Viterbo’s psychology program provides students with faculty mentors who teach a curriculum that includes development, emotions, social influences on behavior, the brain, cognitive processes, mental health, communication, and interpersonal skills. The coursework and experiences in this program prepare students to become licensed counselors or to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of medical, research, private, or nonprofit sectors.

Policy

Students majoring in psychology must maintain a psychology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The psychology GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in psychology. Any student whose psychology GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the psychology GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further psychology courses. An earned grade of a CD or lower in PSYC 171, 223, 230, or 330 will not be credited toward the psychology major.

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, principles, and theories in primary content domains of psychology
  • Employ scientific reasoning and critical thinking when evaluating and conducting psychological research
  • Explain and apply ethical principles and standards in the evaluation of psychology science and practice
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills as they relate to psychological science and practice
  • Identify their interests and strengths in order to determine realistic and meaningful career options

Requirements

Complete ENGL-103 and 104 or 105 or 195. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved sophomore writing intensive course.
Complete three credits of approved quantitative literacy. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved information literacy course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.
Complete one approved oral communication course. Requirement must be completed before the end of the sophomore year.

Complete one Franciscan Values and Traditions course (VUSM-100 level course). Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Living in a Diverse World course. Transfer or re-entry students may have one or two mission seminars waived based on the number of transfer or completed credits.
Complete one Social Justice and Equity course.
Complete one The Ethical Life course (VUSM-400 level).

Complete three credits of historical analysis.
Complete three credits of literary analysis.
Complete four credits of scientific reasoning in the natural sciences.
Complete three credits of scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
Complete three credits of artistic engagement.
Complete three credits of theological inquiry.
Complete three credits of integrating faith and practice.
Complete three credits of philosophical and moral inquiry.

PSYC 171, 223, 230, 330 with a minimum grade of C, 270, 340, 350, 487, 499, PSYC 310 or 320, two courses from NEUR 261, 305, PSYC 335, four courses from 210, 342, 348, 374, 421, 422, 450. (44-49 credits)

Complete 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics. (Courses that qualify for Scientific Reasoning in the Natural Sciences or Quantitative Literacy credit within the LIVE program may also count toward the total.)

Complete a minimum of 40 upper division credits (300/400).
Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits.
Addendum

Psychology (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science)
Students with an earned AAS degree in human services from Western Technical College may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology. The degree must have been earned May 2016 or later.  Students may not begin this program or be considered a student in this program until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The AAS degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. Students must fulfill all requirements for the Core Curriculum, mission seminars, major requirements, Bachelor of Science requirements and final degree requirements. Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in psychology can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) program for provisional admittance. Students must meet the following requirements:

  • 2nd semester of junior year
  • GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Prerequisites of PSYC 171, 340 and a research methods course

Students would complete all admission requirements for the MSMHC program with the exception of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submission of their final undergraduate transcript; these will be required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSMHC Program Director.