text: BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)
  The Bachelor Degree is the highest degree offered at St. Augustine College. The Bachelor of Arts degrees require the completion of 120 semester credit hours of course work and the fulfillment of all the academic requirements pertinent to the degree. The Bachelor of Social Work program requires the completion of 128 semester credit hours of course work and the fulfillment of all the academic requirements pertinent to the degree.
  The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology prepares students in accordance with the American Psychological Association (APA) Standards. Psychology graduates find work in business, sales, counseling, education, and health care. The BA in psychology is also essential preparation for those considering an advanced degree in psychology and other fields. As such, the program will facilitate the acquisition of a strong background in scientific thinking. Graduates will be able to apply psychological research and principles to the study of contemporary problems in a variety of fields, thus preparing graduates for a broad range of employment opportunities.
  Mission of the BA in Psychology
  The mission of the BA Program in Psychology is to graduate students with broad knowledge of psychology and the skills needed to apply that knowledge in diverse settings; as well as providing graduates with an excellent background for careers that involve working with people.
  Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates
  The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in the field. A degree in Psychology is valued in various business fields, such as Human Resources, behavioral health, sales and customer service. A wide range of jobs and careers await graduates of Psychology, including positions in the following areas: Adult and Elderly Care; Children and Youth; Community Advocacy, Referral, and Social Services; Criminal Justice and Law; Education; Drug, Alcohol, and Chemical Dependency; Mental Health; Mental Retardation; Graduate and Professional School.
  The student learning outcomes* for the Psychology program are:
  - Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
  - Students will respect and use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, creative thinking and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes. Use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments and other persuasive appeals.
  - Students recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. Interact effectively and sensitively with people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives.
  - Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats. Demonstrate effective writing skills in various formats (e.g., essays, correspondence, technical papers, note taking) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, defending, explaining, persuading, arguing, teaching effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., group discussion, debate, lecture) and for various purposes. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.
  - Students apply psychological content and skills to career goals, exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation; refine project management skills; enhance teamwork capacity; and develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
  *The above 5 outcomes reflect the 5 learning goals identified in the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major-Version 2.0 (2012).
  Acceptance to the BA in Psychology Program and Upper Level Courses
  - Completion of the College’s General Core Curriculum requirements in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences with:
  - Cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a grade of “C” or better in all coursework attempted;
  - A grade of “B” or better in ENG 162 (Composition II), ENG 165 (Speech), and a grade of “C” or better in MAT 225 (Introductory Statistics),
  - Submission of a formal application, including a three hundred word statement explaining the student’s interest in the program and professional goals;
  - Submission of two letters of recommendation.
  Practicum in Psychology
  Students will complete their Practicum which is also called Field Experience during the 16 week course PSY 450 Senior Seminar. Students learn and apply skills during a semester of structured practicum experiences. Students will complete 200 hours of supervised, structured practicum experience during their senior seminar (PSY 450) in locations approved by a faculty advisor. Possible practicum locations are listed in this handbook (Appendix A). The practicum course will involve some classroom time in which students will discuss ethics, share learning experiences, and review skill development and proficiency.
  - Students must complete 120 credit hours that include courses that satisfy minimum general education requirements.
  - A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at the time of graduation.
  The social science faculty will provide academic advising and registration completion assistance for all BA in Psychology students accepted to upper level courses for the program. Advisors will be available Monday-Saturday during registration prior to the beginning of each semester.
  REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
  |General Education Requirements||48|
  |ENG 160 Composition I||(4)|
  |ENG 162 Composition II||(4)|
  |ENG 165 Speech||(4)|
  |MAT 225 Introductory Statistics||(4)|
  |BIO 102 Introduction to Human Biology||(4)|
  |PHY 103 Earth Science OR Chemistry 115||(4)|
  |HUM 204 Music Appreciation OR|
  HUM 205 History and Appreciation of Art
  |PHI 220 Ethics, ENG 203, OR any unduplicated Humanities or Fine Arts course||(4)|
  |SPA 222 The Hispanic-American Experience Through Literature||(4)|
  |HIS 104 Survey of U.S. History to 1865 or|
  HIS 105 Survey of U.S. History from 1865 to Present OR
  PSC103 American Government and Politics
  |PSY 101 General Psychology||(4)|
  |PSY 202 Human Growth and Development||(4)|
  |PSY 201 Writing for Psychology||(4)|
  |PSY 220 Adult Development||(4)|
  |PSY 270 Theories of Personality||(4)|
  |PSY 300 Cross-Cultural Factors in Mental Health||(4)|
  |PSY 310 Tests and Measurement||(4)|
  |PSY 320 Behavioral Statistics||(4)|
  |PSY 325 Neuro-Cognitive Psychology||(4)|
  |PSY 400 Abnormal Psychology||(4)|
  |PSY 410 Social Psychology||(4)|
  |PSY 420 Industrial/Organizational Psychology OR PSY 430 Gender and Society||(4)|
  |PSY 450 Senior Seminar||(4)|
  |TOTAL CREDIT HOURS/COURSES|| 120|