Department of Psychology

Dr. Joseph A. Ostenson - Chair
325B Andy Holt Humanities Building
731-881-7542
fax 731-881-7933

Faculty

S. Denise Britt, Brian A. Johnson, Angelina S. MacKewn, Joseph Ostenson, Natasha Varnick

Mission

The mission of the Department of Psychology is to offer a broadly-based liberal arts education and foster excellence in student scholarship, service, and career and personal growth.

The department offers a major in psychology and minors in psychology and neuroscience. In studying psychology, students take courses with experienced and professionally active faculty who are interested in the quality of education that is received. Faculty members attend conferences and conduct research not only to advance the discipline, but also to increase their own understanding of the subject matter.

As students develop skill and understanding of the research process, they are able to participate in faculty-initiated projects or to design and pursue their own studies. Those who wish to pursue graduate study are actively helped to locate a graduate department compatible with their interests and needs.

Expected Outcomes

Students working toward a bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology are expected to:

demonstrate personal and professional skills necessary for post-graduation;
demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and practices of psychology using its technologies, methods, and specialized terms;
articulate the traditions, assumptions, and prevailing practices within psychology by examining competing claims through scholarly activity.

Facilities

Psychology faculty are housed on the third floor of the Andy Holt Humanities Building. Lab equipment and computer facilities are used to conduct human subjects research and are available to students for use in lab courses and for individual research projects.

Student Organizations

Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, is available to psychology majors or minors who have completed nine hours of psychology and are currently registered for, or have already completed, at least three additional hours. A minimum psychology GPA of 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 are required.

The Psychology Club is available to anyone interested in psychology. Field trips, speakers and various other activities are provided for members.