Dr. John Penny

Chair, Social Sciences

Park Campus

Multipurpose 230

(504) 286-5154

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is designed to achieve several broad objectives:

• to increase students’ understanding of their cultural and natural worlds through greater familiarity with the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences;
• to enhance their skills in communication, quantitative analysis, and critical reasoning; and
• to prepare them fulfill their roles as responsible members of their families, community and society generally.

More specifically, the psychology degree program introduces students to the theoretical and empirical literatures of psychology; encourages them to apply principles of psychology to improve the of human condition.  Typically, it takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program.  However, some students are able to finish in three while other may take four years. The Psychology curriculum offers an intensive undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree which builds on the background and skills developed in the College of Arts and Sciences. Major emphasis is on the development of reading, comprehension, critical analysis of information, research abilities, and preparedness for making contributions in academic, public and private organizations.

Goals of the Department of Psychology 
The following ten goals come from the American Psychological Association:

1.  Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

2.  Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

3. Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

4. Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

5. Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.

6. Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.

7.  Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.

8. Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.

9. Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

10. Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

A major in Psychology requires a minimum of forty-two (42) hours. These hours include the following: PSYC 210, 237, 268, 311, 320, 432, 444 and 480, plus eighteen (18) hours of Psychology electives. A minor in Psychology will require the following courses: PSYC 237, 268, 320, 444, and 480. All students must pass a written exit examination prior to graduation.

Psi Chi International Honor Society

Southern University at New Orleans Chapter of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology was chartered in 2004 and inducted 68 members from that time to the present.  The chapter is an active student organization.  The chapter holds monthly meetings to help members learn about psychology careers and graduate programs in Psychology.  Each spring semester Psi Chi chapter at holds it’s annual Induction Ceremony.  Southern University at New Orleans Psi Chi chapter received two grants: (1)” 504 Psi Chi Students Need A Bail Out” in 2009 and (2) “Thanks Katrina You’re Not Alone” in 2010. 

The Psychology Club is a very active on and off campus.  The fall events include the Annual Pinning Ceremony, Thanksgiving Dinner and distribution of Thanksgiving Baskets to the needy students and families, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Halloween Bash, Homecoming Activities, Winter Coat Drive and other campus activities. During the Spring semesters, Psychology majors adopt two schools in the community and provide an “Easter Egg Hunt” for kids, and conducts its annual Psi Chi International Honor Society Induction Candlelight Ceremony and any other campus activities.