Psychology
Your experiences give you a perspective unique to who you are. Your education will, too. In our psychology programs you'll dive into the human behavior and emotion to gain the knowledge, skills, and compassion to identify strengths and honor the perspective of each person you meet.
You can earn a BS or BA in Psychology at SAU. Or, in our Forensic Psychology program, study the relationship between the science of psychology and the criminal justice system. Our students study the behavior and thinking patterns of offenders and victims, while learning how to work effectively with multiple justice-involved populations. Our third psychology program, Behavioral Neuropsychology, involves the biological basis of behavior and thought.
Our graduates work at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Veterans Administration, Davenport Community Schools, Northwestern University, Family Resources, Family CareSolutions, DMOS Orthopaedic Centers, and many more!
Other Psychology Programs
Ambrose Advantages
- Complete up to 240 hours of on-site fieldwork, practicum, and internship opportunities
- Curriculum that sets a solid foundation for dual degrees in Social Work, Biology, Women and Gender Studies, Exercise Science, or Criminal Justice
- Hands-on learning through study abroad programs, cross-discipline activities with other majors, research opportunities, Psychology Club and Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
The unlimited potential you see in people is what we see in you, too. Here, textbooks are not enough. Psychology internships will elevate your skills. Faculty will guide your individual education. Encompassing, challenging discussions will broaden your perspective. Our goal is to spark your love for the profession, deepen your empathy, and support your drive to serve.
READ OUR PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM SHEET (PDF)
Use Art to Help Others
Art Therapy Minor
Give people a creative way to express their deepest thoughts and feelings. Art and Psychology majors can minor in Art Therapy and create a career focused on service. You can empower clients to unlock, understand, heal, and grow.
More Information on the Psychology Major
Develop high-quality research and writing skills, become an effective problem solver, and use your higher-level thinking abilities to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.
Broaden your classroom education and experiences:
- join the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology
- support organizations in the community such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness
- volunteer in campus activities
- participate in research with faculty
- get practical work experience in the community
- join professional organizations
Get the most out of your degree
If you want to build on your psychology education, consider our dual degree program that allows you to earn a BA in Psychology and a second degree in Social Work (BSW) in four years.
Lend a hand, learn about the world
We are one of few universities in Iowa offering Peace Corps Prep, a set of courses that can make you a stronger candidate for volunteer positions within the Peace Corps or other service programs. Most students can earn the certificate – awarded by the Peace Corps – without taking extra courses. Click here to learn more or contact your faculty advisor.
You've heard people say it before: "College will be the greatest time of your life!" With Study Abroad, you can add even more to your college years.
You can study in another country in a semester-long or short-term study abroad program (with a few offered during spring and winterim breaks). No matter the duration, these trips deepen your professional education while earning credit toward graduation.
There are also opportunities through an exchange program, an overseas internship, or volunteering. The limits for Study Abroad are only ones you set for yourself! SAU students have studied in Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, Korea, United Kingdom, Spain, Ecuador, Japan, Germany, Peru, Cyprus, Croatia, Belize, Canada, Chile, and more.
SAU students returning from their Study Abroad locations talk about their time away as life-changing – personally, emotionally, culturally, and academically.
Click here to search our Study Abroad programs, and for general information click here.
Field Experience
For Psychology majors
You may be taken aback the first time you realize the impact you made in the life of a child or adult who was struggling with issues you've never imagined or just needed someone to listen, care, and offer support. Field experience is a deep commitment and seriously rewarding.
Psychology majors can apply to complete 120-hours of on-site field work as a capstone option, supervised by a professor who encourages you to explore, apply what you've learned in the classroom, and applauds your professional, and personal, growth. Behavioral Neuropsych majors can take this once their junior or senior year. Forensic Psych students can do it for two semesters.
Learn more about how Psychology Professor Judy Correa Kaiser, PhD, guides field experience.
Internship
For Forensic Psychology majors
The ability to look beyond a first impression and discover the real person inside – all of their goals, dreams and flaws – is a gift that takes skill, practice, and an endless drive to do more to help a person succeed.
Here, you get hands-on opportunities to develop that gift. Forensic Psychology majors complete a semester-long internship and spend 120-240 hours with clients in inpatient treatment facilities, jails and prisons, state and federal courts, parole facilities, working in youth offender programs, and more.
It is an experience that builds your skills and perspective so you can help people improve their lives. "You have to see people as being greater than the worst thing they've every done," said Griffin Reed '16.
The study of psychology at the bachelor's level is good preparation for many industries, including public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, and healthcare.
You may work with performers and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance; advise lawyers on jury selection; collaborate with educators on school reform; and help victims and bystanders recover from a disaster.
You could also work as a human resource specialist, employment counselor, correction counselor trainee, interviewer, personnel analyst, parole officer, police officer, market researcher, and lab assistant, as well as a valued employee in a wide array of human services and helping professions.
- Clare Sulentic '19 is continuing her education at St. Ambrose in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.
- Shelby Leemans '16 added Biology and Chemistry minors to her Psychology degree and earned her MHA from Des Moines University. Today she is a clinic supervisor for Pulmonary Associates (Genesis Health Group).
- After SAU, Ally Hunter '13 earned her master's degree in Education from WIU. She now works at Geneseo High School as a school counselor.
- Madison Auge '17, BA Psychology & Biology, works as a Transplant Patient Navigator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
- Cristina Barkowski '15, BA Psychology, works as Coordinator of PROMISE Research Project at Northwestern University.
- Haley Resewehr '18, BA Psychology and Management, works as a Human Resources Assistant at Ascentra Credit Union.
- David Gonzalez '12, BA Psychology, works as a Behavioral Health Clinician at the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery.
- Chloe Czolgosz '18, BA Psychology, works as a Counseling Intern at Ball Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, Indiana.
- Joaquin Bueno Diaz '19, BA Psychology, works as an Immigrant Counselor & Advocate at Family Resources.
- Hannah Bellman '19, BA Psychology, works as a Family Involvement Liaison for Davenport Community Schools.
- David Adams '11, BA Psychology, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Joy Miller & Associates Counseling and Wellness Services in Illinois
Jennifer Best, MS Ed, Dept. Coordinator, Lecturer
Andy Kaiser, PhD, Professor
Judy Correa Kaiser, PhD, Professor
Julie Jenks Kettmann, PhD, Professor, Dept. Chair
Katrina Okerstrom-Jezewski, Asst. Professor
John Stachula, PhD, Professor
Katie Trujillo, PhD, Professor
Dual Degree Programs
With our new Dual Degree program, you can earn a BA in Psychology and a second degree in Social Work.
Your reasons to study psychology may be the same as why people go into social work. We've created a dual degree program that allows you to earn a degree in Psychology and a second degree in Social Work, all in four years. This well-integrated program connects the two degrees and leads to a successful career.
Psychology majors benefit from unique coursework on mental health, developmental and social influences on human behavior, as well as on how the brain functions. This background provides a solid foundation for developing the skills that social workers need when assessing and counseling clients and offers an extra layer of understanding and insight into client issues and motivations.
Further, psychology's roots in answering questions about human behavior through conducting scientific research prepare social workers to understand and design research in their field that will allow them to use best practices with clients and organizations.
Our 32-credit hour BSW program focuses on generalist practice, which means you'll gain skills that allow you to practice in various settings: hospitals, clinical settings, schools, social service agencies, and more. You'll build social work practice skills that encompass an empowerment philosophy and allow you to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of settings with diverse populations.
In addition, your BSW could lead to advanced standing in our accredited MSW program, which means you could earn your graduate degree in one year, instead of two. That makes your education more accelerated and affordable.
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a BSW degree and a BA in Psychology.
This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Student Seminar (NSS) | 1 | STAT 213 Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elem. Functions | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology | 3 | IL 101 Information Literacy (8 weeks) | 1 |
| THEO/PHIL | 3 | SWK 201 Intro to Social Work | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | COMM | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 16 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 (+Lab) | 4 | PSYC 324 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 | PSCI 101 American Government | 3 |
| PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior | 3 | PSYC (Category I) | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | 300-level PSYC elective | 3 |
| THEO/PHIL | 3 | KIN 149 Wellness (8 weeks) | 1 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 13 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-PSYC 342 Theories of Counseling | 3 | SWK 310 Social Welfare and Policy | 3 |
| SWK 330 Generalist Practice I | 3 | SWK 325 HBSE | 3 |
| Creative Arts Gen Ed | 3 | THEO/PHIL 300-Level | 3 |
| SWK 360 Diversity | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| SWK 320 HBSE I Birth to Adolescence | 3 | SWK 333 Generalist Practice II | 3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWK 400 Field Instruction I | 3 | SWK 336 Generalist Practice III | 3 |
| SWK 402 Field Seminar I | 1 | SWK 401 Field Instruction II | 3 |
| SWK 340 Social Work Research | 3 | SWK 403 Field Seminar II | 3 |
| PSYC (Category III) | 3 | PSYC (Category IV) | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1 | PSYC Capstone | 4 |
| Psychology Major Field Test | 0 | ||
| Total | 14 | Total | 16 |
Earn your bachelor's and master's degree together in five years!
Completing two degrees together saves you time and tuition. We've mapped out the courses and course sequence below on how to make that possible.
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Health. This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Some courses have prerequisites. Check the online course catalog for details.
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 | STAT 213 Statistics | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology | 3 | PHIL/THEO | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| New Student Seminar | 1 | InfoLit | 1 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 16 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 or 199+Lab | 4 | Creative Arts | 3 |
| PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 | PSYC (Category II) | 3 |
| Introduction to Health Sciences Professions | 2 | Humanities | 3 |
| PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior | 3 | PSYC (Category I) | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | THEO/PHIL 300-level | 3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC (Category III) | 3 | WI-PSYC | 3 |
| PSYC 300-level elective | 3 | PSYC (Category IV) | 3 |
| CHEM 103+Lab Principles of Chemistry | 4 | KIN Activity | 1 |
| Minor | 3 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total | 15 | Total | 13 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC Capstone | 4 | Any WI course | 3 |
| Psychology Major Field Test | N/A | Minor | 3 |
| KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| Minor | 3 | MPH 525 Biostats and Quant. Research (8 weeks) | 3 |
| MPH 510 Global Public Health (8 weeks) | 3 | MPH 530 Qualitative Research (8 weeks) | 3 |
| MPH 516 Applied Practicum (8 weeks) | 1 | ||
| MPH 520 Epidemiology (8 weeks) | 3 | ||
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
SUMMER
MPH 610 Evidence-based Practice, 3 credits
MPH 670 Global Health Systems, 3 credits
Year Five
Courses in Year Five are delivered online.
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPH 515 (1st 8 weeks) | 3 | MPH 620 (1st 8 weeks) | 3 |
| MPH 680 (1st 8 weeks) | 3 | MPH 625 (1st 8 weeks) | 3 |
| MPH 540 (2nd 8 weeks) | 3 | MPH 630 (2nd 8 weeks) | 3 |
| MPH 690 (2nd 8 weeks) | 3 | MPH 700 (2nd 8 weeks) | 3 |
| Total | 12 | Total | 12 |
*Liberal Arts Perspective History category must be from 2 different departments
**PSYC 294/394 Research Practicum (if would like to take Research course for credit PSYC 105- Must talk to Psych Advisor); Volunteering, Psychology Club, Exploration of Graduate School
*** WI-PSYC 342 & WI-PSYC 314 have an additional pre-req
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Health. This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Some courses have prerequisites. Check the online course catalog for details.
MPH courses are delivered online and asynchronously.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition 101 (Gen Ed) | 3 | Oral Communication (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elementary Functions | 3 | STAT 213 Applied Stats/Science (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| Second Language 101 (Gen Ed) | 3 | Catholic Intellectual Tradition (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology | 3 | Second Language 102 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| New Student Seminar | 1 | *Liberal Arts Perspective (Gen Ed ) | 3 |
| KIN 149 Wellness Concepts (Gen Ed) | 1 | **Experiential Learning | NA |
| KIN Activity Course or Samaritan | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits | 15-1 6 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts Perspective: Natural Science (Rec. BIOL 101 or 1991) + Lab (Gen Ed) | 4 | *Liberal Arts Perspective (Gen Ed ) or PHYS 204 | 3-4 |
| PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 | PSYC 255 Brain & Behavior | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition (Gen Ed) | 3 | WI Course (200 or 300 any department) | 3 |
| NSCI 105 Physical Sciences or PHYS 2033 | 4 | Catholic Intellectual Tradition (Gen Ed) PHIL or THEO 300 Level | 3 |
| *Liberal Arts Perspective (Gen Ed ) | 3 | Elective or BIOL 200 | 3-4 |
| **Experiential Learning | NA | **Experiential Learning | NA |
| Total Credits | 1 7 | Total Credits | 15-17 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC 330 Psychology of Learning | 3 | PSYC 300-level | 3 |
| PSYC 403 Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 | PSYC 360 Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| CHEM 103 (or 105)2 | 4 | Elective Any | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | Elective Any or CHEM 106 | 3-4 |
| *Liberal Arts Perspective (Gen Ed ) | 3 | Elective /Second Major or Minor | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | NA | **Experiential Learning | NA |
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15-16 |
Year Four
Fall 1, Spring 1, etc. refers to the first 8 weeks of the fall semester.
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-PSYC 404 Adv Exp Design/Analysis | 4 | PSYC 402 Sensation & Perception | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | NA | PSYC 300 or 400 level | 3 |
| Major Field Test (Required for Graduation) | Electives/Second Major or Minor | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | **Experiential Learning | NA |
| Fall 1 MPH 510 Global Public Health | 3 | Spring 1 MPH 525 Biostats | 3 |
| Fall 1 MPH 516 Appl Practicum/Integrated Exp | 1 | Spring 2 MPH 530 Qualitative Research | 3 |
| Fall 2 MPH 520 Epidemiology | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 15 |
Summer
MPH 610 Evidence-Based Practice, 3 credits
MPH 670 Global Health Systems, 3 credits
Year Five
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 MPH 515 Health Promotion/Communication | 3 | Spring 1 MPH 620 Global Health Policy | 3 |
| Fall 1 MPH 680 Management Leadership | 3 | Spring 1 MPH 625 Applied Practicum Experience | 3 |
| Fall 2 MPH 540 Beh/Env/Soc | 3 | Spring 2 MPH 630 Equity/Ethics | 3 |
| Fall 2 MPH 690 Community Health Analysis | 3 | Spring 2 MPH 700 Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | Total Credits | 12 |
*Liberal Arts Perspective History category must be from two different departments
**PSYC 294 /394 Research Practicum (if would like to take Research course for credit PSYC 105- Must talk to Psych Advisor); Volunteering, Psychology Club, Exploration of Graduate School)
***WI-PSYC 342 & WI-PSYC 314 have an additional pre-req;
1Must take BIOL 200
2Must Take CHEM 106
3Must take PHYS 204
Degree Requirements
Read course descriptions in the course catalog
Required (with minimum C grade):
+PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology
STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences
PSYC 215 Research Methods
PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior
Capstone, 4 credits (choose one):
PSYC 425 Professional Development and Integration in Psychology (JR/SR standing required)
WI-PSYC 404 Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis
PSYC 420 Supervised Psychology Practicum
HON 401 Honors Course
At least one course each from Category PLUS 2 additional courses from any category:
Category I:
PSYC 212 Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 306 Social Psychology
WI-PSYC 312 Women and Aging
PSYC 323 Personality Theories
PSYC 384 Adv. Child and Adolescent Development
Category II:
PSYC 324 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 326 Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology
PSYC 332 Psychology Tests and Measurements
PSYC 343 Family Systems and Counseling
Category III:
PSYC 314 Human Motivation
PSYC 330 Psychology of Learning
PSYC 340 Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 360 Behavioral Pharmacology
PSYC 402 Psychology of Sensation and Perception
PSYC 403 Behavioral Neuroscience
Category IV:
PSYC 305 Human Sexuality
PSYC 321 Psychology and Law
PSYC 327 Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of Trauma and the Victim
PSYC 350 Health Psychology
Other:
PSYC 294/304/494 Research Practicum
PSY 342 Theories of Counseling
PSYC 325 Criminal Behavior
This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. This plan assumes the student has not satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of high school foreign language).
Check the online course catalog for prerequisites.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elementary Functions | 3 | PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 |
| +Foreign Language 101 | 3 | +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology | 3 | +Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 |
| New Student Seminar | 1 | **Experiential Learning | N/A |
| +KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 15-16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +Liberal Arts Perspective: Natural Science (Rec. BIOL 101, CHEM 101) + Lab | 3-4 | +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 |
| STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences | 3 | PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 6 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 |
| +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | +PHIL/THEO 300-Level | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | N/A | WI-Course (200 or 300 any department) | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | N/A | ||
| Total Credits | 15-16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC 200- or 300-Level | 3 | ***WI-PSYC or PSYC 300-level | 3 |
| PSYC 300-level or WI-PSYC | 3 | PSYC 300-level | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | Elective or Minor | 3 |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | N/A | **Experiential Learning | N/A |
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC Capstone (420, 404 & 405, 425, or HON 401) | 4 | PSYC 300-400-level | 6 |
| PSYC 300-400-level | 3 | Electives/2nd Major/Minor | 9 |
| 300-level Electives | 6 | **Experiential Learning | N/A |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 | ||
| **Experiential Learning | N/A | ||
| Major Field Test (Required for Graduation) | |||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15 |
+Fulfills a general education requirement
*Liberal Arts Perspective History category must be from 2 different departments
**PSYC 294/394 Research Practicum (if taking Research course for credit PSYC 105- Must talk to Psych Advisor); Volunteering, Psychology Club, Exploration of Graduate School)
***WI-PSYC 342 and WI-PSYC 314 have an additional pre-req
Required
Core
+PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology (C or better)
STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences (C+ or better)
PSYC 215 Research Methods (C+ or better)
PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior (C or better)
Capstone
WI-PSYC 404 and WI-PSYC 405 Experimental Design in Psychology, 4 credits total
Choose at least one course from each of the following categories, plus 2 from any category:
Category I:
PSYC 212 Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 306 Social Psychology
WI-PSYC 312 Women and Aging
PSYC 323 Personality Theories
PSYC 384 Adv. Child and Adolescent Development
Category II:
PSYC 324 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 326 Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology
PSYC 332 Psychology Tests and Measurements
PSYC 343 Family Systems and Counseling
Category III:
PSYC 314 Human Motivation
PSYC 330 Psychology of Learning
PSYC 340 Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 360 Behavioral Pharmacology
PSYC 402 Psychology of Sensation and Perception
PSYC 403 Behavioral Neuroscience
Category IV:
PSYC 205 Human Sexuality
PSYC 321 Psychology and Law
PSYC 327 Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of Trauma and the Victim
PSYC 350 Health Psychology
Other:
PSYC 294/304/494 Research Practicum
PSYC 342 Theories of Counseling
PSYC 325 Criminal Behavior
Non-departmental requirements:
BIOL 101, or 199 and 200;
CHEM 103, or 105 and 106;
CSCI 140 OR 195 OR 281;
MATH 171 (or higher level math) (MATH 191 is strongly recommended for graduate school).
This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This plan assumes the student has not satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of high school foreign language).
Check the online course catalog for prerequisites.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | +Oral Communication | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elementary Functions | 3 | +STAT 213 Applied Stats/Science | 3 |
| +Foreign Language 101 | 3 | +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology | 3 | +Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| KIN activity | 1-2 | +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 |
| New Student Seminar | 1 | **Experiential Learning | |
| Total Credits | 15-16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +Liberal Arts Perspective: Natural Science BIOL 199+Lab | 4 | +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 |
| PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 | PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| +Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | Elective or BIOL 200 | 3-4 |
| CSCI 140, 195, or 281 | 3 | +PHIL/THEO 300 Level | 3 |
| +Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 | WI-Course (200 or 300 any department) | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | **Experiential Learning | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15-16 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC 200-300-level | 3 | WI-PSYC or PSYC 300-level elective | 3 |
| PSYC 300-level or WI-PSYC | 3 | PSYC 300-level | 3 |
| +*Liberal Arts Perspective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| CHEM 103 or 105 | 4 | Elective or CHEM 106 | 3-4 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 |
| **Experiential Learning | **Experiential Learning | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15-16 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-PSYC 404 Capstone/Advanced Experimental Design/Analysis | 2 | Electives/2nd Major/Minor | 9 |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor | 3 | PSYC 300 or 400 level | 6 |
| 300-level Electives | 9 | **Experiential Learning | |
| Major Field Test (Required for Graduation) | WI-PSYC 405 Adv. Experimental Design/Analysis | 2 | |
| **Experiential Learning | |||
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 17 |
+Fulfills a general education requirement
*Liberal Arts Perspective History category must be from 2 different departments
**PSYC 294/394 Research Practicum (if taking Research course for credit PSYC 105- Must talk to Psych Advisor); Volunteering, Psychology Club, Exploration of Graduate School)
***WI-PSYC and WI-PSYC 314 have an additional pre-req
Required:
+PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology
PSYC 215 (C or better) Research Methods
+STAT 213 (C or better) Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences
At least two or more 300-level PSYC
Requirements for Occupational Therapy students completing an undergraduate degree in psychology: Students should contact their Psychology faculty advisor for current information.
The minor in art therapy is structured for Art or Psychology majors who are interested in how creative expression can improve individuals' well-being.
Required Core:
+AD 100 Drawing
AD 215 Introduction to Art Therapy
PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 215 Research Methods
Required for Art majors
PSYC 212 Life-span Development
PSYC 324 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 342 Theories of Counseling
Choose One (3 credits):
PSYC 327 Psychology & Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
PSYC 384 Child & Adolescent Psychology
Required for Psychology majors
+AD 120 3D Design
+AD 190 Digital Photography
+AD 220 Printmaking
Choose One (3 credits):
+AD 225 Papermaking
+AD 230 Intermediate Special Topics
+AD 260 Bookbinding
+AD 270 Painting I
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship
Pell-eligible Iowa residents, learn more here
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Faith Learning Justice Campus Ministry Scholarships: $2,000 per year
Recognition of involvement in church and community service and interest in strengthening faith and growing as a leader in campus ministry
Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
You must file a FAFSA to qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Madison Volpert '18
When Madison came to St. Ambrose, she thought she would spend a standard four years completing her undergraduate degree. Her drive to succeed, and faculty who encouraged and supported her, led Madison to graduate a year early and enter the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at SAU. "My teachers really helped me have a successful education experience," she said.
Read Madison's storyRachel Hohneke
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy,Case Manager for Homeless Youth in Denver, Colorado,Class of 2016
Rachel discovered her passion for social justice at SAU, and hasn't let go. Like many of our graduates, she is using her education to help others. Rachel is a case manager working with homeless youth in Denver.
Contact
Jennifer Best, MS Ed, CFLE, CFCS-HDFS, BCC
Psychology Department
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6199
BestJenniferA@sau.edu