UW-L's Psychology Department has adopted the 10 learning goals developed by the American Psychological Association for the undergraduate major. A full description is available at http://www.apa.org/ed/psymajor_guideline.pdf.
I. Knowledge, Skills, and Values Consistent With the Science and Application of Psychology
Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology
Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
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.
Goal 4: Application of Psychology
Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Goal 5: Values in Psychology
Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
II. Knowledge, Skills, and Values Consistent With Liberal Arts Education That Are Further Developed in Psychology
Goal 6: Information and Technological Literacy
Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
Goal 7: Communication Skills
Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Goal 8: Sociocultural and International Awareness
Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
Goal 9: Personal Development
Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
Goal 10: Career Planning and Development
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.
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