Psychology Minor

Program Director: James Van Slyke, Ph.D.

Overview

The psychology minor provides an introduction to human behavior and mental processes. It can serve as a useful addition to another course of study while providing students with enough units to consider graduate studies in psychology. For students not interested in careers in professional psychology, the minor provides them with strong critical thinking skills and a working knowledge of human behavior, both of which are invaluable benefits of a liberal arts education.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Critical Thinking and Writing: Students will demonstrate the critical thinking, analytical, writing and abstract reasoning skills necessary for successful graduate school performance and professional effectiveness.
2. Knowledge Base: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history of psychology and key concepts and theories of the psychological literature.
3. Research Skills: Students will demonstrate precision of thought and the ability to formulate and analyze testable hypotheses, develop clear arguments and express themselves concisely and effectively in written assignments and public presentations.
4. Integration: Students will examine and critique how the scientific discipline of psychology and the Christian faith co-exist in a mutually illuminating relationship, in healthy tension and harmony with each other.
5. Application to Personal Life: Students will analyze their personal growth and identity development, coherently connecting knowledge of human nature with an emerging wisdom of family, community, culture and ethics.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno