David Njus (department head)

Psychology is the science that studies behavior and mental processes. The course of study offered in psychology is designed to give the student not only knowledge of behavior and mental processes, but also an understanding of how this knowledge is scientifically acquired and applied. The basic psychological processes - learning, memory, motivation, emotions, perception, thinking - in both humans and animals are emphasized. Attention is directed both to the biological basis of behavior and to the interpersonal and social context in which it occurs.

To be a psychologist normally requires graduate education. Professional psychologists work as counselors in schools, institutions, and industry; engage in clinical work in mental health centers, state and V.A. hospitals; teach; conduct research; and engage in many other activities. Students who plan to attend graduate school should discuss this with an advisor and should take statistics early to prepare for the additional research experience necessary for success in psychology graduate programs. Students frequently pursue graduate degrees in related fields as well, such as medicine, law, and theology, and should be aware of specific admission requirements for such programs. Graduates with psychology majors or minors readily find a wide range of immediate employment opportunities in human resources, business, and social services. Such graduates are encouraged to work with their advisors to choose electives that broaden the applicability of their degree.

Requirements for a major: The following psychology courses are required for a major: PSYC 130, two 200 level courses, PSYC 349, 350, two courses numbered between PSYC 351 and PSYC 359, one 400 level course and one 4-credit elective (the elective is chosen from: courses numbering between PSYC 239 and 270; between PSYC 352 and 358; PSYC 381; or between PSYC 461 and 468). If a statistics course judged comparable to PSYC 350 is taken in another department, substitute an additional 4-credit elective course in psychology for PSYC 350.

These psychology courses must be supported by MATH 140 (or above), two Natural World lab courses chosen from: BIO 115, BIO 116, BIO 125, BIO 151 (or above), PHYS 151 (or above), CHEM 141 (or above), ENVS 133 (or above), or SCI 121 (or above). Finally, majors must take either an additional Natural World course (outside of psychology) OR an additional Human Behavior course (outside of psychology). Writing requirement completed with PSYC 352, 353, 354, 356, or PSYC 358.

Students who are interested in completing a class at another institution with the idea of transferring the credits to Luther to satisfy psychology major or minor requirements must have that course approved by the psychology department head before the course is taken.

Psychology majors must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all Luther psychology courses (this GPA requirement does not include the non-psychology supporting courses).

Required for a minor: The following psychology courses are required for a minor: PSYC 130, 349, 350; one course numbered between PSYC 351 and PSYC 359, and two 4-credit psychology electives (see listing under requirements for the major). If a statistics course judged comparable to PSYC 350 is taken in another department, substitute an additional 4-credit elective course in psychology for PSYC 350.

Required for a second teaching area: See Education department for specific requirements. The second teaching area license is offered only in the state of Iowa.