The Applied Psychology minor is open to all students, but may not be combined with the Applied Psychology or Psychology majors.
Fifty years ago, the eminent psychologist George Miller honored the long history of psychology as an applied field by reminding those listening to his APA presidential address to “give psychology away.” Our applied psychology major at Wesleyan is designed to equip students with the skills needed to put their knowledge of the science of behavior and mental processes into practice. This begins with a set of core courses that include content courses (social psychology, developmental psychology, psychological disorders, and ethics) that are commonly used to inform application. Additional core courses (statistics and behavioral research and assessment) provide students with the ability to understand and explain complex methodological findings. Courses across multiple areas of applied psychology (psychology of gender, industrial and organizational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, and community psychology) demonstrate the multiple ways in which psychological research can be used to inform and improve outcomes across broad swaths of society. Both a course in ethics, along with focused content on ethics, diversity, and culture within the applied courses, encourage students to think critically about the role and impact of applied practice. The capstone senior seminar in psychology provides students with additional experience in proposing an evidence-based solution to a societal need of their choosing.
The goals of the applied psychology major draw from the American Psychological Association’s suggested guidelines for undergraduate majors, with an additional emphasis on applied settings. Across the broad goals shown below, we also include six student learning outcomes (SLOs) that we expect students to be able to meet by the end of their degree. Students who graduate with this major are prepared for professional positions that call for a clear understanding of the role of psychological research in daily life; students who are considering graduate study at the master’s level in applied fields may also find this major and appropriate first step.
Goal 1 - Develop a knowledge base in areas that are frequently relevant to the application of psychology; both breadth and depth of knowledge are important, as is the ability to apply facts, theories, and issues from content areas to real-world problems
SLO 1 - Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
SLO 2 - Apply psychological principles to relevant situation
Goal 2 - Develop a scientific approach to understanding human behavior, including critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an aptitude in reading and interpreting research design and analysis
SLO 3 - Demonstrate psychology information literacy
Goal 3 - Develop an understanding of, appreciation for, and sensitivity to issues related to ethics, diversity, and culture as promoted in psychological theory, research, and practice.
SLO 4 - Evaluate psychological science and practice using ethical standards
Goal 4 - Develop the ability to communicate psychological findings in both oral and written formats in ways that promote connection with a variety of audiences.
SLO 5 - Demonstrate effective writing skills
SLO 6 - Exhibit effective presentation skills that appropriately incorporate psychological language and methodology
Goal 5 - Develop the ability to apply psychology-specific content and skills to career goals in order to facilitate meaningful professional direction for life after college
APA recommendations regarding professional development are met through Wesleyan College’s Here to Career Professional Development Experience courses.
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