Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of individual human and animal behavior. A student of Psychology can expect to investigate the following topics: learning, motivation, social influences, perception, cognition, neuroscience, human development, personality, and abnormal behavior. The study of psychology also involves learning how psychologists work, including the areas of experimental methods, statistical analysis, and clinical psychology. From the basic courses to the more advanced, students achieve a greater understanding of themselves and others that will serve them well in their relationships and in any career they pursue.

In addition to the basic skills in writing, critical thinking, and use of technology expected of all Western students, Psychology majors will have the opportunity to be involved in laboratory work. As students advance in their experience and knowledge, they can participate in individual projects under faculty supervision in the biofeedback laboratory, animal laboratory, or sleep laboratory. There are also internship opportunities available outside the classroom with programs for at-risk children, in domestic violence advocacy, at the local probation departments, and in other social service agencies statewide and nationally.

Student Engagement

Psychology students at Western State Colorado University have many opportunities to get involved and enhance their learning through academic clubs.  Psi Chi and the Psychology Club are open to students who want to get involved.  Some examples of club activites include:

• Attendance and participation by 15-20 students at the Rocky Mountain Regional Psychology Conferences Ft. Collins, CO and Albuquerque, NM
• Organized two recent blood drives on campus, worked on the Oxfam Hunger Project, and volunteered at the Gunnison Habitat for Humanity house
• 14 students were involved in designing and carrying out a research project on attitudes toward capital punishment in cases where the defendant had been diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The students collected data in the winter of 2000 with submission for publication shortly thereafter

Colorado Statewide Articulation Agreements for Approved Majors: http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Transfers/Students.html