Department of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. The department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Doctor of Philosophy. It also offers an undergraduate minor in Psychology.

Excellent facilities are available for instruction and research in psychology. There are specially designed facilities for research in learning, memory, perception, animal behavior, neurosciences and social interaction. Departmental facilities also include the Psychology Clinic, which is a training clinic for doctoral students in clinical psychology. In addition, cooperative arrangements with other units of the university and with outside agencies and institutions make it possible for students to gain first-hand experience in research and professional work. The university maintains a comprehensive library of books and journals in psychology and related fields.

The Undergraduate Program

The program for majors is designed for those who wish to study psychology as part of a liberal education; for those who plan to use their training in related vocations such as the professions, governmental organizations, business and industry, and psychological services; and for those who are preparing for graduate work in psychology. Course offerings are open to students in other departments who need a background in those aspects of psychology that are related to their respective fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a bachelor of science degree in psychology will be able to: 1) use the major concepts, principles, theories and perspectives of the discipline to explain psychological phenomena and address real world issues; 2) demonstrate tolerance for ambiguity while using reasoning, skepticism, and empirical evidence to recognize, develop, and evaluate claims made about psychological topics; 3) effectively design, conduct, and interpret ethical studies to address psychological questions; 4) communicate effectively by using professional writing and oral conventions; 5) practice information literacy by locating and evaluating relevant references from a variety of sources; 6) explain how individual differences interact with social, economic, and cultural factors to affect perceptions, cognitions, and behaviors; and 7) develop skills and knowledge that enable them to better understand themselves, behave ethically and responsibly, and pursue their unique personal and professional goals.   

Graduate Programs

The graduate program leads to advanced degrees for qualified students who plan careers as psychologists. The course of study for the Doctor of Philosophy degree may be directed toward either a specialization in clinical or experimental psychology. The graduate training program in clinical psychology at Washington State University is accredited by the American Psychological Association. For information about the clinical psychology program’s accreditation status, you can contact the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association, which can also be reached at: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; Phone: 202-336-5979; TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123; Fax: 202-336-5978; apaaccred@apa.org.

Student Learning Outcomes (Clinical Psychology)

The Clinical Psychology Program is based on the scientist-practitioner model of training. The Program is designed to integrate theory, research, and clinical practice in the training of students. The goals of the program are to produce graduates who (1) have a broad knowledge of scientific psychology; (2) can provide evidence-based clinical services that are consistent with ethical and professional standards, including knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity; and (3) are capable of contributing to current knowledge in clinical psychology.

Student Learning Outcomes (Experimental Psychology)

The doctoral program in Experimental Psychology is designed to produce skilled, innovative, and productive experimental psychologists. Degree recipients are expected to be (1) highly knowledgeable about their specialty area (Cognition, Biological, Social, Industrial/Organizational, Health, or Applied Quantitative Methods), (2) well-versed in general experimental psychology, (3) able to identify significant research problems, (4) conversant with a wide variety of strategies for generating and testing hypotheses that emerge from these problems, and (5) able to effectively communicate scientific results.

Preparation for Graduate Study

Students who contemplate work leading to advanced degrees are urged to confer as early as possible with a psychology faculty mentor. Graduate programs require a solid background in mathematics, natural sciences, philosophy, and social sciences as well as appropriate preparation in psychology itself.