Learning Objectives in Psychology
Students graduating with an undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Maryland pursue a wide variety of future goals and training after graduation. Therefore, our curriculum is designed to provide students considerable flexibility in choosing both the direction and the intensity of their training in psychology.
Nevertheless, there is a common set of core concepts and skills that all psychology majors should master prior to graduation. This includes an academic foundation in research methods, critical and creative problem solving skills, and the communication skills necessary to impart this knowledge to others. Students should also seek to acquire content knowledge representing both the breadth and depth of the fields in psychology.
Student Learning Objectives in Undergraduate Psychology Program
The undergraduate curriculum in psychology has been designed to challenge students and to highlight the four major learning objectives that we believe will prepare our graduates for productive roles in society. These learning objectives are consistent with the institutional goals developed in the University of Maryland Learning Outcomes and the American Psychological Association’s recommendations for undergraduate programs.
- Research Methods in Psychology
Students should understand and apply basic research methods in psychology including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. - Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
Students should be able to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes. - Communication Skills
Students should be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats. - Content in Psychology
Students should demonstrate familiarity with the questions that gave rise to content knowledge, a sampling of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
You can review a detailed description of each of these learning goals in the Scoring Rubric: PSYC Assessment Plan.