Department of Psychology
Academic Programs
The Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University offers both a major (Bachelor of Science) and a minor in psychology. For students interested in more specialized training, the department also offers concentrations in behavioral neuroscience and forensics. More information on all of these offerings and their requirements can be found in the links and descriptions below.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Psychologists study human and animal behavior and apply knowledge in a variety of ways. They are concerned with how organisms perceive and adapt to the world around them; how organisms learn, store and process information; and how organisms develop, mature, and age. Psychology majors are also interested in the physiology of organisms, social relationships, problem solving, creativity, intelligence, deviant behavior, motivation and measurement. Individuals who pursue psychology must be good observers and able to record and interpret what they observe. Like all scientists, they must have curiosity, patience, diligence and commitment to precision and accuracy. Psychology is an exciting combination of research, theory and application that students find rewarding and challenging.
The Student Experience
- Students have the opportunity to conduct individual research during their junior and senior years. Recent projects include studies on the effect of gender on criminal sentencing, texting behavior and driving, social media and personality, and learning styles.
- Psychology majors have presented their research at local, regional, and national professional conferences and submitted their research for publication in undergraduate and professional research journals.
- Students also have the opportunity to earn elective credit or internship credit for volunteer work in various community organizations including mental health centers, rape crisis and spouse abuse agencies, and agencies that serve special needs children.
- The Gerontology Certificate program, administered through the Department of Psychology, offers students a foundation of knowledge and skills in the study of aging.
Beyond the Classroom
Students majoring in psychology are involved in many professions including: behavioral consulting; counseling; teaching; research; forensic psychology; government agencies; business and marketing; and care providers in hospitals and community mental health agencies.
Areas of Study
PSYC 226 Research Methods in Psychology
PSYC 302 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 407 Principles of Learning
PSYC 410 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 430 Social Psychology
PSYC 460 Physiological Psychology
PSYC 483 Principles of Psychological Testing
Click here for the 2023-2024 University Catalog Listing for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Click here for the 2023-2024 University Catalog Listing for Psychology Courses
Psychology Minor
A minor in psychology offers students majoring in other fields a foundation in core areas of psychology through course work in psychological statistics, experimental psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. A total of 22 credit hours in approved course work is required to complete the minor.
Click here for the 2023-2024 University Catalog Listing for the Psychology Minor
Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
For a concentration in behavioral neuroscience, students are required to take Human Neuropsychology, Physiological Psychology, and Neuroscience Foundations. The remaining eight credits can be completed from a list of preapproved course offerings.
Forensic Concentration
Students are required to take a course covering Psychology and the Law and either Social Psychology or the Psychology of Aggression. The remaining 10-11 credits must be selected from preapproved course offerings.
Click here for the 2023-2024 University Catalog Listing for the Forensic Concentration
Mental Health Concentration
Students are required to take one course from the Clinical group and Principles of Psychological Testing + Principles of Psychological Testing Lab, along with one course related to their specific interest in the mental health field. The remaining 6 credits must be selected from preapproved course offerings.
Click here for the 2023-2024 University Catalog Listing for the Mental Health Concentration