Psychology
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
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About Psychology
What is Psychology?
Psychology can help us understand the people around us – both how they act and think. In this area of study, we examine human behaviour using the scientific method with a focus on neural and cognitive functioning. We explore how the human brain works, how we cope with stress, recover from brain injuries, develop and use language and more.
Why Choose This Program?
If you’re interested in brain injuries, neurological disorders, language pathologies and addiction, this program is for you.
You will learn how to question deeply and think broadly about the nature of human behaviour and experience. You will also develop the skills to present your ideas and arguments about psychology in a professional manner. As part of your studies, you will take at least one professional certification and have the opportunity to link volunteer hours to course work.
Major Map
View what studying in this program could look like each year, from courses to experiential learning to career development.
Program Information
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major
Psychology
Minors (Optional)
- Management
- Music
Students in this program are eligible for 150+ Augustana awards (totalling over $490,000)
Low 70s program admission-average range
Embedded certification in Mental Health First Aid, Brain Story and/or Community Engagement provides practical skills tied to course work.
Strong background in research design and methods, developing critical thinking and evaluation skills you will use throughout your career
Program Objectives
In this program, you will:
- Demonstrate critical thinking that includes careful deliberation, awareness of, and openness to alternative perspectives, and a tolerance for ambiguity.
- Communicate effectively and professionally in writing and public presentations that are appropriate to the audience.
- Gain practical knowledge of psychology and mental health through experiential learning opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
You will leave this program with the ability to:
- Use psychological concepts to explain and predict behaviour, recognizing complexity and interactions among psychological biological, social and cultural variables.
- Evaluate the quality and credibility of information in academic and popular media reports of psychological research.
- Design, execute and analyze a scientifically and ethically sound investigation.
Careers
An undergraduate degree in psychology is great for entry into the workforce or graduate and professional programs. Potential career options include:
Course Highlights
Introduction to the study of mental processes in memory and cognition. Topics include short- and long-term memory phenomenon, visual attention, consciousness, problem solving and decision making.
An overview of theory, research and practice of health psychology and behavioural medicine, with a focus on the interplay between biological and psychological factors.
Survey of the production and perception of spoken, signed and written language. Topics include speech perception, speech production, reading, language acquisition and language origins.
An introduction to neuroplasticity, the ability of our central nervous system to change due to the interplay between development and experience.
This course is an introduction to brain injury. We will cover the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and stroke as well as factors involved in prognosis and recovery.
More courses in the Course Catalogue »
Featured Faculty
Ana Traikovsky Klahr
Ana Traikovsky Klahr is a neuropsychologist who teaches courses in learning, neuroplasticity and brain injury. Her research focuses on stroke recovery and the use of female animals in preclinical research, advancing our understanding of how sex influences brain injury and treatment outcomes.
