Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Counseling Psychology w/Chatham University (MSCP), Accelerated

The accelerated concentration within the Psychology BS will prepare students for the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) at Chatham University. The accelerated concentration is designed to give students an opportunity to enrich their undergraduate education with an intensive program in psychology and facilitate their entry into the M.S. Counseling Psychology at Chatham University. The course work is tailored to meet the needs of the student as both a Psychology major and in a career in counseling psychology. 

The following are the Pre-Chatham MSCP accelerated concentration requirements. If any of the following criteria are not satisfied, the concentration designation will be removed from the student’s record:

  1. A minimum of a grade of C in each psychology course
  2. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
  3. All Psychology required courses taken through SRU, except Introduction to Psychology
  4. Required Professional Competency must be taken at SRU
  5. Psychology elective courses may be transferred
  6. Recommended that the student meet with a faculty member from Chatham University (either in person, by phone or by email) during their sophomore or junior year

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Theory and Content of Psychology: Students should be familiar with the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology. (UG2)
  • Methodology: Students should understand and be able to use major research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation. (UG3 & UG4)
  • Critical Thinking, Logic, and Problem-Solving: Students should use and respect skeptical inquiry, critical thinking, and the scientific approach to understanding behavior. (UG3 & UG4)
  • Information Competence, Technology, and Computers: Students should demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for multiple purposes. (UG10)
  • Communication Skills: Students should be able to express themselves effectively in written and oral communication. (UG1)
  • Application of Psychology: Students should have an understanding of applications of psychology to personal, social, and organizational issues. (UG5, UG8, UG9)

Related Links

Psychology - Pre-Counseling (MSCP) with Chatham, BS Program Page

Psychology Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 3.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 3.5 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major Requirements49-50
Electives29

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

This major can be declared until the semester during which the student will reach 45 credits.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements

  • 25 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 25 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
  • Overall, 48 credit hours must be completed at the 300 or 400 level
  • Students who do not meet minimum standards will be dismissed from, the program. All dismissals are permanent.
Required Courses (Grade of 'C' or higher required) 1
Required Courses may only be repeated once.
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC 231Psychological Science I: Research Methods3
PSYC 232Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications3
PSYC 244Developmental Psychology3
PSYC 276Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC 311Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience4
PSYC 375Psychopathology of Adulthood3
Subtotal22
Applied Psychology Electives 1
Select two of the following:6
Personality
Theories of Counseling
Introduction to Psychological Testing
Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Behavior Modification
Biobehavioral Elective 1
Select one of the following:3-4
Sensation & Perception
Positive Psychology
Learning
Drugs and Behavior
Health Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Hormones and Behavior
Clinical Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology Electives 1
Select two of the following:6
Child and Adolescent Development
Psychology of Aging
Multicultural Identity Development
Resilience Across the Lifespan
Developmental Neuroscience
Diversity Elective 1
Select one of the following:3
Human Sexual Behavior
Psychology of Women, Gender and Culture
Psychology of Sexual and Gender Diversity
Cross Cultural Psychology
Required Professional Competency 1
PSYC 450
PSYC 485
Field Placement Internship in Psychology
and Seminar in Professional Psychology
9
Total Hours49-50
1

Courses count for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Electives

PSYC 350Contemporary Topics in Psychological Science (Course may be repeated for a total of 2 credits)1

Writing Competency Requirements

Writing in Psychology #1
Writing in Psychology #2
Writing in Psychology #3
Professional Competencies Paper

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International Study Programs
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Student leadership (Psi Chi, Psychology Club, Reflections Body Image Organization, Nu Rho Psi, Neuro Rocks)
  5. Service-learning classes
  6. Career education planning (Office of Career Education and Development)
  7. Internships
  8. Volunteering in local human services and mental health agencies
  9. Job shadowing

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

PSYCHOLOGY - BS (6170)
Counseling PSYC with Chatham University (MSCP) (617A)
This program is effective as of Summer 2023
Revised 09.28.23
UCC 09.19.23

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
LIBR 110 Introduction to Library & Information Resources 1
STAT 152 Elementary Statistics I 3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours17
Spring
PSYC 231 Psychological Science I: Research Methods 3
PSYC 276 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
SCI 101 Science of Life 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
PSYC 232 Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications 3
PSYC 244 Developmental Psychology 3
PSYC Elective #1 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
se 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
PSYC Elective #2 3
PSYC Elective #3 3
PSYC Elective #4 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
PSYC 311 Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience 4
PSYC Elective #5 3
PSYC Elective #6 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
PSYC 450 Field Placement Internship in Psychology 6
PSYC 485 Seminar in Professional Psychology 3
PSYC 375 Psychopathology of Adulthood 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours**93
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 6170
Concentration Code: MSCP (617A)
Revised: 09.21.20