Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Knowledge Base in Psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension in the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles are applied. a. UG 2: Apply critical thinking to argument and problem solving, b. UG 3: Develop Scientific Literacy
  2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective research methods. a. UG 2: Apply critical thinking to argument and problem solving, b. UG 3: Develop Scientific Literacy, c. UG 4: Apply quantitative reasoning in appropriate contexts 
  3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. a. UG 9: Develop a worldview that acknowledges diversity and global independence
  4. Writing Competency: Students should demonstrate competence in writing skills. a. UG 1: Act as effective communicators
  5. Professional Development: Students should be able to express themselves effectively in written and oral communication. a. UG 5: Develop as a whole person, b. UG 7: Become civically engaged, c. UG 8: Act ethically

What are your options?

Pre-Occupational Therapy SRU 3+3:  Earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in six years rather than seven. In the first three years, you complete your major courses and prerequisites for the SRU OTD program. At the end of your second year, you apply for admission into the SRU OTD program. If accepted, your first year in the SRU OTD program meets the remaining requirements for your undergraduate degree. If not accepted, you continue to complete your undergraduate degree and can reapply to the program. The accelerated option is for incoming freshmen only.

Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU Traditional): Complete the requirements for your major and the prerequisites for the SRU OTD program and apply to the SRU OTD program in your senior year.

Related Links

Psychology - Pre-Occupational Therapy, BS Program Page

Psychology Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

  • Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher
  • Major GPA (only includes Psychology courses): 2.50 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements44
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Writing Competency Requirements
Major Requirements49-50
Electives26-27

* 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.

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
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
Physical Science Inquiry
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours44
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

  • All Psychology Required courses, except PSYC 105, and Professional Competency must be taken at SRU.
  • If Psychology Electives are transferred in, only grades of A and B will transfer
Psychology Required Courses (Grade of A or B required) 1
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
Subtotal19
Subtotal0
Psychology Elective Diversity 1
Select one from the following:3
Psychology of Women, Gender and Culture
Psychology of Sexual and Gender Diversity
Cross Cultural Psychology
Psychology Elective Applied 1
Select two from the following:6
Theories of Counseling
Introduction to Psychological Testing
Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Psychopathology of Adulthood
Behavior Modification
Psychology Elective Biobehavioral 1
Select two from the following:6-7
Sensation & Perception
Positive Psychology
Learning
Drugs and Behavior
Health Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Hormones and Behavior
Clinical Neuroscience
Psychology Elective Development 1
Select two from the following:6
Child and Adolescent Development
Psychology of Aging
Multicultural Identity Development
Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan
Resilience Across the Lifespan
Infant and Child Cognition
Developmental Neuroscience
Required Professional Competency 1
PSYC 450Field Placement Internship in Psychology6
PSYC 485Seminar in Professional Psychology3
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.

Writing Competency Requirements

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

Additional Occupational Therapy Prerequisite Courses

BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
Select one of the following:3
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the USA
Introduction to Anthropology
Cultural Area Studies
Minority Groups
Human Diversity
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
Total Hours10

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Prerequisite Admission Requirements

For Application Requirements

Please refer to Slippery Rock University’s Occupational Therapy Studies (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Studies) website for requirements: http://www.sru.edu/OT 

Rock Studies 2

Prerequisite Courses - SRU Occupational Therapy
BIOL 209Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 309Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
EXSC 250Medical Terminology3
or HCAM 250 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
or RCTH 364 Biomechanics of Individuals with Disabilities
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I3
PSYC 105Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC 244Developmental Psychology3
PSYC 276Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
Research Methods - Select One: 13
Research Methods in Exercise Science
Health Care Theory and Research Capstone Seminar
Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies
Psychological Science I: Research Methods
Research Methods
Anthropology or Sociology - Select One: 13
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the USA
Introduction to Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
Health and Society
Cultural Area Studies
Minority Groups
The Family
Society, Culture and Self
Gender Roles and Society
Sociology of Aging
Disability, Community Inclusion, and Diversity
Human Diversity
Total Hours33
1

Select one course. See My Rock Audit for specific courses.

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)
Pre-OT 4+3 (PX)
This program is effective as of Summer 2023
Revised 09.28.2023
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 & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours17
Spring
PSYC 231 Psychological Science I: Research Methods 3
PSYC 244 Developmental Psychology 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Humanities Inquiry 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
PSYC 232 Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications 3
PSYC 276 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology 3
BIOL 209 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
Select one of the following: 3
Human Diversity
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the USA
Introduction to Anthropology
Cultural Area Studies
Minority Groups
PSYC Elective #1 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours16
Spring
PSYC 311 Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience 4
PSYC Elective #2 3
PSYC Elective #3 3
BIOL 309 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours17
Third Year
Fall
PSYC Elective #4 3
PSYC Elective #5 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
PSYC 450 Field Placement Internship in Psychology 1-6
PSYC 485 Seminar in Professional Psychology 3
EXSC 250 Medical Terminology 3
 Hours7-12
Fourth Year
Fall
PSYC Elective #6 3
PHYS 201 Elements of Physics I with Lab 4
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours16
Spring
PSYC Elective #7 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Upper Division Free Elective 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours**118-123
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
Interest Code: PY
Revised 04.20.2023