Psychological Sciences

Contact Information

phone: (716) 839-8257
daemen.edu/psychology

Chair

Denise Emer
(716) 839-8257

Degrees Offered

Minors

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Psychological Sciences at Daemen College is to provide students with an understanding of the psychological science of human thought, feeling, and behavior.  The curriculum is designed to increase students’ knowledge in foundational and contemporary topics in psychological science and in the methods and tools used to conduct psychological research, including research design and data analysis.  Students also learn to communicate effectively with other members of the scientific community, and acquire the skills to apply psychological principles in diverse domains that characterize well-educated and ethical learners.  We accomplish this through a combination of student-centered advising and mentoring, participation in a large variety of required and elective courses, collaborative student-faculty research opportunities, and community outreach opportunities in the form of career field experiences and internships.

Student Learning Goals & Outcomes

The Department of Psychological Sciences at Daemen College endorses the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, Version 2.0 (APA, 2013) that are structured to provide knowledge, skills, and values consistent with both psychological science and a liberal education.

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and
overarching themes in psychology;
1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s
content domains;
1.3 Describe applications of psychology.

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret
psychological phenomena;
2.2 Demonstrate psychology information
literacy;
2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative
thinking and problem solving;
2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic
psychological research;
2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in
scientific inquiry.

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate
psychological science and practice;
3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal
relationships;
3.3 Adopt values that build community at
local, national, and global levels.

Goal 4: Communication

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different
purposes;
4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for
different purposes;
4.3 Interact effectively with others.

Goal 5: Professional Development

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to
career goals;
5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation;
5.3 Refine project-management skills;
5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity;
5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction
for life after graduation.

Additional Goal for B. S. Psychology Majors:  (Depth of Knowledge in Natural Sciences):  develop greater understanding in the natural sciences so that this deeper understanding can be applied to the study of psychology. Students completing the B.S. degree will gain a more extensive understanding of how the natural sciences and mathematics mutually enrich the study of psychology.

REFERENCE

American Psychological Association (2013). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major. Washington, DC.