Oct 13, 2025  
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Psychological Science, B.S.


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Psychological Science Faculty


Chairperson  
Laura Garofoli  
Professors Associate Professors
Daneen Deptula Christopher Adams
Laura Garofoli Cheryl Armstrong
Michael Hove Darlene (Lena) Ficco
Hildur Schilling  
Thomas Schilling  

 

Psychological Science


Objectives for the Program in Psychological Science

The goal of the Psychological Science Program is to educate students in the scientific study of the mind and human behavior. The program combines theoretical, methodological, and applied topics enabling students to acquire knowledge and skills that enrich their personal lives, work careers, and future academic pursuits. The Psychological Science program has particular strengths in cognitive psychology, counseling/clinical psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. 

Bachelor of Art students are required to have foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level.

 

Psychological Science Program Learning Outcomes (based on the American Psychological Association program standards):

  • PLO 1: Students will accurately use and apply key concepts, theories, and empirical findings to describe, explain, and predict psychological phenomena, taking into consideration diverse individual and/or cultural perspectives.
  • PLO 2: Students will locate, evaluate, summarize, and synthesize research literature with appropriate citation.
  • PLO 3: Students will design and/or conduct psychological research, including the analysis of data using descriptive and/or inferential statistics. 
  • PLO 4: Students will identify, describe, and evaluate key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, taking into consideration characteristics and needs of diverse populations.
  • PLO 5: Students will demonstrate effective written and oral presentation skills using conventions of scientific communication (e.g., APA style).
  • PLO 6: Students will develop potential post-baccalaureate plans informed by coursework, accurate self-assessment and self-reflection (e.g., work habits), as well as active exploration of career options (including consideration of skills sets desired by employers who typically hire people with psychology backgrounds).

    Adopted 5.19.23

Prerequisites for the Major in Psychological Science


Requirements for the Major in Psychological Science


Foundation Courses


Choose SIX Foundation courses for a minimum of 18 credits. A minimum grade of 2.0 must be earned in each of the Foundation courses.

Advanced Research Methods Courses


Choose ONE Advanced Research Methods course. A minimum grade of 2.0 must be earned in this course.

Capstone Courses


Choose ONE Capstone course for a minimum of 3 credits

Additional Requirements


Choose THREE additional courses from Foundation Courses or Electives for a minimum of 9 credits.

 

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