Psychology is the science that endeavors to achieve the goals of observation, description, understanding, prediction and control of behavior and psychological processes. Topical areas of inquiry include: human development, personality theory, neuroscience, learning, memory and cognition, emotion, sensation and perception, interpersonal relationships, personal adjustment, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy. Theoretical perspectives most emphasized over the course of studies include: Neuroscience, cognitive science, behavioral and social learning theories, humanist-existential, post-structural and psychodynamic theories.
Because scientific knowledge of behavior and psychological processes are important to all fields of study, persons majoring in areas other than psychology should enroll in selected courses of interest. For the same reason, choosing psychology as a minor also is encouraged. Students majoring in psychology may work with their advisor to select a guided program of study. An applied program is designed to prepare those who plan to seek employment in community agencies in either the private or public sector immediately following graduation with the bachelor degree. Academic studies programs prepare students to pursue studies in psychology at the graduate school level in either practical (i.e., clinical, school, counseling) or experimental (i.e., neuroscience, developmental, social, cognitive) specializations. Psychology majors are expected to understand scientific methods, conduct research, write scholarly research reports in APA style, and present their research findings to peers.