Students actively engage with a rigorous academic program that includes comprehensive coursework, internships, and student-faculty research. Ultimately, and in an ethical manner, our students will contribute to the knowledge base of psychology and apply psychological principles to everyday life.

Learning Goals
Students who complete a major in psychology at Beloit will:

Acquire a Knowledge Base in Psychological Science

• be aware of the major theories, concepts, principles, perspectives, and historical trends of the? discipline
• achieve fluency in the language of the discipline
• understand the evolving nature of psychological knowledge

Be Able to Evaluate Claims and Evidence

• be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different sources of knowledge
• recognize that knowledge is generated within a particular historical and cultural context
• be aware of common thinking fallacies and techniques to avoid them
• be appropriately skeptical of claims made by others

Be Proficient in Research Methods and Statistics

• understand the scientific method and its key concepts (e.g., reliability, validity, operational definitions)
• be able to design and conduct studies using various research methodologies
• be able to use and interpret descriptive and inferential statistical procedures
• be able to use SPSS to analyze data
• comply with professional standards for the ethical treatment of research participants and laboratory animals

Acquire Professional Communication Skills

• be able to communicate clearly in all standard professional modes (oral presentations, formal writing, and research posters)
• be able to summarize and synthesize psychological literature
• be able to communicate research findings clearly, using both words and numbers
• be proficient in the use of APA style

Demonstrate Information Literacy

• be able to locate information found in text-based or electronic sources
• be able to evaluate the credibility of sources (e.g., peer-reviewed vs. non peer-reviewed)

Exhibit Sound Values and Judgment

• recognize the necessity for ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and practice of psychology (e.g., avoid plagiarism and conflicts of interest)
• be open to new ideas and perspectives
• avoid bias and prejudice in one's thinking
• be able to disagree with ideas civilly and constructively
• tolerate ambiguity and acknowledge that most issues are complex and best understood within a multi-disciplinary framework

Apply Psychological Knowledge Effectively

• be able to apply psychological principles to one's everyday life
• consult with professional psychologists when appropriate
• be able to articulate how psychological principles can be used to address social issues and inform public policy in a multicultural, global context