Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives
The following six Program Outcomes capture a set of optimal expectations for performance at the completion of the baccalaureate degree by students who major in psychology at Walden. They are based on the fundamental skills and abilities underlying what all psychology majors should achieve. When students have completed their requirements for the BS in psychology at Walden University, they should be able to:
Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation
Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, a scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues
Tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science serving a global society
Apply cultural competencies to effective and sensitive interactions with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives
To prepare:
Review the six Program Outcomes for the psychology program. Also, consider which skills and competencies you may be able to add to your résumé.
By Day 7, submit a 2- to 3-page paper. This paper will have two parts. In Part One, you evaluate how you have, or have not, met the six Program Outcomes for the BS in psychology. This is a self-assessment along with a program assessment. The goal is to reflect on your learning while also providing program personnel with feedback on how graduating students view the meeting of these goals. You do not need to provide specific examples for each, but rather, write in general terms about how well you have met each of these outcomes after having completed all required courses for the degree. If you have specific suggestions or concerns for the program regarding these Program Outcomes, please highlight those as well.
Part Two allows you to focus on building your résumé. Below, you will find the skills section of a résumé with the categories “Specialized Skills,” Knowledge Areas,” and “Major Projects.” Beneath each heading are examples of what you might include in your own résumé. Recreate this section, substituting your own skills and experiences.
Specialized Skills
Library research
Statistical analysis
Knowledge Areas/Competencies (do not list specific skills/competencies in which you are not proficient)
Areas of psychology that you are familiar with (child development, abnormal, forensic, etc.)
Concentration you are enrolled in, if any
Minor, if any
Program Objectives from list (Are you particularly strong in any of the six objectives listed above? If so, list them here in your own words.)
Knowledge of DSM-IV or related example
Major Projects
Capstone paper
Titles of major papers or projects from other classes
Presentation on a professional career area of psychology
