The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is designed for students who seek a strong foundation in the study of psychology, combined with a liberal arts education and high-level Jewish Studies coursework. Student will explore the theories, concepts, and research of psychology, and how these are applied in practice. Students will receive a solid foundation in Jewish studies and ethics that will help them succeed in their future personal and professional lives and enable them to bring the richness of Jewish tradition into their work.
The program goals for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology are designed to ensure graduates are prepared for positions as psychology professionals in business, industry, or government, as well as for graduate study in all fields pertaining to psychology.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
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Apply critical thinking and creative thinking to the analysis and research of topics and issues in the field of psychology.
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Exhibit intercultural competence and attention to diversity, within and beyond the Jewish community, in addressing civic, social, environmental, and economic issues of the psychology field.
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Use effective oral and written communication, technology, and quantitative skills to conduct research and present ideas.
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Apply an understanding of major theories, concepts, and their implications to real-life psychology phenomena.
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Apply ethical principles to the study of psychology and the professional world.
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Apply Jewish principles, values, and literacy to practice in the Jewish communal world.
Degree Requirements
The program of study for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology consists of 120 credits as follows:
General Education Requirements 60 credits
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Requires completion of STA 201 within the general education requirements: Introduction to Statistics (3 credits) Develops an understanding of statistical methodology and use of critical judgment in analyzing data sets. Includes descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, introduction to probability, both normal and binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression, and correlation. Emphasizes developing the practical skills of interpreting and reporting descriptive and inferential univariate and bivariate statistical information. Prerequisite(s): None
Major Requirements 36 Credits
Introduction to Psychology PSY 101 (3 credits) Provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of psychology. Addresses historical perspectives, research methods, biological bases to behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, language, lifespan development, intelligence, stress and health, personality, and social behavior. Also examines abnormal behavior and treatment options. Discusses applications of psychology in a culturally diverse world. Prerequisite(s): None
Human Growth and Development PSY 280 (3 credits) Provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the field of developmental psychology. Emphasizes major theories, perspectives, and associated research as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception through the end of life. Examines typical growth and development patterns, as well as factors that lead to disruption and change in those patterns. Students will develop insight into the factors that make people the way they are and how to support healthy human growth and development Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Research Methods in Psychology PSY 322 (3 credits) Introduces experimental design and inference in the field of psychological research. Teaches the experimental method and its application to recent problems in psychological research. Discusses research-related ethics and the feasibility of different research designs. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): STA 201 (Introduction to Statistics) Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101(Introduction to Psychology)
Introduction to Counseling PSY 331 (3 credits) Discusses the role, dynamics, and goals of counseling. Examines the nature of the helping relationship; counseling skills and techniques; ethics in counseling; components of effective helping in a theoretical, as well as practical framework; and counseling resources. Prerequisite(s): None
Abnormal Psychology PSY 360 (3 credits) Presents in-depth analyses of the historical and philosophical foundations of abnormal psychology and psychopathology. Examines the development of classification systems for mental disorders and the implications for diagnosis and treatment. Discusses the integrated roles of biology, psychology, and social context in the assessment and diagnostic process, legal considerations, and the role of ethics and morality. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Senior Thesis in Psychology PSY 490 (3 credits) Requires the development of a project based on existing research and data sets that models the application of appropriate research methodology. Examines the process of publishing research in the field of psychology. Note: Credit may not be earned for both PSY 490 and PSY 491. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 (English Composition I), PSY 322 (Research Methods in Psychology), STA 201 (Introduction to Statistics), and senior standing in Psychology minor
Requires 3 credits from the following:
Multicultural Psychology PSY 290 (3 credits) Explores international and domestic diversity from a psychological perspective. Applies psychological theories and methods to develop an understanding of how diversity in many aspects of life, including gender, age, mental and physical ability, race, ethnicity, relationships, socioeconomic status, family structure, and religion impact human perspectives and interactions. Explores the psychological impact of racism, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, privilege, and oppression on society, politics, and education. Considers the role of social movements and consciousness-raising in psychologically empowering individuals and minority groups. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101(Introduction to Psychology)
Social Psychology PSY 370 (3 credits) Provides an introduction to social psychology, including research, theory, and general principles of how people interact with and influence each other both individually and in groups. Covers the processing of social information, social influence, persuasion and attitude change, social interaction, prejudice, conformity, social psychology in court, and group phenomena. Highlights landmark studies in social psychology and applies social psychology principles to current social problems and topics. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
Group Dynamics PSY 397 (3 credits) Provides an understanding of group processes, group formation, and the development of social skills in small groups. Covers group development, power structures in groups, leadership, group processes, communication in groups, decision making, conflict, and bias. Investigates the application of theory to contemporary issues in group dynamics. Credit given for PSY 397 or SOC 397 Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
Requires 3 credits in ethics
Torah Growth and Development ETH 315 (3 credits) Examines one’s religious self-growth in three different spheres: the relationship with one’s self, with others, and with Hashem. Uses traditional and modern sources to uncover the ethical messages found in Rabbinical literature with an emphasis on how they can be applied to daily living. Prerequisite(s): None
Tomer Devora: Pathways to Ethical Living ETH 325 (3 credits) Explores the development of compassion as exemplified by G-d’s compassionate acts towards the Jewish People. Delves into the Tomer Devora by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, which examines G-d’s thirteen attributes of rachamim. Explores ways of emulating G-d’s attributes to improve one’s character, live ethically, and enhance interpersonal relationships. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 325A and ETH 325B). Prerequisite(s): None
Business Ethics and Jewish Law ETH 337 (3 credits) Studies Jewish law as it relates to the world of commerce and business and its application to modern situations. Focuses on classical halachic literature, including Talmud and related commentaries. Explores the ethical principles that govern conduct in the world of commerce. Emphasis is placed on common ethical questions and the practical application of Jewish moral principles to the business world. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 337A and ETH 337B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Ethical Interpersonal Communication ETH 390 (3 credits) Studies the Jewish laws of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes the laws of speech, drawing from the Chofetz Chaim, Gemara, Medrashim, Rambam, Rabeinu Yona, and other Rishonim and Acharonim. Prerequisite(s): None
Medical Ethics and Jewish Law ETH 466 (3 credits) Discusses the structure and development of Jewish ethics and halacha (law) connected to the fields of health and medicine. Explores the development of medical ethics and the evolution of halacha related to medicine. Covers the Jewish approach to health and healing and major ethical issues and debates that arise in the field of medicine. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 466A and ETH 466B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Business Ethics and Jewish Law ETH 337 (3 credits) Studies Jewish law as it relates to the world of commerce and business and its application to modern situations. Focuses on classical halachic literature, including Talmud and related commentaries. Explores the ethical principles that govern conduct in the world of commerce. Emphasis is placed on common ethical questions and the practical application of Jewish moral principles to the business world. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 337A and ETH 337B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Requires an additional 12 credits in psychology electives
Psychological Perspectives on Psalms PSY 225 (3 credits) Discusses the various songs of Tehillim and explores the psychological, theological, and historical elements that are found in each individual psalm/song. Explores how to connect to the diversity of raw emotions portrayed in the text and discover the therapeutic function and tools in the psalm. Discusses the psychological and theological elements of each song and how to integrate them into one’s personal and professional life. Delves into the mystical Hebrew alphabet to see the significance of King David’s alphabetizing the verses of his longest psalm, #119. Prerequisite(s): None
Psychological Foundations of Education PSY 230 (3 credits) Studies the psychological foundations of learning, memory, and creativity, as related to educational processes. Emphasizes characterization of educational approaches in the context of important physical, cognitive, and motivational variables. Surveys relevant scientific research and relates research findings to practical applications within and beyond the classroom. Addresses complex topics such as standardized tests, bilingual populations, and the influences of home and community attitudes towards learning and education. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Multicultural Psychology PSY 290 (3 credits) Explores international and domestic diversity from a psychological perspective. Applies psychological theories and methods to develop an understanding of how diversity in many aspects of life, including gender, age, mental and physical ability, race, ethnicity, relationships, socioeconomic status, family structure, and religion impact human perspectives and interactions. Explores the psychological impact of racism, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, privilege, and oppression on society, politics, and education. Considers the role of social movements and consciousness-raising in psychologically empowering individuals and minority groups. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101(Introduction to Psychology)
Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior PSY 301 (3 credits) Provides a comprehensive analysis of individual and group behavior in organizations. Offers an understanding of how organizations can be managed more effectively while enhancing the quality of employees’ work-life. Covers topics including motivation, rewarding behavior, stress, individual and group behavior, conflict, power and politics, leadership, job design, organizational structure, culture, decision making, communication and organizational change and development. Explores international organizational cultures and global perspectives of management. Prerequisite(s): None
Theories of Personality PSY 352 (3 credits) Explores major personality theories and related research. Covers basic personality traits and their measurements and developmental influences. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Social Psychology PSY 370 (3 credits) Provides an introduction to social psychology, including research, theory, and general principles of how people interact with and influence each other both individually and in groups. Covers the processing of social information, social influence, persuasion and attitude change, social interaction, prejudice, conformity, social psychology in court, and group phenomena. Highlights landmark studies in social psychology and applies social psychology principles to current social problems and topics. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology) (3 credits)
Psychobiology PSY 378(3 credits) Focuses on the relationship between biological and psychological phenomena (i.e., the mind-body connection). Explores the genetic foundations, developmental processes, and neurobiological systems that underlie and influence behavior, cognition, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, vision, sensation, and movement. Develops an appreciation for the reciprocal relationship between psychological experiences and environment and neurological development and brain functioning. Also studies the various illnesses and disabilities that occur when biological and psychological processes go awry and how knowledge of psychobiology can contribute to diagnosis and important treatment decisions. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Differentiated Instruction PSY 381(3 credits) Introduces the principles of differentiated instruction, including reading across the curriculum, implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) in the general education classroom, and teaching through different modalities. Focuses on effective co-teaching, universal design for learning, formative and summative assessment, and response to intervention/multi-tiered systems of support. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 383 (Survey of Exceptional Children)
Survey of Exceptional Children PSY 383 (3 credits) Introduces the concepts and principles of special education, and the academic, behavioral, and physical disabilities practitioners may encounter in the field. Discusses the construction and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Covers basic diagnostic procedures, interventions, and strategies for the inclusive classroom. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
Group Dynamics PSY 397 (3 credits) Provides an understanding of group processes, group formation, and the development of social skills in small groups. Covers group development, power structures in groups, leadership, group processes, communication in groups, decision making, conflict, and bias. Investigates the application of theory to contemporary issues in group dynamics. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
Independent Study in Psychology PSY 406 (3 credits) Provides an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in the field of psychology and examine an area of interest related to psychology and/or psychology services. May involve the completion of independent research or an in-depth project related to the field of psychology. Enrollment requires development of a written independent study proposal and pre-approval by the Academic Dean. Limited to a maximum of 6 credits over the course of the degree. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing in the Psychology major or minor; minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the major or minor
Internship in Psychology PSY 499 (1-3 credits) Provides opportunity for exploration of the field of psychology in a professional setting. Allows students to integrate theory and practice and engage in a team-based work environment. Requires completion of 45-135 clock hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in the field. Requires a special application. Prerequisite(s): Psychology major or minor with junior standing or higher
Free Electives 24 credits
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires a total of 36 credits in Jewish studies. The required credits in Jewish studies may be completed as part of the humanities, general education elective or free elective requirements.
A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WITS, of which at least 15 credits must be at the 300/400 level.
A double major in Judaic Studies or a minor in another discipline may be completed in conjunction with the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.