Psychology Major

Overview

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. It is a vast modern science that studies diverse subject matter. Psychology investigates such topics as why people fall in love, why people become schizophrenic, how a single brain cell fires, how Olympic hopefuls train by rehearsing difficult acrobatic routines in their minds, the management of stresses of daily living, and the different ways in which gender and cultural issues impinge upon behavior.
In a sense, each of us is a psychologist at heart. We all observe human behavior and may wonder why people and animals behave as they do. The discipline of Psychology provides us with the scientific tools to evaluate theories and research about the why and how of behavior. It also provides us with the skills to apply research findings to the promotion of human welfare.
The Psychology program at Stritch focuses on the scientific study of human and animal behavior and mental processes. Psychology is a strong major at Cardinal Stritch University. Students who major in Psychology are offered a solid foundation that prepares them for job placement opportunities and/or graduate school admission.
The Psychology department also has a strong minor available to majors in other disciplines. Majors for which Psychology is frequently taken as a minor are: Education, Art, Business, Sociology, Religious Studies, Communication Arts, and Nursing.

Mission Statement of the Department of Psychology
The Psychology Department believes that students are lifelong learners. Through courses and experiences, Cardinal Stritch University students acquire the attitude and ability to think critically in evaluating information and making informed decisions. Sensitivity to and appreciation for diversity, respect for the dignity and worth of others, and an appreciation and understanding of differences such as those associated with age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, and multicultural experiences are essential.

Psychology Major: 34 credits
Required courses for Major: PS 201, 303, 304, 355 and 401
Required auxiliary courses for Major: MT 120 Applied Statistics, one course in Biology (Department approval required), one course in Computer Science (Department approval required)
Psychology majors will not receive Psychology credit for PS 202. They are instead encouraged to take PS 220, 221 and 223. They are also encouraged to take PS 308, 309 and 320 in sequence.

Psychology Minor: 25 credits
Required courses for Minor: PS 201, 303
Required auxiliary course for Minor: MT 120 Applied Statistics

Required grades:
The following are the required grades for Psychology majors and minors:
a) Minimum grades in courses: No grade lower than a C will be accepted in all courses (required Psychology courses, elective Psychology courses and auxiliary courses, such as MT 120 Applied Statistics, Biology, and Computer courses). A grade of C- or below is not acceptable.
If a student receives a grade lower than C, the course must be repeated. If a student receives a grade lower than C in two courses, the student will be counseled out of the program.
b) Required grade for Graduation: A minimum GPA of 2.75 in Psychology (required and elective Psychology courses) is required in order to graduate as a psychology major or minor.
c) Required grade for Independent Study and Directed Study: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in Psychology is required to be enrolled in Independent Study and Directed Study. Consent of the instructor and approval by the department chair are needed.

Faculty

Asuncion M. Austria
Professor and Chair
Director of Clinical Training
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
(414) 410-4471
amaustria@stritch.edu

Cathy Crandell
Adjunct Professor
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
(414) 410-4840

Brad Grunert
Adjunct Professor
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
(414) 410-4840

Carol Hetzel (link to video)
Adjunct Faculty
(414) 410-4472
cjhetzel@stritch.edu

Kristen Li
Adjunct Faculty
(414) 410-4472
ktli@stritch.edu

Dawn H.S. Reinemann
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
(414) 410-4667
dsreinemann@stritch.edu

Terrance L. Steele
Associate Professor
(414) 410-4474
tlsteele@stritch.edu

Sarah Trost
Assistant Professor
(414) 410-4493
setrost@stritch.edu

Alumni

Elizabeth Davison, ’06, pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (Springfield, Mo.) Deanna Gubin, ’05, Supporting Living Manager, Bethesda Lutheran Home and Social Services Alandiaz McKinnie, ’05, pursuing a master’s degree from Argosy University (Dallas) Kristin Ganley, ’05, pursuing a doctoral degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology Stacie Folgers, ’03, Trainer, Uline Shipping Supplies