2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Psychology
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 Return to: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
www.smu.edu/psychology
Professor George Holden, Department Chair
Professors: George Holden, Ernest Jouriles, Akihito Kamata, Renee McDonald, Alicia Meuret, Thomas Ritz
Associate Professors: Austin Baldwin, Michael Chmielewski, Robert Hampson, Chrystyna Kouros, David Rosenfield
Assistant Professors: Holly Bowen, Nathan Hudson, Priscilla Lui, Benjamin A. Tabak, Stephanie Wilson
Senior Lecturers: James Calvert, Susan Hornstein, Chris Logan
Clinical Assistant Professor: Naomi Tabak
General Information
Psychology is the study of human behavior and cognition. A degree in psychology equips students with a variety of fundamental and transferable skills, including the ability to think scientifically, interpersonal and communication skills, and a sensitivity to diversity. A degree in psychology provides students with a solid academic foundation and prepares graduates to succeed in a variety of careers in psychology, law, medicine and business.
The research interests of faculty members fall into three broad areas: psychopathology, biological and health psychology, and family psychology. There are many opportunities for students to become involved in faculty research. A departmental distinction program provides highly motivated students with the opportunity to design and execute their own research project.
The Psychology Department offers one minor and two majors: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Students interested in the BS degree need to plan course-work very early to ensure completion within four years. The Psychology Department also jointly operates two interdisciplinary minors in neuroscience (with Biology) and cognitive science (with Philosophy).
Additionally, the department offers an accelerated pathway towards a Master of Science in organizational psychology to SMU undergraduates. The program can be completed in one year postbaccalaureate. Students who are interested in applying for this program should meet with the program director and their adviser early on to plan courses around completing two graduate courses during the senior year of undergraduate study followed by a summer, fall, and spring term after graduation.
Departmental Distinction
The department offers a distinction program to select majors with high academic achievement. The program consists of a sequence of classes where students, under the guidance of their faculty mentor, develop and conduct an independent research study. The program includes designing the study, collecting and analyzing the data, and then writing a paper for conference presentation and journal submission. To be eligible for the program, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in Psychology. Interested students should consult with the departmental adviser or director of undergraduate studies.
With departmental approval, the student will enroll for PSYC 3393 to begin preparation for the distinction paper. Upon completion of PSYC 3393 with a grade of Pass, students may enroll in PSYC 4393 . On the basis of this research project, an oral and poster presentation will be made to the faculty, and a distinction thesis will be written. A grade of B or better is required for PSYC 4393 in order to earn Departmental Distinction in Psychology. Students who will complete an original data collection may register for research training (PSYC 3099 , PSYC 3199 , PSYC 3299 , or PSYC 3399 ) prior to enrolling in PSYC 4393 . Departmental Distinction may be added to either the B.A. or B.S. degree.
ProgramsMajor(s)Minor(s)CoursesPsychology
Return to: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
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