Major-Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes and the application of psychological knowledge to the promotion of human welfare. The Department of Psychology program provides exposure to the major areas in the discipline and cultivates a capacity for critical examination of theories, methods of research and measurement, and practical applications of psychological knowledge. Students who complete any of the department’s undergraduate programs will be eligible to compete for acceptance into graduate programs or into post-baccalaureate employment in the health and human services fields, various industries and businesses, and educational organizations. Students who wish to become professional psychologists—whether in clinical, research, or academic settings—must complete a bachelor’s degree, and subsequently, either a Master’s or doctoral degree. The department offers students a choice of earning a B. S. in Psychology, a B. A. in Psychology, or Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (Adult Degree Program Students only). The B. S. emphasizes neuropsychology and the connections between psychology and the natural sciences and mathematics. The B. A. focuses more on the connections among psychology, philosophy and the other social sciences. It also requires a more in-depth study of personality theories. The B. A. in Applied Psychology focuses on the application of psychology to solve problems and promote human welfare. While all three degrees offer a solid foundation in psychology and can prepare students for graduate study or for entering the workforce, students who are planning to pursue careers in psychiatry, clinical psychology, neuropsychology or health care are encouraged to choose the B. S. option.
The general goal of the Department of Psychology is to contribute to the development of a thinking citizenry by helping students develop the skills necessary to be informed consumers of psychology. That is, students should be able to understand and evaluate psychological research that is presented in the popular press using both critical thinking skills and an understanding of the appropriate interpretation and application of psychological research. The department has the following specific goals for students majoring in psychology: 1) To understand the discipline of psychology and its role in contributing to our comprehension of human persons; 2) To understand the role of theory in psychology; 3) To develop research skills and understand the role of evidence in psychology; 4) To understand basic issues in psychology, such as the nature-nurture issue; 5) To understand the major concepts and findings in psychology; 6) To understand the importance of interactions among biological, environmental and personal/cognitive factors in determining behavior; 7) To understand the importance of individual and cultural differences in psychology; 167
8) To understand in depth at least one area of psychology; 9) To understand the philosophical and historical background of psychology; and 10) To engage in opportunities for practical professional experiences and career exploration.
Standards for Admission and Graduation: To be eligible for acceptance into any psychology major, the student must have earned a “C-” or better in PC 201 and one upper-level psychology course, and must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better. Transfer students must meet with a department advisor before declaring the major. To be eligible for the senior capstone course (PC 410/PC 411), students must have earned a “C-” or better in SS 300 and in PC 307.1 While all courses in psychology require basic computer competencies, competencies specific to the discipline will be addressed in PC 307 and PC 410.
Study Abroad: Psychology majors are encouraged to study abroad. Interested students should consult with a departmental advisor and with the College’s Director of International Studies.
B. A. in Psychology
The Core Curriculum
Students transferring more than 13 credit hours to Belmont Abbey College are not required to take the First-Year Symposium.
In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
- PC 201 Introductory Psychology
- MA 135 or higher
Major requirements
- PC 301 Developmental Psychology
- PC 306 Cognitive Psychology
- PC 307 Research Methods for Psychology (spring of junior year)
- PC 308 Theories of Personality
- PC 360 Social and Cultural Psychology
- PC 403 Abnormal Psychology
- PC 400 History and Systems of Psychology
- PC 410 Senior Thesis (fall of senior year)
- PC upper-level electives
- SS 300 Fundamental Statistics for Social Science (fall of junior year)
Other Courses 28-31 hours
- Social Science courses (SO, PO or CJ)
- PH upper-level elective selected from PH 251 (if not taken as part of core), PH 303, 316, or 323)
- General elective hours (taking a minor is encouraged)
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
B. S. in Psychology (Traditional Students only)
The Core Curriculum
Students transferring more than 13 credit hours to Belmont Abbey College are not required to take the First-Year Symposium.
In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
- PC 201 Introductory Psychology
- MA 135 or higher
Major requirements
- PC 301 Developmental Psychology
- PC 306 Cognitive Psychology
- PC 307 Research Methods for Psychology (spring of junior year)
- PC 360 Social and Cultural Psychology
- PC 403 Abnormal Psychology
- PC 405 Neuropsychology
- PC 400 History and Systems of Psychology
- PC 410 Senior Thesis (fall of senior year)
- PC upper-level electives
- SS 300 Fundamental Statistics for Social Science (fall of junior year)
Other Courses
- Social Science courses (SO, PO or CJ)
- Natural Science or Math courses (200-level or higher)
- General elective hours (taking a minor is encouraged)
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Minor in Psychology (Traditional Students only)
- PC 201 Introductory Psychology
- PC upper-level electives
The preponderance of the courses for the minor must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Notes: To be eligible for the senior capstone course (PC 410, PC 411), students must have earned a “C-” or better in SS 300 and in PC 307. Please see course description for other prerequisites.
Although an internship is not required, it is strongly recommended for (and counts as) a PC upper-level elective for the B. A. in Psychology, B. S. in Psychology and the minor in Applied Psychology. Under certain circumstances, the internship may count as a PC upper-level elective for the B. A. in Applied Psychology and the minor in Psychology; please consult with department advisor.
SS 300 is a prerequisite for PC 307 (taken in the spring of the junior year). PC 307 is a prerequisite for PC 410, PC 411 (taken in the fall semester of the senior year).
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Psychology – Faculty
Dr. Ann Calhoun-Sauls, Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A. University of North Carolina-Charlotte, M.A. University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Ph.D. University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Dr. Calhoun-Sauls’ graduate training consisted of the intersection among social psychology, cognitive psychology and developmental psychology. Her current interests include the effects of stereotypes on memory and gender differences in language and communication. A native North Carolinian, she lives in Gastonia with her husband and two children. Dr. Calhoun-Sauls enjoys reading, cooking, and crafts that allow her to be creative without requiring any actual artistic talent.
Dr. Nathalie Coté, Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A. Furman University, M.S. Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. Vanderbilt University
In the early years of her training in cognitive psychology, Dr. Coté studied information processing differences between novices and experts, but she moved on to far more interesting research on the reading comprehension of students. Half-French by birth and Southern by culture, she lives in Fort Mill. Her interests (besides teaching) include reading fiction, gardening, yoga, good conversation, and trying new things like whitewater rafting, hypnosis, foods, and different kinds of music.
Dr. Leighton Stamps, Professor of Psychology
B.A. Westminster College, M.A. West Virginia University, Ph.D. West Virginia University
Dr. Stamps’ research interests involve the study of judicial decision making in child custody cases. He has been examining factors that judges consider when making decisions in these cases. As part of this work, he has also studied the psychological effects of divorce on children. His teaching interests are primarily in the areas of applied psychology and statistics. In addition to his full time academic duties, Dr. Stamps has been a practicing psychologist for many years. He is the father of four children and four step-children. After many years in New Orleans, he and his wife left there after Hurricane Katrina to reside in Belmont. Dr. Stamps is a “sports junkie” who also enjoys travel and studying investments.
