Spring 2025 Update
Psychology: Undergraduate
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 Return to: Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology
w - derner.adelphi.edu/psychology/undergraduate/
Undergraduate Information
Educational Strategy
Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. It is a central component of the social sciences, and, because its methodologies are similar to those of the natural sciences, acts as a unique bridge between these two domains of disciplines. Psychology focuses on the nature of individuals and their roles within groups. The discipline’s domain ranges from the physiology of the brain to cognitive processes to determinants of change in attitudes and values. Psychologists have been influential in developing research and statistical methods employed in all the social and biological sciences. As an applied discipline, psychology fosters the well-being, self-understanding, and productivity of each individual.
Students majoring in psychology are introduced first to the discipline’s foundation areas. Opportunities are provided for laboratory and experimental work and fieldwork in various clinical and applied settings. Senior-level special topics courses are given in all major areas of psychology. Advanced research and clinical opportunities are readily available. Students are encouraged to become involved in such activities under faculty guidance. Organizations such as the Psychology Club and Psi Chi Honor Society welcome active participation by majors on campus and in the wider community. Upon graduation, many students enter graduate schools to study for advanced degrees in psychology.
Degree Completion Requirements
Apart from the General Education requirements there are specific requirements for students who wish to major or minor in psychology. Psychology majors must complete foundation courses in psychology and demonstrate that they have achieved competency in key areas required to pursue a major in Psychology. Students wishing to continue in the major will submit a portfolio of writing samples which will be used to assess whether they have achieved competency in key areas required to pursue a major in Psychology. For psychology majors and minors, only psychology courses in which grades of C- or above are obtained will fulfill the psychology requirements, and students must have a cumulative grade average of C or above in psychology courses. A signature feature of the undergraduate program is that our graduating seniors benefit from an applied experience in psychology. These experiences will include Senior Applied Experience (SEA) Courses which offer research or clinical practicum.
Additional Information for Derner Undergraduate Students
The Undergraduate Psychology Program expects a student wishing to pursue a psychology major to achieve and demonstrate adequate levels of competencies in the following areas before continuing the course of study beyond an introductory level:
- Writing
- The use of technology to critically explore psychological problems and issues
- Critical Thinking
- Beginning knowledge of psychological theories and the history of psychology
Students will be enrolled in the Competency Assessment Portfolio (CAP) course (0 Credits, P/F grade) when the Psychology Major is declared. CAP Key Assignments from the following six courses must be submitted to the electronic portfolio once each course is completed: PIA 103 , 2) PIA 245 , 3) 455, 4) PIA 250 , PIA 272 or PIA 292 ; 5) PIA 262 or PIA 284 , and PIA 114 or PIA 115 . Students’ CAP will be reviewed each semester by their advisers and those students who are not achieving an adequate level of competency will be offered remediation. The CAP is a requirement for students wishing to continue in the major and the estimated time of completion is 60 credits.
Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio
When should I submit my portfolio?
It is best to submit your key assignments as soon as the assignment is completed. The portfolios are due at the completion of the Sophomore year or 60 credits.
What should I include in the Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio?
Writing samples from the following courses must be included in the portfolio:
- Writing Portfolio from PIA (0501) 103 - Writing in Psychology
- Literature Review and Research Proposal from PIA (0501) 245 - Psychological Research .
- Key Assignments from the following domains of psychology:
Where do I submit my portfolio?
Students who wish to continue in the psychology major must register for a zero credit Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio Course (0501-399, 0 credit) once their portfolio is completed. Students will be notified by email when the review process is complete. Students will also be notified of their status in the major.
How do I know if my portfolio is adequate to continue in the major?
Students must receive a passing grade on the assignment and an adequate level of competency in the area the portfolio assesses.
What should I do if I do not achieve an adequate competency level in the area the assignment assesses?
Students who do not achieve an adequate level of competency in the area the assignment assesses can revise the assignment at any time before final submission to the course instructor. The revision of assignments after the course is completed will be at the discretion of the course instructor.
What happens if I do not submit my portfolio?
Successful completion of the portfolio is a pre-requisite for continuation in the major. Students who have completed more than 60 credits and have not submitted a portfolio will not be allowed to continue in the psychology major. In addition, successful portfolio submission is a pre-requisite for the department’s Advanced Topics Courses and Senior Experience Applied (SEA) Courses. These are required to complete the major.
What should I do if I decide to declare a major in psychology during my junior year?
Students wishing to declare a major in psychology after their sophomore year or completion of 60 credits must complete the required foundation and introductory courses as well as submit a successful portfolio.
What should I do if I am transferring into the department from another university?
All transfer students will be required to submit a portfolio when wishing to declare their major in Psychology. Since all transfer students will be required to take three of the six Comprehensive Portfolio Assessment Courses (Writing in Psychology, Psychological Research and History of Psychology) at Adelphi, students are required to submit their writing portfolio (Writing in Psychology course); writing samples reflecting the use of technology to critically explore psychological problems and issues and critical thinking skills (Psychological Research course); and writing samples reflecting knowledge about the history of psychology (History of Psychology) to their portfolio for assessment. In addition, key assignments from any foundation and introductory courses taken at Adelphi must be included in the portfolio. Students must complete their portfolio successfully in order to take the Advanced Topics capstone courses and Senior Experience Applied Courses.
Transfer students must take the following courses at Adelphi (16-20 credits):
PIA (0501) 103 - Writing in Psychology , Credits: 3, CAP requirement
PIA (0501) 137 - Psychological Statistics , Credits: 4; (Statistics courses accompanied by a lab are reviewed for acceptance on a case by case basis)
PIA (0501) 245 - Psychological Research , Credits: 4, CAP requirement
PIA (0501) 455 History of Psychology, Credits: 3, CAP requirement)
Advanced Topics Capstone Courses Credits: 6
Senior Experience Applied Courses Credits: 3
Transfer students’ portfolio must include, at a minimum, key assignments from the following courses:
PIA (0501) 103 - Writing in Psychology , Credits: 3
PIA (0501) 245 - Psychological Research , Credits: 4
PIA (0501) 455 History of Psychology, Credits: 3
Key assignments from any domain introductory courses taken at Adelphi.
The Psychology Internship Program
The Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies is dedicated to the furtherance of psychology by thoroughly preparing students to be competitive in their scholarly commitments. The undergraduate internship program is designed to provide practical experience for students looking to continue their studies at the graduate level. Internships are important in aiding students in their quest to further their knowledge in clinical, school and/or research settings. To learn more about internship opportunities in the Derner Institute, visit our website at: derner.adelphi.edu/undergraduate/internships.php.
Emerging Scholars Program
Qualified psychology majors participate in a year-long program, the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP), which offers an opportunity to participate in advanced, original research. The program offers intellectually curious students an intensive experience of mentorship and collaboration with a Derner Institute faculty member.
Honors in Psychology
Undergraduate Psychology Majors may graduate with Departmental Honors at the conclusion of their academic studies in the university. Honors are awarded at the discretion of the Psychology Department faculty. To be eligible to graduate with this distinction, an undergraduate must have completed at least twenty-four credits of their psychology major in the Psychology Department at Adelphi University. The top 30% of each graduating class may be considered for graduation with “Honors” and the top 10% of each class may be considered for graduation with “High Honors.”
Credits for Physical Education Skills Courses
Each college of the University establishes the maximum number of physical education skills credits that can be counted toward the B.A. degree. Psychology majors are permitted to apply a maximum of four such credits in Physical Education Skill courses (PES) courses to the 120 credits needed for graduation.
Admission
See Bulletin Admission section for general undergraduate admission information.
Expenses and Financial Aid
See Expenses and Financial Aid section of the Bulletin for general information on Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Work Study opportunities. Programs
Return to: Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology
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