Specialty Tracks for Undergraduates
In order to provide a greater focus to the psychology undergraduate program and to assist students in developing a more coherent career path, the Institute of Psychology offers the undergraduate psychology degree with three tracks from which to choose. These are: Culture, Conflict and International Relations, Psychology of Emerging Technologies; The Human Environment. The selection of a track is not a degree requirement, but it is encouraged. These tracks are distinct from a minor by virtue of their cross disciplinary and in-depth nature. Some students may elect to pursue a double major, which would not be precluded by these specialty tracks.
Culture, Conflict and International Relations
Today's world is characterized by diversity that contributes to richness of culture and also to tensions associated with those differences. The global economy and the reach of information systems transcend political and national boundaries. This specialty track affords students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of issues associated with culture, international dimensions, and the fundamentals of conflict emergence and resolution.
Students who select this track will be prepared for careers that draw on strengths in human relations, cross cultural knowledge and negotiation. Graduate school programs that might be suitable would include business, social psychology, personality psychology, political science, policy, and international relations.
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Psychology of Emerging Technologies
This specialty track focuses on the human dimension of technological development. Just as advances in computer science have led to changes in relationships, business communication, and accessibility, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering will produce equally broad social changes in the future. Students will emerge from these classes with knowledge both of the relevant technologies and of the myriad social, regulatory, interpersonal, and individual issues surrounding them.
The students who complete this track may wish to pursue careers in law, sociology, genetic counseling, humanities, public policy, or journalism.
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The Human Environment
Architecture influences many aspects of human life including work, leisure activities, family life, and ultimately social interaction. Public spaces and multi-use buildings represent current areas of particular interest to architects whose attention is increasingly on sustainability. The built environment must now, more than ever before, include consideration of human needs, behavioral patterns, social concerns, resources both natural and economic, environmental consciousness, and planning for the future. The integration of human concerns in the designed environment is the focus of this specialty area.
Students who complete this track may wish to pursue careers in architecture, city planning, urban development, resource management, business, conservation, human factors, or consulting psychology.
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Students will use their electives to take these specialty courses. A specialty consists of 15 credit hours from courses in the track.