Department of Psychology
Welcome to the Department of Psychology at the University of the Incarnate Word. This department in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences offers students engaging courses and programs that challenge them to explore the study of human behavior and mental processes.
Psychology is a broad and fascinating social science that, at its core, examines the role of psychological, biological and social influences on behavior and cognitive processes in both humans and animals. The UIW Psychology Department has a long tradition of offering dynamic and multi-faceted opportunities for students to do just that.
Diverse courses and experiences introduce students to human development, environmental influences on behavior and neuroscience. The department’s full-time faculty members encourage discussion, critical thinking, and community service as they prepare students for future careers as psychologists and other behavioral scientists. Internship courses allow students to apply their learning to work with humans or animals in many different partner organizations. Undergraduate students are encouraged to turn their research proposal into independent research or to assist faculty members with their research, and students typically present their work at regional psychology conferences. Faculty lend their expertise to every class and experience, and support students as mentors and advisors.
The Psychology Department also offers many opportunities for students to enrich their studies outside of the classroom and connect with like-minded students. Psychology majors/minors, as well as students interested in psychology, are invited to join the Psychological Society. This society offers psychology-based community service events for students and promotes interaction between the community, faculty and students. Eligible Psychology students may be invited to join Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Nami on Campus, a mental health resource organization, also hosts several events throughout the year that put an emphasis on mental well-being in the college experience. Peer outreach and mental illness education are also offered through NAMI. Psychology students also take part in service-learning opportunities and civic engagement in the local community, supporting institutions in medical, social service, and educational settings.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Through an in-depth study of behavior, culture and ecological context, students gain an insight into the attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and other influences that motivate behavior. UIW students learn to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they prepare to enter a career upon graduation. UIW students can select one of the program’s two concentrations:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Prevention
Minor in Psychology
The Minor in Psychology complements many major fields – health sciences, political science, education, communication and business, to name a few – because it provides an important foundation for understanding human behavior as it interacts with the environment.
This interdisciplinary concentration is conducted through a collaboration with the Biology department in the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. This concentration can be taken instead of a minor to add to the Psychology BA. It includes required courses in both Psychology and Biology, and an elective course in Psychology and three electives in Biology. Students may take such psychology courses as Learning and Behavior, Cognitive Psychology and Drugs and Crime in Modern Society, and such biology courses as Sensory Neurobiology, Research Methods in Molecular Genetics, and Animal Behavior and Laboratory, among others. The flexible design of this program allows students to focus their study in neuroscience while building a strong foundation in either Psychology or Biology.