Psychology Department

Is the WCSU Psychology Program Accredited?

All degrees at WCSU are accredited by NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Currently there are no accreditations available for undergraduate psychology programs. The WCSU Psychology program adheres rigorously to the published standards of the American Psychological Association (APA). Our program strives to fulfill the 5 Comprehensive Learning Goals as set out in the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, version 2.0 (August 2013).

This framework includes four skills-based goals and one content-focused goal.

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
Goal 4: Communication
Goal 5: Professional Development

Assessment

The WCSU Psychology Program takes its responsibility to fulfill these goals seriously, and utilizes a comprehensive assessment system to monitor our progress in fulfilling our goals. During their time at WCSU, Psychology majors will take part in three major assessments, independent of their regular course assessment.

  • A general discipline content exam to students at the beginning and end of their PSY 100 course and again at the end of their senior year.
    • This assesses the broad knowledge base in psychology necessary for a successful graduate.
  • An assessment of Proficiency in Experimental and Statistical Methods conducted in the first week of the semester following completion of PSY 201 and 204.
    • This assesses quantitative analysis skills, and their retention over time, necessary for successful independent research.
  • A rubric-based assessment of capstone projects submitted by students in their senior seminars.
    • Writing and critical thinking skills are assessed. These projects mark the culmination of the psychology major’s development at WCSU.