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The University of Maine’s psychology major is designed to foster a scientific understanding of behavior by exploring the wide range of factors that shape it — from molecules to the brain as a whole, from sensory input to reasoning, and from genetics to social and cultural influences. Students explore how behavior develops from infancy to old age and what it means for a behavior to be considered pathological.

Although psychology is broad in scope, UMaine’s psychology major is focused on developing rigorous scientific reasoning skills (methodological, statistical and logical argument), forming an exceptional foundation for critical thinking across disciplines. To further foster critical thinking and communication skills, the psychology major culminates in a capstone experience in which students apply, integrate and extend the base of knowledge they acquired to a specific topic of interest.

Goals for the Psychology Major

Psychology Department Goals for the Psychology Major

As set forth by the guidelines proposed by the American Psychological Association for designing effective undergraduate curriculum in the field of Psychology, the psychology major in the Maine Psychology Department is intended to meet the following goals:

Theory and Content of Psychology. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Research Methods in Psychology. Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology. Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Application of Psychology. Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Values in Psychology. Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
Information and Technological Literacy. Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
Communications Skills. Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Sociocultural and International Awareness. Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
Personal Development. Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
Career Planning and Development. Students will emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.