Over 150 graduates received degrees in Psychology
Despite the foreboding weather forecast for the weekend, the sun shone for over 150 graduates of the Psychology Department who received degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience on May 12, 2013. The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Janice Zeman, Department Chair in Phi Beta Kappa Hall.
Dr. Zeman proceeded to introduce each of
the attending faculty and staff members of the Psychology Department and gave a brief
history of the Department which dates back to 1888. However, it was not until
1943 that it officially became the Department of Psychology, with five
professors who taught 12 classes. Now, approximately 4,000 students take a
Psychology class during an academic year and are being taught by 30 Psychology
tenured, tenure-track, and adjunct faculty members. The Master's program began
in 1953 and now has approximately 18 students, accepting six to nine students
per year.
Dr. Zeman provided parents and guests with a description of the field of Psychology citing research that provides evidence that Psychology as one of seven hub sciences in the 21st Century, meaning that it is a discipline that is central to science and is interdisciplinary in nature. She concluded with encouraging comments on Psychology graduates can do with their newly acquired degrees.
"According to the American Psychological Association, and consistent with our Department's goals, 'a student graduating with a bachelor's degree in Psychology, typically, will possess good research and writing skills, be a good problem solver and have well-developed higher level thinking abilities particularly when analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. These are key, core strengths that can be applied to a successful career in many different areas,'" said Zeman.
Along with diploma presentations, four students received awards and scholarships for academic excellence. The Psychology Department congratulates the Class of 2013 and wishes them luck as they embark on a new chapter of their life!
