Researchers in lab

About Us

Mission and Goals

It is the mission of the Department of Psychology to offer a high quality education to the students of northeast Indiana who seek an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology. The department also serves the needs of IPFW students majoring in other disciplines who seek a minor in psychology, or coursework in psychology to meet other educational goals. We also seek to advance psychological knowledge through the research of our faculty and students, and to share our expertise with the community.

Goals

Teaching

The Department of Psychology seeks to provide a rigorous, innovative, and relevant academic program in psychology that provides a variety of learning experiences inside and outside the classroom, and addresses the needs of a diverse student body.

Scholarly Activity

The Department of Psychology is committed to the active pursuit and dissemination of scientific knowledge though systematic programs of research and scholarly activity in various speciality areas of the discipline. Such activities reflect not only our commitment to basic science, but also to the application of research and to the education of our students. As such, we strive to foster collaborations with students in the production and dissemination of research.

Service

The Department of Psychology is committed to service in support of the academic mission of IPFW. We also seek to share our knowledge and expertise with the surrounding community, including through the offering of continuing education programs for professionals in the region. Finally, Psychology faculty members seek to serve their profession through their professional organizations and their contributions in support of the scholarly enterprise.

Goals for the Associate's Degree in Psychology

  1. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge in introductory, child, social, and abnormal psychology.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to make a decision as to whether they wish to obtain a BA degree in psychology.

Goals for the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

  1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and use the major research methods in psychology, including ethical standards, design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to use the scientific approach to understanding behavior.
  4. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply concepts, information, and skills learned in psychology courses to their lives and work.
  5. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively locate and evaluate sources of information.
  6. Students will demonstrate the ability to express themselves effectively in the discourse of the discipline.
  7. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand people from a diverse range of backgrounds and varying demographic characteristics such as age, race, disability, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity, religion, and cognitive abilities.
  8. Students will demonstrate the ability to make decisions about future employment or graduate education.