University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and Social Relations

College: Art and Sciences

Department: Interdisciplinary (Psychology and Sociology)

Contact: Dr. Maryann Corsello mcorsello@une.edu or Dr. Samuel McReynolds smcreynolds@une.edu (Coordinators of Psychology and Social Relations)       

The mission of the Department of Psychology is to offer students a broad-based liberal arts education with an emphasis on community, social, and individual approaches to understanding human behavior. Students are thus exposed to a combination of theoretical, scientific, and practical approaches to solving human problems. Issues of gender, race, class, and culture are emphasized in courses throughout the curriculum. As a result of required course work and internship experiences, the department graduates students with marketable skills that prepare them for entry-level positions in social services or for graduate study in related areas. As part of this mission, the Department of Psychology jointly offers this interdisciplinary major.

The mission of the Department of Sociology is to offer a broad-based liberal arts education with an emphasis on cultural, global, and political dynamics.  The department provides a combination of theoretical, scientific, and practical approaches to understanding and solving human problems. Issues of gender, race, class, and culture as well as hands on learning are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Our goal is to graduate students with marketable skills that prepare them for entry-level positions in social services or for graduate study in related areas.  As part of this mission, the Department of Sociology jointly offers this interdisciplinary major.

The bachelor of arts in psychology and social relations (PSR) is a unique integration of course work from psychology, sociology, and anthropology. It emphasizes methods, the human life span, global perspectives, and student initiative in program development. This major prepares students for entry level positions in the mental health and human services field, or for graduate study in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, and related fields such as Business Administration and Law.

All students in the PSR major must complete the University Core Requirements (see below). Majors must also complete a core of courses in psychology and sociology. These are designed to develop basic research and thinking skills as well as to expose students to critical areas within the disciplines.

All students must complete two internship experiences for a total of six credits. Three credits of internship are taken within the major core and three credits of internship are taken within the student's selected area of specialization. Internships are ordinarily taken in the third and fourth years. The first internship helps the student to learn experientially. It also gives them a chance to explore areas of professional, personal or academic interest in an applied setting. The second internship is completed in a setting related to the student's career or graduate study plans.

In addition to the University and major core curricula, PSR students must complete an additional three psychology courses and three sociology courses at the 200 level or above. The courses are selected in conjunction with the students advisors to determine the best sequence to reach specific academic and professional proficiencies.  Each student will have an advisor in Psychology as well as Sociology.

All students just beginning at UNE should apply for initial admission to the psychology and social relations major. Upon acceptance to the university, students are provisionally admitted to this major. Upon completion of 60 credit hours (approximately the end of the second year of full-time work), student progress is evaluated by department faculty.  Students will then be fully admitted upon meeting the conditions indicated in the Program Standards section below or they will have the option of selecting another major if sufficient academic progress is not being made.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

A grade point average of 2.75 in major courses is necessary in order to be fully admitted as psychology and social relations majors. PSR majors must complete Statistics (MAT 120) before the beginning of the second year. PSY 225 or SOC 225 must be completed before the end of the second year.

Minor in Psychology and Social Relations
A student with a major in another department may minor in Psychology and Social Relations with the approval of the Coordinators.  Eighteen hours of approved course is required and must include: PSY 105, SOC 150,  two additional PSY courses, not including PSY 220, 270, 225, 285 or 300, and two additional SOC courses at the 200 level or higher, not including SOC 225, 285 or 300.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2007-2008 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2007.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.