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Psychology/Family Studies: Degrees

This page outlines the degree requirements for the B.A. and B.S. in Psychology, B.S. in Family Studies, and the B.S. in Family Studies/Child Development. Requirements change periodically so please check the appropriate academic catalog for any revisions.

B.A. Degree in Psychology

43 Hours, minor required

The B.A. degree in Psychology emphasizes a strong general education in the field of psychology for students who may not want to go on for graduate work. The department recognizes that graduate school is not for everyone and also recognizes the value of having a general liberal arts degree. Enough preparatory classes are required in the B.A. degree that if a student later decides to seek admission into a graduate school, only a small number of leveling courses will typically be required.

An OC Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology will:

  1. Demonstrate familiarity with the vocabulary of the systems of psychology.
  2. Develop basic literature review skills and writing skills necessary to gain admission into graduate school.
  3. Become involved in some form of community service.
  4. Have GRE scores adequate for admission to most regional universities.
  5. Demonstrate spiritual development and service to the church.

Degree requirements:

43 hours psychology:

Two courses in the same foreign language (minimum total - 6 hours)

Note: MATH-1213 College Algebra in the core curriculum is strongly recommended.

B.S. Degree in Psychology

58 Hours, no minor required

The B.S. degree is a pre-professional degree that emphasizes the preparing of students for graduate school. Those students who wish to pursue advanced degrees, either the master's or doctorate, are encouraged to pursue the B.S. degree.

An OC Graduate with Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology will:

  1. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through completion of a research project and presenting that project at a state or regional conference.
  2. Develop skills in writing in scientific psychology.
  3. Gain admission to graduate school commensurate to GPA and GRE scores.
  4. Demonstrate familiarity with the vocabulary of the systems of psychology.
  5. Demonstrate spiritual development and service to the church.
  6. Become involved in some form of community service.

Degree requirements:

52 hours psychology:

3 hours mathematics:

All students completing this degree will be required to take the GRE general test the semester prior to graduating (example: if you plan on graduating in the spring then the test must be taken during the fall semester) and have one copy of the scores sent to OC. The cost of this exam will be the student’s responsibility. The cost of this exam will be the student's responsibility.

NOTE: As of May 2007, the cost for the GRE was $115.

Preparation for Public School Counseling

The state of Oklahoma is in the process of changing requirements for public school counselors; please check with the School of Education for information.

B.S. Degree in Family Studies

57 hours, no minor required

The B. S. degree in Family Studies is a pre-professional degree that emphasizes preparation of students for graduate school. Students who wish to pursue advanced degrees, are encouraged to pursue this degree rather than the B.S. Degree in Family Studies/Child Development. With the growth of marriage and family graduate school programs and the increasing influence of systems theory in psychology, the need to prepare students for study as marriage and family counselors is increasing.

An OC Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic nature of the family and of the conceptual framework on which current family relations theories are based.
  2. Exhibit professional development in the research field by presenting an experimental research project at a state level conference.
  3. Demonstrate a knowledge of various cultures and family structure types in our society.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of career opportunities applicable to Family Studies majors on the bachelor and graduate degree levels.
  5. Have GRE scores adequate for admission to most regional universities.
  6. Gain admission to a graduate school commensurate to GPA and GRE scores.
  7. Demonstrate spiritual development and service to the church.
  8. Develop an international perspective that encourages appreciation of individual differences.

Degree Requirements:

36 hours Family Studies:

21 hours Psychology:

All students completing this degree will be required to take the GRE general test the semester prior to graduating (example: if you plan on graduating in the spring then the test must be taken during the fall semester) and have one copy of the scores sent to OC. The cost of this exam will be the student’s responsibility. NOTE: As of May 2007, the cost for the GRE was $115.

B.S. Degree in Family Studies/Child Development

48 hours, minor required

This degree has as its emphasis a strong general education in the field of Family Studies/Child Development and provides students with a broad, general approach to the study of the family. This degree is primarily intended for those students who do not wish to pursue graduate school.

An OC Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Studies/Child Development will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic nature of the family and of the conceptual framework on which current family relations theories are based.
  2. Gain approval as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).
  3. Demonstrate a knowledge of various cultures and family structure types in our society.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of career opportunities applicable to Family Studies majors on the bachelor’s level.
  5. Demonstrate spiritual development and service to the church.
  6. Develop an international perspective that encourages tolerance and appreciation of individual differences.

Degree requirements:

36 hours Family Studies

12 hours in Child Development:

A minor in psychology is highly recommended. 

Send email to ryan.newell@oc.edu with questions or comments about this web site.

Faculty Facts

Scott Harper Scott Harper, Assistant Professor of Family Studies, earned his doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri. He has worked as a pulpit minister, program evaluator for 4H, research and teaching assistant at the University of Missouri, and a youth minister before coming to OC in 2004.

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