Psychology Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Psychology Department in contributing to the education of Augustana students is
For all students who enroll in psychology courses:
- to foster an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human behavior;
- to provide an introduction to the data, methods, and theories of psychology;
- to encourage critical evaluation of assumptions and evidence about behavior;
- to encourage an appreciation for the interconnections between different fields of study, scientific knowledge, and the practical issues of human life;
- and to model the ethics and practice of psychology in our interpersonal behavior and through participation in research and other professional activities.
In addition, for students who major in psychology:
- to foster an understanding of the major content areas of the field and their historical foundations;
- to encourage facility with the investigative tools of the discipline, including the use of electronic databases and statistical software
- to develop the ability to acquire, evaluate, synthesize, and communicate information, as evidenced, by among other things, performance in a senior capstone research course;
- to provide opportunities for students to practice and extend their knowledge of psychology outside the classroom, including research and applied settings;
- and to prepare students for teaching, graduate study in psychology, and other professional education.
