Psychology Department

Douglas Peterson, Chairperson
South Dakota Union Building, Room 205
(605) 658-3700
Psychology@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology

FACULTY

Professors:

Jan Berkhout, Ergonomics and Safety
Elizabeth Boyd, Family Systems, Native American Mental Health
S. Jean Caraway, Traumatic Victimization, Cross-Cultural Psychology
Jeffrey Simons, Psychology of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Raluca Simons, Stress, Military Personnel and Alcohol
Cindy Struckman-Johnson, Social Psychology, Sexual Coercion, Transportation Safety

Associate Professors:

Michael Granaas, Quantitative Methods, Virtual Environments
Douglas Peterson, User Experience/Usability, Mental Workload, Neuroscience

Assistant Professors:

B reAnne Danzi, Stress and Trauma, Children and Families, Disasters
Timothy Ricker, Working Memory, Attention, Vision, Multitasking
Jong-Sung Yoon, Usability and User Experience, Mental Workload, Aviation Psychology, Neuroergonomics

Senior Lecturer:

Gemma Skillman

Lecturer:

Sarah Thimsen

Emeritus:

Gerard Jacobs
Randal Quevillon
Frank Schieber
Holly Straub
Barbara Yutrzenka

MAJOR:

Psychology, B.A., B.S.

SPECIALIZATION:

Disaster Response

MINORS:

Psychology
Disaster Response

Psychology is both a scientific discipline concerned with understanding, explaining and predicting behavior, and a profession dedicated to the application of this knowledge to the solution of practical human problems. The courses and independent study opportunities offered in the department are designed to expose our students to both aspects of the field. The Psychology Department at the University of South Dakota is the most comprehensive in the state and has won several national awards for excellence.

Our curriculum provides comprehensive coverage of the core areas of general and experimental psychology as well as exposure to psychological applications in several areas. Students may choose to emphasize coursework in the human factors/applied industrial area or in the human services (clinical/counseling) area and can work with their advisors to ensure optimal course selection. Department facilities include a computer laboratory, the Heimstra Human Factors Laboratory, the Disaster Mental Health Institute and the Psychological Services Center. The Disaster Mental Health Institute conducts cutting-edge work in the developing field of disaster psychology. Advanced undergraduate students in Psychology are encouraged to participate with faculty in research projects to earn academic credit and gain valuable experience. More information is available at website listed above.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Please contact the department for additional information about available scholarships and awards. Also see College of Arts & Sciences for college/school level scholarships.

Harold O. Fossler Scholarship
Joseph M. Malters & Kathryn Kirk-Malters Psychology Scholarship
Norman Heimstra Memorial Scholarship
Psi Chi Prize Scholarship
Psychology Department Scholarship Fund
Royal D. & Helen B. Doner Scholarship

Student Learning Outcomes for Neuroscience (B.S.)

Understand the cellular and molecular function of neurons, basic neuroanatomy, the sensory and motor systems, and the development and plasticity of the nervous system.
Describe the application of neuroscience research to topics beyond basic science, including education, medicine, psychopathology, and behavioral sciences.
Understand the research methods employed in neuroscience research.
Review and summarize current literature in the field of neuroscience.

Student Learning Outcomes for Psychology (B.A., B.S.)

Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology. Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains. Describe applications of psychology.
Demonstrate competency in psychological information literacy; research methods and statistical results; critical evaluation of conclusions drawn from scientific inquiry.
Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. Build and enhance socio-culturally aware interpersonal relationships. Adopt values that build community at local, national and global levels
Apply psychological content and skills to career goals, exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation, enhance teamwork capacity and develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

Psychology Department

FACULTY

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Student Learning Outcomes for Neuroscience (B.S.)

Student Learning Outcomes for Psychology (B.A., B.S.)

Programs