The Alverno Psychology Department has organized its courses and experiences to develop student mastery of concepts, theory, and methods of psychology. Beginning students learn how to observe behavior scientifically and understand basic concepts and theories in psychology. Intermediate students are introduced to frameworks for client care and research design. Advanced students choose in-depth study of particular areas of psychological research to further understand the complexity of human behavior.
Psychological perspectives, such as developmental, cognitive, physiological, social, and psychopathological, serve as foundations for individual courses. These courses become analytical tools in the study of complex psychological issues. Students learn to apply both scientific methodology and psychological theory in situations encountered in actual professional settings.