February 13, 2013
Department of psychology becomes department of psychological sciences
After consultation with students, alums and administrators, the department of psychology is changing its name to the department of psychological sciences. This move was prompted by a desire to more clearly distinguish itself from departments with identities that are more associated with their role in training doctoral level practitioners — clinical and counseling psychologists.
In both the undergraduate and graduate programs, the department focuses on providing students a comprehensive understanding of the scientific methods used to understand the diversity of factors that influence human and non-human behavior. These methods include eyetracking, psychopharmacology, advanced statistical analysis, technological recording, web-based surveys and electroencephalography. Graduate programs in every area of psychology, including clinical and counseling, want students with a strong grounding in the scientific method.
"When the public thinks of psychology, they often think 'Frasier' or talk therapy," said Michael Young, department head. "The psychological sciences encompass so much more."
The department hopes that the renaming will more clearly communicate the nature of K-State's approach to psychology in the classroom and their laboratories.