BA in Psychology

The Siena Heights Psychology Program has consciously built into the program a three-pronged emphasis of:

• Theory and Content
• Research/Analytical
• Field Placement

We have a strong research component built to develop quantitative, and analytical skills. We believe very strongly there's a lot of benefit to that quantitative analytical emphasis just beyond the research side of things.

Field placement is not an option, it's a requirement. We believe all of our students should be out in the field, out in the community really getting their sense of what it's like out there being a working professional.

We take a foundational approach to our program. If there's a solid foundation, we believe it's got to come during these four years. We believe we provide that.

The Psychology program seeks to develop caring, analytical, and ethical individuals with a solid knowledge of the numerous and dynamic forces influencing human behavior. To accomplish this goal, students in psychology acquire a sound theoretical knowledge of the various aspects of human behavior, such as personality, social development, physical development, and abnormal behavior. The theoretical knowledge provides a foundation for the development of the student's research projects which are completed during their senior year. The internships provide the students with an opportunity to apply this knowledge in community settings outside of the classroom.

The Psychology program fully conforms to the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association for undergraduate education in psychology. These guidelines provide the means to assess our curriculum and insure that our course offerings are current and serve the needs of today’s students.

The knowledge and ability acquired in the classroom and through the internship prepare students for employment or admission into graduate school. Many of our students continue on to complete advanced degrees in psychology. Our graduates report that the knowledge obtained from each of the program’s components was critical in securing employment and/or gaining admission into graduate school.

Fast Fact

A major focus is the student's public presentation of their research projects. Additionally, students explore current issues and topics in the field of psychology. Students complete their professional portfolios and prepare for employment and/or graduate school after graduation.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.