Psychology

Department Chair

  • Tom Swan
    Associate Professor of Psychology
    Roger Bacon 426
    (518) 782-6569
    tswan@siena.edu

Mission and Goals

 Mission and Goals of the Psychology Department

The Psychology Department is committed to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.  As both a science and a profession, psychology incorporates theories and principles based on empirical investigation to describe and predict behavior, to solve practical problems, and to promote human welfare.  The Psychology Department offers a scientific perspective on human diversity, encourages self-knowledge, and helps students to develop critical thinking and communication skills in the tradition of a liberal arts and sciences.  Psychology students are encouraged to use ethical and psychological understanding to promote a world that is more just, peaceful, and humane.  

The Psychology program provides students with a solid foundation for entry into graduate programs leading to careers in academic and professional psychology.  The study of psychology also provides excellent background for careers in other fields such as education, law, business, and the health-care professions.  [Revised and updated April 2009]

Psychology Department Learning Goals

  1. Students will acquire familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  2. Students will respect and use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and scientific approaches to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
  3. Students will write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.
  4. Student will reflect on and develop insights into their own and others' behavior and mental processes and apply strategies of self-improvement.
  5. Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural diversity and the dignity of individuals.  Students will also demonstrate a reverence for creation.  They will develop a worldview that recognizes the benefits of sustaining our natural and social worlds.
  6. Students will use ethical and psychological understanding to promote a world that is more just, peaceable, and humane