Northwestern State Department of Psychology completes external review

2009-07-03 05:53:13 - The external review that examined curricula, resources, faculty credentials and how the department assesses goals and objectives.

NATCHITOCHES- Northwestern State University’s Department of Psychology has completed an external review that examined curricula, resources, faculty credentials and how the department assesses goals and objectives. The review also examined the number of students who go on to post graduate and doctoral programs. Dr. Randolph Smith of Lamar University conducted the review. The department was previously reviewed in 2000.

“The goal of any program review is to make certain that we are staying current and offering the best education in psychology to our students so that they are prepared for and are competitive in the job market and graduate education,” said Dr. Cynthia Lindsey, department chair. “The psychology faculty conducts regular informal review of our program in comparison to psychology programs at similar universities as well as to the American Psychological Association’s recommendations for undergraduate psychology programs.”

NSU’s Department of Psychology offers undergraduate degrees in psychology and addiction studies, Louisiana’s first on-line bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in clinical psychology. Also available within the degree program requirements are concentrations in substance abuse counseling and prevention specialist that meet the academic requirements towards certification by the Louisiana State Board. The master’s program in clinical psychology was accredited for 10 years in 2002 by the Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council.

The review found the NSU programs and curricula consistent with other programs nationwide and noted that NSU’s programs ensure that students complete courses with both research and applied backgrounds. The department requirements are higher than average because of the degrees that offer specializations.

“A positive aspect of the curriculum is that there is a wide variety of courses offered, which gives students ample opportunities to sample advanced topics in the discipline other than merely the standard areas,” the report stated. The department was commended for offering the course Psychology as a Profession to help majors with issues relating to the unique features of a psychology major.

Smith recommended the inclusion of a course in cognitive psychology and praised the graduate and undergraduate administration. He commended the department’s success in linking its goals and outcomes to those outlined by the American Psychological Association and recommended the department bring those goals into alignment with the university’s Continuous Improvement Plan. He noted that the psychology faculty are particularly dedicated to teaching and service.

“It is beneficial to have an external reviewer, especially one of Dr. Smith’s caliber, evaluate our program objectively with his knowledge and understanding of the field of psychology, the goals for teaching psychology and the best practices for reaching those goals,” Lindsey said. “He offered great ideas to enhance the program and it was rewarding for him to recognize the faculty as a strength of the department because of their commitment to the students and to teaching. I am proud of this faculty and staff and our program.”

“The University takes the process of review and the results very seriously,” said NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. “We will support the department in addressing the recommendations identified in the external review.” Improvements in the department will be addressed as resources allow.