COURSE CURRICULUM

The Psychology BS degree at the University of Southern Mississippi is structured as a 120-hour program that combines general education, core psychology training, and elective flexibility to build both academic foundation and professional preparation. Students begin with the General Education Curriculum, which includes written communication (ENG 101 and ENG 102), natural science courses with labs chosen from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or related fields, humanities courses such as philosophy, history, and religion, aesthetic values like art or music appreciation, and social and behavioral sciences where Psychology 110 is often included as an introductory requirement. Mathematics is also required, with options such as college algebra or quantitative reasoning depending on placement. Communication skills are further developed through a speaking-intensive course like public speaking, while research and critical thinking are emphasized through writing-intensive coursework in the major. The Psychology curriculum itself includes foundational courses such as General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience, ensuring students gain a broad understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and biological influences. Students also take specialized courses in statistics and research methods, which are essential for interpreting data and conducting scientific psychological research. A key requirement is the capstone senior seminar, which integrates knowledge gained throughout the degree. In addition, students must complete a set of psychology electives (27 hours), allowing them to focus on specific interests such as clinical psychology, mental health, or applied behavioral studies. Some programs also include orientation and career development courses that help students understand opportunities in psychology and prepare for graduate study or employment. Overall, the degree is designed to balance scientific training, research skills, and applied psychological knowledge, preparing students for careers in mental health, counseling, research, education, or further graduate-level study in psychology and related fields.The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is a 120-credit undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in improving community and population health through education, prevention, policy development, and healthcare system management. The degree begins with a structured General Education Curriculum that builds essential academic foundations in written communication, natural sciences, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, and communication skills. Students complete ENG 101 and ENG 102 for writing proficiency, select two science courses with laboratory components from areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or environmental science, and take humanities courses that may include philosophy, history, religion, or literature to develop critical thinking and cultural awareness. Social and behavioral sciences introduce students to fields like psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology, while mathematics requirements ensure analytical and quantitative competency through college algebra or higher-level math depending on placement. Communication skills are further strengthened through speaking-intensive coursework, which prepares students for professional interaction in health-related environments. Within the major curriculum, students complete approximately 45 credit hours of core public health courses that provide both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. These include foundational courses such as Introduction to Public Health, Personal Wellness, and Community Health, along with specialized subjects like Environmental Health, Health Education Foundations, Health Policy, Health Systems, and Health Administration. Students also study Epidemiology and Biostatistics, which are critical for analyzing disease patterns, interpreting health data, and designing evidence-based interventions. Additional coursework focuses on measurement, evaluation, and disease prevention strategies for both communicable and chronic conditions. A required practicum gives students real-world experience in public health settings, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to professional practice. The program also includes a writing-intensive course in public health communication and a senior capstone in community health education planning, which integrates learning from across the degree. Students must also meet upper-level course requirements and residency standards. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in government health agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and community health programs, or for advanced study in public health, medicine, or healthcare administration by combining scientific understanding, policy knowledge, and practical field experience into a comprehensive academic framework.The Bachelor of Science degree program in Recreational Therapy is designed to prepare students for professional practice as therapeutic recreation specialists in clinical, residential, and community-based settings, where they support individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social limitations through structured leisure and activity-based interventions. The program emphasizes the development of practical and theoretical knowledge in human health, psychology, and recreation services, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of clients across different age groups and disability conditions. Students gain competencies in assessment, program planning, documentation, leadership, and inclusive practice while also building strong foundations in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology. A key feature of the program is the preparation for national certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, which enhances professional credibility and employment opportunities in the field. The curriculum includes general education courses in written communication, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and speaking-intensive requirements, along with major-specific coursework such as leisure and recreation in society, adapted activities, recreational therapy programming, and professional ethics. Students also complete additional requirements in areas like medical terminology, first aid, developmental psychology, mental health, and statistics or applied computing, ensuring both scientific understanding and applied skill development. A major component of the degree is experiential learning, including practicum experiences and a substantial 12-hour internship that serves as the capstone, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world therapeutic environments. Elective options further allow specialization in areas such as counseling, behavioral interventions, social psychology, and healthcare administration. Overall, the program is structured to produce competent, ethical, and adaptable professionals capable of improving quality of life for individuals through evidence-based recreational and therapeutic practices while contributing meaningfully to healthcare and community wellness systems.The Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education is designed to prepare students for professional teaching careers in grades 7–12 by combining strong academic preparation in subject content areas with rigorous training in pedagogy, classroom management, and educational practice. The program ensures that graduates are equipped to meet the demands of modern secondary schools by developing competencies in instructional planning, curriculum design, literacy across content areas, student assessment, educational technology integration, and inclusive education strategies that address diverse learner needs and abilities. Students select a specialized content endorsement area such as English, mathematics, science (including biology, chemistry, or physics), or social studies, and complete focused coursework in that discipline to build deep subject-matter expertise and confidence in teaching subject-specific concepts. Alongside academic training, students engage in foundational education courses that explore adolescent development, learning psychology, classroom behavior management, exceptional learners, and contemporary issues in education, all of which strengthen their ability to respond effectively to real classroom challenges. A major component of the program is extensive clinical experience, including structured practicum and residency placements in secondary schools where students progressively transition from observing experienced teachers to planning and delivering instruction independently under professional supervision and mentorship. These experiences culminate in a two-part teaching residency and seminar sequence that serves as the capstone of the degree, allowing students to demonstrate readiness for independent classroom instruction and professional certification standards. The program also includes general education requirements in written communication, natural sciences, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, speaking-intensive coursework, and writing-intensive coursework to ensure well-rounded intellectual and professional development. Emphasis is also placed on communication skills, ethical responsibility, reflective teaching practice, and continuous professional growth. Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates are eligible to apply for a 5-year Standard Educator License in Secondary Education (grades 7–12) with certification in their chosen subject area, enabling them to teach in public or private school systems. Overall, the program aims to produce competent, adaptable, reflective, and professionally licensed educators who can effectively support adolescent learning, promote academic achievement, and contribute meaningfully to the educational development of future generations while meeting evolving educational standards and workforce needs.