The department of Psychology offers two courses that are included in the general education program at Missouri State University. The overall aim of general education is to develop people capable of making thoughtful choices that lead to creative and productive lives and to responsible participation in society. Each course that is in the general education program promotes a common set of general education objectives. Students must complete the general education requirements (43-51 hours) with a cumulative 2.0 grade point average in order to graduate. General education courses may not be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis. For more information on the general education requirements and program see http://www.missouristate.edu/GeneralEducation/3Areas.htm.

The general education program has three major components: Basic Required Courses, Areas of Inquiry (including Natural World, Culture and Society, and Self-Understanding), and Public Affairs. Introductory Psychology (PSY 121) and Psychology for Personal Growth (PSY 101) are both courses that fall under the Self-Understanding Area of Inquiry component of general education, in the social/behavioral perspective. Unlike PSY 121, PSY 101 will not count toward a major or minor in Psychology.

Both PSY 121 and PSY 101 have an identified set of course goals that are targeted by all instructors. These course goals may be found in each syllabus. The course goals are also linked to the specific goals and aims of the general education program. The tables found on the course links identify the relationship between course goals and general education goals.