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Psychology
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Psychology is a scholarly discipline, a scientific field, and a professional activity. Its overall focus is the scientific study of behavior and experience, and of the associated mental and physiological processes. As a scholarly discipline, psychology represents a major field of study in academic settings, with an emphasis on theories and principles of behavior and experience. As a science, psychology is a domain of research in which investigators analytically and systematically study behavior and experience to develop theories and principles and to understand their application to real-world situations. As a profession, psychology involves the practical application of knowledge, skills, and techniques for solving or preventing individual and social problems. The professional role is often based on the scientist-practitioner model, providing opportunities for practitioners to contribute to the science of psychology by helping to increase the field’s understanding of behavior and experience. The Psychology major is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills relevant to each of these aspects of psychology.
Psychology majors may select either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree program. The B.S. program is intended for students with a strong interest in science, and requires more coursework in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences than does the B.A. program. The Department of Psychology offers a minor for students enrolled in other academic majors.
RELATED EXPERIENCES
An honors program and opportunities for independent study are available to Psychology majors in both degree programs. Internships are also encouraged.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
A Ph.D. qualifies persons for research, clinical and counseling work, and for higher positions in colleges and universities and in federal and state programs. Indeed, to be considered a "psychologist," graduate study is needed. However, a wide variety of career opportunities exist in industry, business, and government for those who have completed a bachelor's degree. Others go on to professional schools, e.g., medical school or law school. Government jobs exist on the local, state, and federal levels, including positions concerned with civil rights, poverty, urban renewal, and social work.
Business and industry recruit students for training in management, purchasing, sales, and other specialized functions. Some occupations in which Psychology graduates are employed include: advertising executive, caseworker, child care worker, counselor, employee trainer, guidance counselor, management trainee (banking, finance, retail, etc.), marketing research analyst, mental health worker, occupational therapist, personnel administrator, psychiatric social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist, and public relations representative.