Because psychology has developed as an interdisciplinary subject, historically related to philosophy and biology, it is well suited as a major for students seeking a diversified education that will advance their understanding of themselves and others. Students desiring to enter a specialty field of professional psychology that requires a master’s or doctoral degree find that the undergraduate curriculum provides thorough preparation for graduate study.
About The Program
As an interdisciplinary subject, historically related to philosophy and biology, psychology is well suited as a major for students seeking a diversified education that will advance their understanding of themselves and others. The Psychology Department offers both B.A. and B.S. degree options featuring a diversified curriculum designed to prepare students to enter a field of professional psychology requiring masters- or doctoral-level training or successfully compete for post-baccalaureate jobs requiring content-specific psychological knowledge and skills. Along with a variety of courses within core content areas from which to choose, both degree paths feature coursework aimed at providing instruction and experiences aimed at fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and professionalism.
Major: Psychology (BA, BS)
Minor: Psychology
Program Chair: Dr. Taryn Myers
College: Birdsong School of Social Science
About the Major
Students who are considering the psychology major should work closely with their academic advisers in selecting general studies and elective courses that will provide them with necessary background knowledge. Courses in the humanities and the natural sciences are particularly appropriate. To complete the requirements of the psychology major, students are encouraged to pursue independent studies and research under a faculty mentor.
The Psychology Major as Preparation for the Healthcare Professions
Students planning to enter schools of medicine, dentistry, or other healthcare fields after college can major in psychology and still have time to take essential courses in the natural sciences. Practitioners who can consider the psychological factors that contribute to their patients’ complaints and reactions to treatment often find that having this perspective improves their diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. The university’s pre-medical advisor can describe how this curricular integration can be achieved through careful planning.
Certificate Program in Childhood Studies
This interdisciplinary certificate program centers on the ideas, issues, concepts, and debates that define the study of children and childhood in the twenty-first century. Incorporating courses in the humanities and social sciences, it provides a flexible curriculum for those who want to study the child audience, creative representations of children, and children themselves.
Course Number And Title |
Sem. Hrs. |
|---|---|
Select four of the following: MC 312: The Art of Animation Additional special topics courses, designated each semester, that center on topics in childhood studies |
16 |
| Total | 16 |
Internships/Undergraduate Research
As part of our capstone experience, all psychology majors work one-on-one with a faculty member to design an independent research study, collect real data and present their results.
Psychology majors have the option of working independently in an agency, organization, department, or other applied setting that allows for hands-on application of concepts and skills developed during their coursework in psychology. Students meet together weekly to process their experiences and complete integrative final projects regarding their experiences at the end of the semester.
Beyond the Classroom
A degree in psychology from Virginia Wesleyan can take one very far. Many of our graduates have continued their education, obtaining professional degrees in law, business and education, as well as scientific and applied fields of psychology.
Psychology majors seeking employment immediately after graduation have found themselves well-positioned for a variety of careers.