The B.S. in Psychology at WCU provides students with a strong foundation in human
behavior, mental processes, and research methods.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practice, and hands-on learning.
Students gain practical experience through research, internships, and applied projects.
What You'll Learn
After completing foundational courses such as research design and analysis, students
select courses that align with their career goals. They may study child development
or forensic psychology in courses selected to fulfill course requirements in developmental
psychology, personality and social psychology, biological bases of behavior, learning
and cognition, and applications in psychology. Faculty members encourage students
to conduct research and discuss psychology trends and methods at a monthly research
colloquium. WCU’s Psi Chi and Psychology Club coordinates social and service activities,
and the department periodically offers travel courses. Students often complement their
studies with a second major or minor.
Where You'll Go
Graduates interested in working in the field of psychology typically pursue graduate
degrees in counseling or psychology to obtain research positions or become licensed
to provide clinical or mental health services. Psychologists work in independent practices
and at hospitals and healthcare facilities, substance abuse treatment clinics, social
service agencies, schools and universities, government agencies, and nonprofit and
social service organizations. Graduates who complete WCU's Master of Arts in Psychology
with a focus on clinical practice have gone on to doctoral programs in states from
Texas to New York, and most, if not all students, who completed the degree but did
not continue their studies were successful in obtaining licensure as a psychological
associate or finding jobs in research settings.
Students in WCU’s baccalaureate psychology program scientifically approach the study
of the mind and behavior in courses taught by faculty with expertise in clinical,
school, forensic, evolutionary and developmental psychology. The insights students
gain as well as the analytical and communication skills they acquire prepare them
for jobs ranging from human resources to case management positions. Students also
go on to pursue advanced degrees necessary to become school counselors, researchers
or clinicians who provide counseling or mental health services. Discover more about the College of Education & Allied Professions and explore all available programs.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions, Department of Psychology
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full and Part-Time
Time to Complete:
120 B.S. – 4 Year Average
Credits:
120 Credit Hours
App Deadline:
Admission through general WCU undergraduate enrollment — meet with a Psychology adviser
as early as possible to plan your major courses and electives.
More About Our Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program
Coursework covers biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, preparing
graduates for careers in mental health, education, and research, or for graduate study
in psychology-related fields.
Students build foundational skills in research, assessment, and applied psychology.
Hands-on experience through internships and faculty-led research projects ensures
graduates are prepared for professional work or graduate study.
At WCU’s CEAP, you combine rigorous coursework with real-world application. State-of-the-art
labs, clinics, and regional partnerships allow you to gain hands-on experience while
developing leadership and research skills.
Applied experiences, including research projects and internships, allow students to
develop professional competencies while engaging in real-world settings. Students
gain critical experience in assessment, intervention, and psychological research.
