B.S.PsychologyMinorMajor

Psychology

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.

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.