Psychology

Major / Minor

The Psychology major teaches students to employ scientific methods in laboratory and field settings to learn about behavior and the variables that affect it, in preparation for graduate programs, professional and medical schools, and/or careers in psychology or related fields. Psychologists study behavior from a wide range of perspectives that include social, clinical, physiological, developmental, organizational, and cognitive psychology. The Psychology Department offers a variety of experiences that facilitate our majors’ abilities to apply psychological content and skills to their career goals.

Students may personalize and focus their studies through an emphasis in Human Resources Management or Neuroscience. Learn more in the W&J College Catalog.

Beyond the Classroom

Students have a wide array of opportunities for research, internships, conferences, and networking beyond the classroom that give them an advantage to prepare for life after W&J.

Internships

Psychology majors have completed internships in a variety of settings including: inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers (e.g.,  Southwood Psychiatric Hospital), drug and alcohol treatment facilities (e.g., Gateway Rehab. Center), human resource departments, prisons, schools, Child Protective Services, attorneys’ offices, medical facilities and research laboratories.

Careers

Psychology majors go on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields including:

  • mental health (e.g. therapist, school psychologist, clinical social worker)
  • legal professions (e.g. forensic psychologist)
  • medical professions (e.g. occupational therapist)
  • business (e.g. human resources, marketing)
  • education (e.g., teacher, professor)

Research

  • independent study or honors projects
  • presentation of capstone, independent study, or honors projects to the campus community at the end of term poster session
  • presentation of capstone, independent study, or honors projects at undergraduate conferences
  • presentations at regional professional meetings
  • off-campus summer research experiences
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Psychology Snapshot

Beyond the Classroom

Psychology majors in excellent academic standing can connect with fellow students through W&J’s chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology. Students in our program may also be eligible for various awards, including Graduating with Departmental Honors, the Richard R. Martin Prize in Psychology, and the Scholars in Psychology.

Students have gained valuable career-readiness skills through internships with mental health treatment centers (e.g., Southwood Psychiatric Hospital), drug and alcohol treatment facilities (e.g., Gateway Rehab Center), human resources departments, schools, prisons, attorneys’ offices and more. Psychology majors can also pursue off-campus summer research experiences, presentations at regional professional meetings, and presentations of capstone, independent studies, or honors projects to the campus community and/or undergraduate conferences.

Psychology Faculty