伍斯特州立學(xué)院

Psychology courses acquaint students with basic principles of learning, motivation, development, and interpersonal relationships, providing a foundation for effective living and a background for a variety of career opportunities. The major provides students with a wide range of marketable and graduate study skills that include interpersonal awareness, problem-solving, research, and computer literacy.

Baccalaureate degree holders are prepared for entry level positions in a broad range of areas including health and social services, mental health, organizational leadership and management, community relations, education, human resources, program development, public affairs, social science research, and programs for women. Psychology is recognized in Massachusetts as a certificate academic major for Early Childhood and Elementary Education students. Those who major in psychology are able to develop an expertise in one of the Department's areas of concentration: Mental Health Services, or Developmental Process. Those with bachelor's degrees in psychology work in the same fields as do psychologists with graduate degrees. Some of the department's alumni: Counsel or teach people in group homes, nursing homes, and clinics; Are case managers in insurance companies; Plan and execute research; Help young people in juvenile courts, schools and recreational programs; Are behavior specialists; Counsel drug addicts and victims of abuse.

The department provides solid preparation for graduate work in psychology by helping students develop specializations and providing opportunities for the development of excellent research skills. The department offers an HONORS program and an internship program and operates a state-of-the-art computer laboratory. Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, is available to outstanding students who major in the discipline.

The minor program offers an opportunity for students wishing to develop a core understanding of psychology. The minor is not meant for students whose primary interest is the study of psychology; instead, it is a complement to other fields of study where knowledge of psychology and its methods would be beneficial.

This concentration provides background for students planning careers related to developmental disabilities, special education, child and adolescent services, or hospital and nursing home programs for the disabled or aging. Developmental Process is especially recommended for students in education.