Program Overview

The psychology program welcomes all those interested in learning about human behavior and how it is studied. The B.S. in psychology provides students with broad exposure to various topical areas in psychology and allows students the flexibility to choose courses based on their interests within psychology. Students must complete a set of core requirements, all of which are rigorous and grounded in the principles and methods of basic science. Beyond these core courses, however, students have a great deal of choice in the kinds of academic experiences they have. Students may also take part in the Student Career Internship Program to obtain hands-on experience in a field of the student’s choice, or they may enroll in our Undergraduate Research course that allows them to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty member. Students of psychology at High Point University can expect to receive individualized attention from faculty members and the freedom to pursue their long-term goals in a supportive and flexible academic environment.

Our program of study is designed to prepare students for a variety of post graduation options, including employment in business, human services, personnel offices, graduate school, and professional fields such as law, business, medicine, education and sub areas of psychology including clinical, developmental, counseling, social, cognitive, and industrial/organizational psychology. All students should consider their career options early in their academic program and seek appropriate information and resources from the psychology faculty and the University Career Development Center.

Psychology majors at High Point University receive more than just a solid education. They also receive practical training through their research, internships and participation in professional meetings. Many of our graduates are currently pursuing masters and/or doctoral degrees in:

• Neuroscience

• Social Psychology

• Social Work

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Clinical Psychology

• Cognitive Psychology

• Communication

• School Psychology

• School Counseling

Some graduates go on to work as Mental Health Support Specialists or to provide care and mental health services for those in residential and group homes. Other graduates are employed by school systems or are pursuing management in national organizations.

Psychology courses provide students with training in critical thinking and analytic skills. Our program provides students with a range of skills and abilities including, a broad knowledge base in psychology, research methods and statistical skills, thinking and problem solving skills,  information acquisition and synthesis skills, computer literacy, communication and intrapersonal skills, and adaptability.

The Most Desirable Qualities in Prospective Employees

(Appleby, 2000; Edwards & Smith, 1988; Grocer & Kohout, 1997; Landrum, Davis, & Landrum, 2000; Lloyd & Kennedy, 1997; Sheetz, 1995; National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2000)

1.  Communication Skills: Writing, public speaking, and social skills
2. Motivation/Influence: Commitment to lifelong learning, ability to meet challenges
3. Teamwork Skills: Ability to work with others
4. Leadership Abilities: Ability to lead groups, communicate, and work effectively with others
5. GPA/Academic Skills: Broad education, good grades
6. Interpersonal Skills: Interacts well with others, has social skills
7. Flexibility/Adaptability: Can cope with change and tolerate stress
8. Technical Skills: Computer skills, internet skills
9. Honesty/Integrity: Ethics, personal responsibility
10. Analytic/Problem Solving Skills: Reasoning and thinking abilities

Qualities of Psychology Graduates

•  Knowledge of Psychology

Psychology is a very broad field encompassing subfields of biology, development, perception, cognition, personality, and others. An undergraduate education in psychology provides an understanding of the major facts, theories, and issues in the discipline. A Bachelor’s degree serves as a base for a lifetime of learning about human behavior.

• Research Methods & Statistical Skills

Psychology students begin by asking questions about human behavior and become familiar with research methods used to answer these questions. They develop a basic understanding of research design, ethics, and analysis and interpretation of data.

• Thinking & Problem Solving Skills

Students are exposed to a diverse set of perspectives within psychology. This exposure trains them to think flexibly and to accept some level of ambiguity. Psychology students acquire skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and evaluation.

• Information Acquisition & Synthesis Skills

Psychology is a continuously changing field. Students learn how to use a range of sources to gather information and synthesize it coherently.

• Communication & Intrapersonal Skills

Psychology students are exposed to research on variety of issues such as culture, race, class, and ethnicity that allow them to become aware of, and sensitive to, others. They develop intrapersonal awareness and are able to monitor and manage their own behavior.

• Computer Literacy

Psychology students develop familiarity with a wide variety of computer programs. They can effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical analysis software.

• Reading & Writing Skills

Psychology students develop reading, writing, and presentation skills required for effective written and oral communication. They are able to structure coherent arguments for a variety of situations.

• Adaptability

Psychology students quickly learn that there is no perfect experiment exists. They learn how to design the best research study possible and to adapt to changing demands on the way.

Helpful Websites

http://careersinpsychology.org/

http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/index.aspx

http://www.psichi.org/

Helpful Books

Kuther, K.L. (2011). The psychology major’s handbook (3^rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Kuther, T.L., & Morgan, R.D. (2012). Careers in psychology: Opportunities in a changing world (4^th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage.

Kuther, T.L. (2006). Your career in psychology: Clinical and counseling psychology. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Kuther, T.L. (2005). Your career in psychology: Industrial/organizational psychology. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Kuther, T.L. (2004). Your career in psychology: Psychology and the law. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Psychology (44 credits):