Psychology Department

PSU Names Students to Spring 2010 President’s List

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:20:03 +0000

PSU Names Students to Spring 2010 Dean’s List

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:19:29 +0000

PSU Names Students to Fall 2009 President’s List

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:18:26 +0000

What marketable skills does a degree in psychology offer?

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:03:40 +0000

Psychology is distinctive in that it equips its graduates with an extremely rich and diverse portfolio while providing a variety of forms of expertise which can prepare psychology graduates to undertake many different types of work. For example, specific skills include:

Literacy: clear, concise writing
Numeracy: analyzing, interpreting data
Computer literacy: word processing, data analysis
Information-finding skills: using databases
Research skills: expertise in gathering information about human/animal behavior
Measurement skills: psychometric measurement, questionnaire design
Environmental awareness: knowledge of how the environment can influence social behavior
Interpersonal awareness: understanding of the self, interaction with others
Problem-solving skills: apply different strategies and approaches to understanding problems
Critical evaluation: evaluate theories and arguments
Perspectives: ability to examine issues from multiple points of view

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology?

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:02:58 +0000

The B.A. in Psychology is a liberal arts major that provides broad exposure to the history, theories, research methods and practical applications of contemporary psychology. The B.A.’s relative flexibility lets you pursue courses both within and beyond the discipline. The B.A. requires a foreign language and a capstone experience such as an advanced seminar, independent research or an applied internship.

The B.S. in Psychology is more specialized with an added emphasis in mental health or developmental psychology. For example, for the B.S. in Psychology–Mental Health Option, students take specialized courses in Community Mental Health and Techniques of Psychotherapy, and complete a practicum in a mental health setting. For the B.S. in Psychology–Developmental Option, students take specialized courses focusing on developmental issues across the lifespan such as Prenatal and Infant Development, Adolescent Psychology and Adulthood and Aging. In addition, students complete an internship in an applied setting. There is no foreign language requirement for the B.S.

What do graduate schools look for when admitting students?

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:00:34 +0000

Most graduate programs are looking for applicants with strong academic standing who possess a wide range of personal characteristics, acquired skills and intellectual abilities. Specifically, the important characteristics are:

Personal Characteristics

Motivated and hardworking
Emotionally stable and mature
Capable of working well with others
Strong character and integrity
intellectually independent
Possess leadership ability

Acquired Skills

Research
Writing
Speaking
Computer

Intellectual Abilities

Creativity
Strong area of knowledge
Capable of analytical thought

To pursue a graduate degree, students should make a concerted effort to work closely with a faculty member, develop these specific skills and abilities (e.g., learn SPSS, take public speaking and writing courses), conduct their own independent research, and/or complete an undergraduate practicum.

To what graduate schools should I apply?

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:59:53 +0000

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. There are several career options for psychologists, including clinical (therapist of some sort), applied (industrial/organizational) and experimental. Of course, some of our majors continue their education in other areas (see above). If you are interested in furthering your education in psychology but are not interested in working in a clinical setting you should look for an experimental or applied graduate program.

Experimental. These programs generally prepare you for a career in higher education, which involves teaching, conducting research and advising students.
Applied. Applied fields include areas such as industrial and organizational psychology (I-O psych.). The focus of industrial and organizational psychology is on human resource research in employee selection, training, related aspects of individual differences and organizational behavior..
Clinical. Many people think the only way to be a therapist is to get a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. This is only one option. It is the most difficult option and, for many students, it is unrealistic. In fact, it is easier to get into medical school than it is to get into a clinical Ph.D. program. To become a therapist, a better option might be: masters in social work (M.S.W.), masters in counseling psychology, or a Psy.D. program.

Dr. Brian Healy

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:56:27 +0000

Dr. Brian Healy studied brain hemispheric lateralization in the expression of emotion, and has just published at article on the relationship between personality, anxiety and attention.

Dr. Paul Fedorchak

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:55:48 +0000

Dr. Paul Fedorchak chairperson, has a publication record in the development of conditioned eating preferences in rats, and is active debunking quack phenomena such as ESP and divining.

Dr. David Zehr

Bridget — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:52:35 +0000

Dr. David Zehr is an expert in cognitive processes, is very active introducing evolutionary psychology into the curriculum, and is well published in the journal Teaching of Psychology.