Psychology majors at Mount St. Joseph University investigate human behavior and mental processes in a discipline that employers value.
The psychology program provides excellent preparation for careers in mental health, child development, psychological research, human resources, education and more. This major is also a strong choice for students who plan to pursue graduate school in psychology or related fields, such as law, social work or physical therapy. The major focuses on the theories, research techniques, and applications of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, as we emphasize development of critical thinking and research skills.
Award-Winning Students and Faculty
Dr. Tim Lawson was recently recognized as one of the top psychology professors in country, winning the Robert S. Daniel Teaching Excellence Award from American Psychological Association. In addition, our faculty have earned numerous university-wide and statewide awards for teaching excellence and distinguished scholarship. Our program has produced many award-winning students as well. Since 1998, ten of our seniors have won regional and national Psi Chi (the national honor society in psychology) awards for presenting exceptional research at professional conferences--that's more than any other area college or university.
Featured Courses:
The program consists of 51 credit hours in courses such as:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Lifespan Development
- Cognition and Memory
- Research I and II
- Social Psychology.
Career Potential:
A survey of our recent psychology graduates showed that 100% of them had either obtained full-time employment or were pursuing graduate study.
Our psychology graduates have had incredible success in graduate school and in a variety of bachelors-degree careers, including:
- Mental health specialist
- Therapeutic service provider
- Clinical research coordinator
- Children's center supervisor
- Pretrial officer
- Human resources manager
- Boys and girls club director
- Professional recruiter
Students have pursued graduate degrees in clinical, school, and developmental psychology, as well as social work, law, and physical therapy. Visit our Alumni Careers webpage to see examples of our graduates’ careers.
Hands-On Experience
Students gain valuable experience with the Mount’s extensive cooperative education and internship programs. Many students receive job offers as a result of their co-op experiences. Gain valuable experience and earn money with the Mount’s extensive cooperative education program. Co-op placements have included:
- Assisting with group counseling in community mental health agencies
- Coordinating clinical research in local hospitals
- Providing education and support to children with developmental disabilities.
In our Senior Thesis course, students get to design and conduct their own research project, which they can present at a professional psychology conference where they can meet researchers from across the country and the world. This experience gives our students a competitive advantage when they apply for jobs or graduate school. For an example of a thesis project, see Taylor Weber describe her project.
Health Professions Tracks
Psychology majors have the option of tailoring their coursework to pursue a variety of health professions other than traditional mental health professions, including the following (NOTE: These careers require specific prerequisite courses outside the psychology major as well as training beyond the bachelor’s degree)
- Primary Care/Health Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Public Health Professional
Alumni Profile:
Dr. Debra Reisinger is Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics with a joint appointment in the Division of Child Development at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Children's Hospital Child Development Center. She obtained her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and she completed an internship at the prestigious Kennedy Krieger Institute and a postdoctoral fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She is known for her research on neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, fragile X syndrome). Dr. Reisinger believes the Mount's psychology program continuously challenged, inspired, and guided her toward her current career path in psychology. She says “the faculty were exceptionally supportive and knowledgeable,” and that she was able to develop excellent research, clinical, and practical skills in her classes, co-op, and practicum at the Mount.
News and Updates
Stay up to date with the most recent psychology program news and events; visit the Department of Psychology page.
Like what you see? Learn more by coming to visit us.
Visit our financial aid page to learn your options for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Additional Resources
Tim Lawson
Chair, Professor
Jim Bodle
Professor
Tracy McDonough
Professor
Kory Phelps
Instructor
Debra Reisinger
Adjunct Faculty
academics/majors-minors-and-programs/2020-2021-rate-sheet.pdf
View a complete listing of tuition, fees, and other costs associated with undergraduate study at the University.
files/2019-2020_UNDERGRAD_Rate_Sheet_V2-1.pdf
View a complete listing of tuition, fees, and other costs associated with undergraduate study at the University.
academics/majors-minors-and-programs/Psychology-Curriculum-Guide-1.31.19.pdf
*Subject to change