A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROVIDES A BROAD, YET THOROUGH, UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISCIPLINE OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Department of Psychology teaches research and writing skills, problem-solving skills and well-developed, higher-level thinking ability for analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. Psychology graduates find jobs in human services, administration, public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, health, the biological sciences and computer programming. They become guidance counselors, substance use and disorder counselors, clinical psychologists, community organizers, and business managers.

All students pursuing a psychology degree begin by taking an introduction to the field, then learn the fundamentals of research methods and statistics. This advances into courses and experiences that provide both breadth and depth to knowledge of the entire field and skills needed in the workforce.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Psychology students are strongly encouraged to work with a professor on directed readings, original experimental or survey research, applied internships, or special-interest projects.

Senior psychology majors who have taken Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 351) and Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy (PSYC 401) can apply for a Human Services internship. Interns receive credit for working at an unpaid placement for six hours a week at various community agencies including school psychology and guidance departments, shelters for women who have been abused, counseling centers, group homes for at-risk youth, ABA therapy sites, or halfway houses for parolees.

Experiential Learning Opportunities in Psychology:

• Internships – Our internships occur at various community agencies including school psychology and guidance departments, shelters for abused women, alcohol treatment programs, and group homes. Typically, we place 15 students per term in internships. Students apply around the 8th week preceding the term in which they wish to complete an internship. Interns receive PSYC 494 Human Services Internship credit for working at an unpaid placement for 6 hours a week. Interns must also attend a weekly course, PSYC 495 (Human Services Internship Seminar), where they discuss ethical issues and issues common to all placements.
  
• Research and Independent Study – One of the most enriching experiences you can have as a psychology major or minor is involvement in research. Your involvement in research can occur at several different levels, depending on the faculty member supervising the research:  
  – Volunteer to assist a faculty member with a project that is being conducted. (No course credit.)  
  – You can become an integral part of the research study design and implementation, gaining course credit in the process (PSYC 399).  
  – Or, design a study of your own and, with a faculty member supervising your project, gain course credit (PSYC 399).
  
• Study Abroad – Join our travel experience in Europe to broaden your understanding of the roots of psychology, as it truly began. Students will gain a global historical perspective and knowledge of how different psychological cultures greatly impacted our study of psychology, in this rewarding study abroad program.

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

The Psychology Club is a recognized student organization open to all students. The social club meets at least monthly, and organizes speakers, programs, field trips and other activities of interest to psychology students. Our newest student organization is the Neuroscience Club. Speakers in the field will be invited to share experiences with students in efforts to expand this area of study on our campus. Outstanding psychology students are eligible for membership in UWSP’s International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is a recognized student organization whose membership is open to psychology majors and minors who have completed at least 13 hours of psychology, have reached at least junior status, have at least a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.3 GPA in psychology courses. Our students can also join NAMI, offering program resources for students on campus and working on community outreach efforts on behalf of those who are experiencing mental health issues.

More opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).

MEET YOUR FACULTY

The Department of Psychology has 13 full-time faculty members representing the major sub-disciplines of psychology: biological, clinical/counseling, cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational and social psychology. Meet your professors!

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