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Psychology Department

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Psychology Department

Dr. Mary Stone, Department Chair

The Psychology major is designed to provide the knowledge and skills related to the scientific study of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. In keeping with the liberal arts tradition, the Psychology major emphasizes developing students' awareness of ethical issues, as well as the development of their personal value systems.

The Psychology curriculum seeks to inform students that psychology is a science with a variety of techniques and research methods. Required coursework is structured to include experiences in conducting research, as well as exposure to an array of contemporary theories in a variety of psychological fields. Students are encouraged to combine electives to form a thematic concentration that is personally and professionally meaningful. During the senior year, students take a liberal arts and psychology major capstone course, History and Systems of Psychology. Students also engage in required fieldwork designed to allow them to experience psychology in the working world, as well as to clarify their career goals.

The Psychology faculty is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. During students' academic career, they will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty members on research projects. Students can also participate in community service through the Psychology Club and other campus organizations. Students who excel academically may apply to join the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology or enter one of Marist's Psychology graduate programs early while completing their undergraduate degree.

The Psychology major prepares students for entry-level employment in the field of psychology and for advanced graduate education. Marist Psychology provides graduate studies in counseling, education, and school psychology. Students can also earn a double major in psychology and criminal justice in four years. Because psychology examines how and why people act, think, and feel, the Psychology major (or minor) is particularly useful when combined with other disciplines such as elementary/special education teacher training, criminal justice, communication, business, pre-medicine, and pre-law.