Psychology - the science of understanding people, and how and why they behave - is a center stage choice among liberal arts majors. It leads to interesting careers, in counseling, education, or research. And just as important, it plays a significant role in any occupation involving management or leadership, from business to law, and also in our personal lives. There is indeed a positive relationship between career opportunity and psychological knowledge and skills.

At Shepherd University, psychology is an innovative, flexible field of study. A student’s curriculum and practical work experiences are tailored to his or her needs and career interests.

In the classroom, Shepherd students are introduced to basic research techniques, high-tech applications of psychology, and opportunities to branch out into the humanistic side of the field. They also are exposed to innovations such as expressive arts therapy, through courses including psychodrama, group therapy, art therapy, and dance movement therapy.

In practicums, our students gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. One student recently conducted research in the local Veterans Administration hospital; another assisted a Washington area physician with his work in genetics; still another worked in marketing research and public relations for the State Department of Economic Development.

Throughout their education at Shepherd, students are supervised by highly qualified individuals with extensive experience in the field. Our full-time faculty in psychology, all of whom hold doctorates, are committed first and foremost to teaching undergraduate students. In addition, Shepherd students learn from other practicing professionals throughout the region who come to campus to teach courses in their specific professional fields. For instance, clinical psychologists connected with a mental health center in the area teach courses in clinical psychology, testing and alcoholism.

Psychology at Shepherd is an exciting discipline. Striking a balance between traditional and nontraditional approaches, between practical experience and classroom learning, Shepherd is the right choice for psychology.

Shepherd University offers a program in psychology leading to the Bachelor of Arts Degree. The purpose of the psychology program includes the following:

1. To encourage the student to pursue a traditionally-oriented liberal arts curriculum as a broad educational foundation.
2. To expose the student to the nature of scientific explanation and scientific research within psychology as well as to provide a conceptual framework for understanding human behavior.
3. To provide, for the qualified student, actual experience in career settings involving teaching, research, or service work within psychology, or a combination of these (this is accomplished through the practicum program).
4. To contribute to the preparation of the student for admission to graduate school and to schools offering advanced professional certification.

In addition to a major in psychology, a student must also complete the general studies program, select a minor field of study, meet the 12-hour foreign language requirement, and include at least 45 upper-division hours in their program in order to meet graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

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Please send questions or comments about this site to Dr. Larry Z. Daily.
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