Psychology is the scientific study of individual human and animal behavior. A student of Psychology can expect to investigate the following topics: learning, motivation, social influences, perception, cognition, neuroscience, human development, personality, and abnormal behavior. The study of psychology also involves learning how psychologists work, including the areas of experimental methods, statistical analysis, and clinical psychology. From the basic courses to the more advanced, students achieve a greater understanding of themselves and others that will serve them well in their relationships and in any careers they may pursue.
In addition to the basic skills in writing, critical thinking, and use of technology expected of all Western students, Psychology majors will have the opportunity to be involved in laboratory work. As students advance in their experience and knowledge, they can become involved in individual projects under faculty supervision in the biofeedback laboratory, animal laboratory, or sleep laboratory. There are also internship opportunities available outside the classroom with programs for at-risk children, in domestic violence advocacy, at the local probation departments, and in other social service agencies statewide and nationally.
Many careers in psychology require a graduate degree. The Psychology Major at Western provides excellent preparation for graduate study. Students interested in applied psychological careers are encouraged to pursue the Clinical, Counseling and School Psychology Emphasis, while those interested in research, teaching or experimental psychology careers should complete the General Psychology or Biopsychology Emphases. The Personnel Management Emphasis and the Law Enforcement Emphasis are appropriate for those who expect to begin their careers directly after graduation from Western.
All emphases except Biopsychology require a minor in another discipline. Both the Law Enforcement Emphasis and the Personnel Management Emphasis are interdisciplinary programs consisting of 39 credits. The Biopsychology Emphasis is designed for the student who is interested in a comprehensive understanding of the biological aspects of behavior and who intends to pursue the study of neuroscience at the graduate level. It is an interdisciplinary approach, consisting of a minimum of 59 credits.