Undergraduate Psychology

About the Psychology Program

The psychology program at Slippery Rock University provides students with a unique educational opportunity to build future career skills through research, community work, and specialized training. Our department is sought by students who want all of the opportunities without sacrificing personal attention. Students are introduced to a broad range of topics in the field of psychology through study in our core courses emphasizing abnormal, developmental and social psychology; perception, learning and cognition; and behavioral neuroscience.

Students learn a range of skills that make them career ready, which are continually enhanced through activities inside and outside of the classroom and through high-impact teaching practices. As we work to enhance the personal, academic and professional growth of every student, our graduates further promote the well-being of others in their communities, schools and hospitals. Students can choose a general track or a concentration leading to a career in counseling or developmental psychology, neuroscience, student affairs, physician assistant studies or occupational therapy.

What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?

Psychology is broadly the study of human and animal behavior and its application to the prediction and modification of activities across a wide range of settings, including the alleviation of human suffering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in psychology is occurring at a rate of 14 percent, which is faster than the national average. Areas poised for major growth include clinical/counseling, developmental, industrial/organizational psychology, and neuroscience.

Psychology majors are employed in fields such as human services, education, social services, criminal justice, healthcare and management. The undergraduate major in psychology prepares you to enter all of these fields, including professional study beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Why Choose a Psychology Degree?

• Experienced faculty
  Students will be taught by full-time faculty members, not graduate assistants, who are experts in their field and bring real-life examples to the classroom.
• Research experience
  There are numerous opportunities for students to work closely with faculty conducting research on a wide variety of contemporary topics. Student-faculty research is a cornerstone of psychology and is strongly encouraged within the department.
• Service and leadership
  Students are engaged in service and leadership to explore their interests, develop skills and build professional networks. Several active student organizations are housed within the department and enable students to build strong connections with faculty and other students.
• Future success
  You will be well prepared for employment and entrance to graduate programs following the bachelor’s degree. Our graduates have numerous job opportunities and gain entrance to graduate programs at a rate higher than the national average for psychology.
• Support and Guidance
  Every student is advised by a regular, full-time faculty member who will assist you with your academic and career goals throughout your education.