Psychology

Picture caption: Each March, academically high-performing Psychology majors are inducted into our local chapter of the international psychology honor society, Psi Chi [link to Honor Society page]. For more information about induction criteria or leadership opportunities, contact faculty advisors, Dr. Chris Terry [hyperlink to Dr. Terry’s webpage or email] or Dr. Allyson Graf [hyperlink to Dr. Graf’s webpage or email].

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. At Elmira College, the psychology major provides students with a foundation in psychology to support personal and career goals within and beyond the discipline. Majors begin with an introductory sequence—a survey of psychology as a field followed by a course in major-specific skill-building and career planning. Next, majors complete a sequence in research methodology including courses in statistics and experimental design. Finally, nearing the completion of the major, students revisit main concepts with a course in the history of psychology.

Psychology majors then select from a variety of other courses representing a breadth of areas, including experimental methods (e.g., cognitive); clinical practice (e.g., abnormal); diversity (e.g., social); and applied and integrated approaches (e.g., lifespan development). An advanced seminar in a special topic in psychology functions as a capstone to the program.

Professional careers within psychology typically require an advanced degree (a master’s or doctorate). Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including those that are clinical (e.g., counseling and psychotherapy), industrial (e.g., selecting and managing employees), and those that are educational (as school psychologists and academic researchers).

The undergraduate major in psychology at Elmira College provides an excellent base for graduate education. However, skills such as scientific hypothesis testing, cultural sensitivity, attention to multiple explanations of behavior, and working with uncertainty, are all learned in psychology courses, and are readily transferable to careers in the sciences, allied health professions, and the business world.

Visit the College Bulletin for a full listing of psychology courses and descriptions.