Psychology

Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Not only is it an interesting discipline that helps us better understand people, but it is also crucial to workplace success. Psychology is both a science that seeks to understand and explain behavior and an applied profession that seeks to alleviate psychological problems and enhance human potential.

At SIUE, undergraduate courses in psychology acquaint students with the methods used and the knowledge gained by psychologists in their continuing efforts to understand mental processes and behavior. Students majoring in psychology study basic psychological processes that include:

Learning, cognition, and motivation
Development of behavior, personality, and coping skills from conception through old age
Human interaction in social settings
Effects of physical and psychological stress upon coping skills and mental health

What can I do with a degree in psychology?

Students earning an undergraduate degree in psychology from SIUE are well prepared to pursue a variety of public and private sector careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth among popular career choices for those majoring in psychology is expected to be strong through 2030. Job growth examples include:

Mental health counselor (23%)
Social and human services assistant (17%)
Market research analyst (22%)
Human resources specialist (10%)

For some careers, including becoming a licensed psychologist, graduate-level training is required.

Hands-on Learning

Research shows that hands-on learning experiences greatly enhance classroom learning and benefit students in many ways.

The Department of Psychology offers several opportunities to engage in these high-impact practices through different courses:

To enhance research skills, and in preparation for graduate study or employment, students often collaborate with professors in their research labs through PSYC 491 Research and Experiential Learning. In addition to conducting research studies, some students present research at psychology conferences, engage in other forms of scientific communication, or get involved in other service-learning projects. Many faculty offer the PSYC 491 experience in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program. URCA Assistants assist faculty with their research with the additional benefits of receiving university recognition for this activity and possibly a monetary stipend.
Students may also apply for internship opportunities by enrolling in PSYC 493 Field Study in Psychology. There are field study opportunities related to clinical psychology, school psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and other areas of psychology.
For those interested in obtaining teaching experience, students can take PSYC 496 Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship in Psychology. Students enrolled in PSYC 496 help an instructor teach and manage a psychology course.
All students complete a senior assignment research project before graduating. The project is either completed as part of a group in PSYC 494 Capstone Seminar in Psychology or individually as part of the Department of Psychology’s Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy.

Experiential learning beyond the classroom is also encouraged.

Psychology Club
- Students get to know others interested in psychology by participating in academic, service, and social events.
Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology)
- SIUE’s Chapter organizes opportunities for academic engagement, volunteerism, and socializing.
Black Psychology and Allies Club
- The Club offers opportunities to learn about the Black student experience in psychology.

Additional opportunities include a psychology-focused book club, graduate school boot camp, and the Psiathlon (a 5K run to raise funds for local charities).