BCU-Department of Psychology

Yes! Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychology uses scientifically systematic manipulations to investigate how mental processes and human behavior operate.

What can I do in psychology?

The field of psychology is limitless in the number of things you can do. Believe it or not, only about 40% of psychologists are counselors or therapists. The rest engage in a wide variety of activities.

Some psychologists work with the government on projects to assess everything from food safety in the elderly to military application of decision support systems to training of experts in a variety of tasks (i.e., air traffic control and auditing). Other psychologists work in schools as counselors, some work in the private sector as research assistants, data analysis technicians, and even in the pharmaceutical market.

Interestingly the company that has the most number of psychologists on staff is Proctor and Gamble, over 500. These psychologists do things like market analysis, product design, product placement testing as well as product usability assessment. Thus, there are many different things one can do with a degree in psychology.

Do I have to go to graduate school?

No, you do not have to go to graduate school. A large number of people who earn an undergraduate degree in psychology do not pursue graduate studies. For a list of sample jobs one can do with a B.A., go to the Life with a B.A. page.

With that being said, there are certain occupations within the field of psychology in which a graduate degree is a necessity. Talk with our department about your career aspirations and we will guide you in the right direction.

Do I have to do research?

No, research opportunities exist for those who are interested. Now, that is not to say that doing research does not have its benefits. Whether you are pursuing a degree right out of undergrad or going to graduate school, research can be important. It provides a venue, outside of the classroom, for professors to observe you and get to know you possibly leading to stronger letters of recommendation from them. It helps students learn many valuable lessons which are important no matter your career path (i.e., time management, oral and written communication skills, etc.).

Do all of the professors in the Department of Psychology at Briar Cliff University have the same training?

Even though, we are all psychologists with Ph.D.s, the similarities end here. Each member of the department brings a different background to the curriculum here at Briar Cliff University. For more information about each of the professors, visit their webpage’s.

How do I declare psychology as my major?

If you are wanting to declare psychology as a major there are a few steps involved. First, let someone in the department know of your intentions. These people will be the ones you will most interact with over the next few years. Second, you need to acquire a Declaration of Major form from the Registrar’s office. Fill this form out and bring it to the Department of Psychology chairperson. They will sign in the appropriate places, welcome you to the department, and eventually set you up with an advisor. Finally, return the form to the registrar’s office and wait to be contacted by your new advisor.

How do I choose an advisor?

Part of the mission of the Department of Psychology is to make the atmosphere enjoyable and conducive to your learning environment. Thus, if there is a particular professor you fill comfortable with, you may choose him/her to be your advisor. You will not offend anyone if you do not choose them – you need to be comfortable with your choice. However, if you truly have no preference, then the department chair will select an advisor for you (probably based on whoever has the lowest number of advisees).

What is a good minor for a psychology major?

Again, the best minor for you depends on your career aspiration. If you plan on pursing a job in the private sector with your B.A., then a minor in business is appropriate. However, if you plan on going to graduate school, a minor in any of the sciences would be beneficial. Talk with your advisor and they will help you decide upon a minor that works best for your future goals!

How large are my classes?

Typically, your lower level classes (110, 280, etc.) will have anywhere from 30-40 people in them. However, as you move through the program, the classes begin to decrease in size. Most junior and senior level classes have 10-20 students and most IRs have under 10. This allows for great student-teacher interactions within the classroom.

Is an internship important?

Although an internship is not required, it is strongly recommended by the department. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience for people in different facets of psychology. Often times, students who complete an internship have a better understanding of their own future goals. Many times, these internships turn into a full-time position and they at least result in a strong letter of recommendation from someone outside of the university. Thus, if done with the correct intentions, an internship can be a valuable asset to one’s portfolio when leaving Briar Cliff University.