About

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Social Science is ideal for students desiring broader study in the associated scientific fields of anthropology, sociology, criminal justice, geography and planning, philosophy and political science.

This degree’s curriculum provides a background for students who wish to pursue graduate work in a helping profession such as clinical or counseling psychology, social work or licensed professional counseling. Appalachian’s Department of Psychology has eight faculty members with PhD’s in clinical psychology who offer courses in the major (abnormal psychology, women’s health, applied behavior management, behavior change) and run research laboratories studying causes and treatments for many psychological disorders including ADHD, depression, substance abuse, obesity, eating disorders, anxiety, autism, learning disabilities and rural mental health issues.

Students will have the opportunity to learn from faculty throughout the Department of Psychology who are expert researchers and teachers. Students often participate with faculty in research projects and are encouraged to pursue an internship or a service-learning course using psychological principles to serve citizens in our local community. 

After Graduation

Employment: Psychology majors are competitive for many bachelor’s entry-level jobs because of their ability to think critically, their strong oral and written communication skills, and their tendency to be concerned by real-world problems and ability to pull from scientific literature to solve them.

Graduate school: Many students from this major pursue master’s or doctoral level graduate education in clinical psychology, counseling, law or politics.  Because these professional programs are highly competitive, students are advised to apply to many different programs in order to maintain their competitiveness.

Career Exploration website

Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association

People

• 

  Alumnus Profile: Holt Menzies ’11

  Holt Menzies applies the critical thinking and research skills he learned as a psychology major to keep pace as a freelance camera operator for network television in New York City.

• Faculty Profile: Dr. Twila Wingrove

  “My goal is to give students experiences that demonstrate how meaningful engagement in research can be.” 

  – Dr. Twila Wingrove, whose research is in developmental psychology and legal/forensic psychology  

  Meet more faculty

Related Programs

• Psychology (BA)
• Psychology (BS) - Business
• Psychology (BS) - Health Studies
• Psychology (BS) - Human Services
• Psychology (BS) - Natural Science
• Psychology (BS) - Education Studies
• Psychology (BS) - Sustainability

Minors

A minor is not required, but it is possible to complete with a Social Sciences concentration.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

• Appalachian State University Chapter of Psi Chi - A chapter the national honor society in psychology sponsored by the American Psychological Association. It is open to students who complete nine hours of psychology course and meet a cumulative GPA requirements. 
• Students in the department are involved with research presentation days and competitions through the Council on Undergraduate Research, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
• Southeastern Psychological Association - a regional psychological association affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA).

Global Learning

Admission Requirements

Must complete at least 30 credit hours of Appalachian course work and complete freshman and sophomore English in order to be admitted into the major.