About
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree prepares students with a general knowledge of psychology, critical thinking skills, communication and writing skills, and data analysis – all of which can be applied to entry-level employment or graduate education. Careers are found in industrial and government agencies, business, job analysis, corrections and social service agencies.
The Psychology (BA) requires students to complete a foreign language and a minor. You 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, two opportunities that offer practical experience.
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: Students go on to receive advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, clinical psychology, experimental psychology and social work. Schools include Wake Forest, Appalachian, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC-Wilmington.
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required. Popular choices include:
- Foreign Language
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Sociology
- Statistics
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Appalachian State University Chapter of Psi Chi - A chapter of the national honor society in psychology sponsored by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is open to students who complete 9 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).
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.
Why Appalachian?
- Students at both the undergraduate and graduate level participate in research with faculty on a volunteer basis or for academic credit. Each semester, approximately 70-100 students participate in research per semester.
- The Department of Psychology offers four graduate degrees in clinical, school, experimental psychology, and industrial/organizational-human resources management.
- Students are encouraged to pursue an internship with the help of the department’s internship coordinator.
- Scholarships are available through the department.
Location
Boone and Hickory*
*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.
Careers
Some of these jobs require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- College Student Affairs Administrator
- Community and Social Service Worker
- Community Relations
- Corrections Officer
- Correctional Caseworker
- Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Counselor
- Customer Service Manager
- Employment Recruiter
- Health Educator
- Sales Representative
- Wage/Benefits Analyst
View more career possibilities
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
Contacts
Dr. Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@appstate.edu
828-262-2272