About
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Students interested in pursuing a career that focuses on the research and/or practice of educational and school psychology are attracted to Appalachian State University’s Psychology (BS) - Education Studies degree. Specifically, students who pursue this degree will gain a deeper understanding of the science of teaching and learning, as well as an appreciation of the systems and processes that shape modern education.
This degree’s curriculum provides a background for graduate work in school, educational, or counseling psychology. A majority of students in this concentration are pursuing a career in a helping/education profession and chose Appalachian because of the number of faculty in Department of Psychology with education interests and backgrounds.
Many students stay at Appalachian to pursue the Master of Arts and Specialist in School Psychology degree, which provides graduate students with the training needed to enter the field as a school psychologist. Juniors and rising seniors who are completing the Psychology (BS) - Education Studies degree are encouraged to contact School Psychology faculty to discuss options and application requirements.
After Graduation
Employment: Psychology majors are competitive for many bachelor’s entry-level jobs because of their ability to think critically, strong oral and written communication skills, and tendency to be concerned about 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 school psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, social work, counseling, higher education administration or counseling. Because these professional programs are highly competitive, students are advised to apply to many different programs in order to maintain their competitiveness.
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required, but it is possible to complete with an Education Studies concentration.
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. It is open to students who complete nine hours of psychology courses 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 in this degree will have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are expert researchers and teachers.
- The Department of Psychology has a strong core of faculty with clinical psychology interests and backgrounds.
- The department has an active internship program in which approximately 20 students participate in an internship for class credit per semester.
- 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 houses a psychology clinic, operated by faculty and students, that provides assessment and psychotherapy services to individuals in the community.
- The Department of Psychology offers four graduate degrees in clinical, school, experimental psychology, and industrial/organizational-human resources management.
- 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.
- School Psychologist
- School Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Educational Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Occupational Therapist
- Applied Behavior Analyst
- Educational Researcher
- College Counselor
- Higher Education Administration
Contacts
Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@appstate.edu
828-262-2272