About

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. In the health professions, it has become typical for medical doctors, psychologists and allied health professionals to practice integrated medicine, in which they work together in treating patients.  In response to this shift, medical college admissions tests include more questions regarding behavioral medicine. That is why pursuing Appalachian State University’s Psychology (BS) - Health Studies degree is an ideal fit for someone wanting to pursue a career in a health-related field. Courses within this degree include classes in psychology, biology and exercise science.

A majority of students in the Psychology (BS) - Health Studies degree are pursuing a healthcare career. Many aim to study clinical psychology at the graduate level, because of Appalachian’s Masters of Arts program in Clinical Psychology and because of the Department of Psychology’s strong core of faculty with clinical psychology research and applied interests. Faculty members often include undergraduate and graduate students in their research labs, giving undergraduate students a chance to participate in research.  The department also houses a psychology clinic, operated by faculty and students, that provides assessment and psychotherapy services to individuals in the 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, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other allied health professions.  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

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Denise Martz

  Dr. Martz has devoted her research to women’s health, including fat talk and body image.

  Meet more faculty

• 

  Alumna Profile: Courtney Smith ’09 ’12

  When alumna Courtney Smith decided to enter a clinical psychology doctoral program, she felt more than ready because of her Appalachian education.

Related Programs

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

Minors

A minor is not required but is possible to complete within the Health Studies 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

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Along with faculty-led study abroad programs, the Department of Psychology offers a study abroad program through Keele University in England.

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.