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.
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
People
Courses
This degree requires students to complete psychology class requirements as well as a minimum of 21 hours of courses related to the concentration, and 15 hours of science and math requirements. The degree requirements are divided into sections:
- Introduction to Discipline classes – 3 credit hours
- Statistics class – 3-4 hours
- Research methods class – 4 credit hours
- Foundations of psychology classes – 12 credit hours
- Doing psychology – 3 credit hours of lab, field work and/or research courses
- Applied psychology – 6 credit hours of classes that cover specific aspects of psychology application including educational, organizational and behavioral psychology
- Capstone course – 3 hours
- Psychology Electives – 6 hours
- Science/Math requirements – 15 hours of math and science courses
The Health Studies concentration requires students to complete a minimum of 21 semester hours in the following fields of study: biology, exercise science, health promotion and/or philosophy.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required but is possible to complete within the Health Studies concentration.
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.
Why Appalachian?
- 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 of Psychology offers four graduate degrees in clinical, school, experimental psychology, and industrial/organizational-human resources management.
- Scholarships are available through the department.
Number of Students
Approximately 900 undergraduates in the Department of Psychology
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
Some of these jobs require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Counselor
- Health Coach
- Health Educator
- Physician
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Public Health
- Social Work
View more career possibilities
Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association
Contacts
Dr. Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@appstate.edu
828-262-2272