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Psychology (BS) - Health Studies

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 Doctor of Psychology program 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
    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
    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.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

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

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

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.

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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.

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.

  • 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

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychology

Dr. Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@appstate.edu
828-262-2272

  • Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology

    Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at https://psych.appstate.edu.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

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Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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