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Psychology (BS) - Social Science

About

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Social Science is ideal for students desiring broader study in the associated scientific fields of anthropology, sociology, criminal justice, geography and planning, philosophy and political science.

This degree’s curriculum provides a background for students who wish to pursue graduate work in a helping profession such as clinical or counseling psychology, social work or licensed professional counseling. Appalachian’s Department of Psychology has eight faculty members with PhD’s in clinical psychology who offer courses in the major (abnormal psychology, women’s health, applied behavior management, behavior change) and run research laboratories studying causes and treatments for many psychological disorders including ADHD, depression, substance abuse, obesity, eating disorders, anxiety, autism, learning disabilities and rural mental health issues.

Students 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 or a service-learning course using psychological principles to serve citizens in our local 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, counseling, law or politics.  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

  • Alumnus Profile: Holt Menzies ’11
    Alumnus Profile: Holt Menzies ’11

    Holt Menzies applies the critical thinking and research skills he learned as a psychology major to keep pace as a freelance camera operator for network television in New York City.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Twila Wingrove

    “My goal is to give students experiences that demonstrate how meaningful engagement in research can be.” 

    – Dr. Twila Wingrove, whose research is in developmental psychology and legal/forensic psychology  

    Meet more faculty

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) - Health Studies
  • Psychology (BS) - Human Services
  • Psychology (BS) - Natural Science
  • Psychology (BS) - Education Studies
  • Psychology (BS) - Sustainability

Minors

A minor is not required, but it is possible to complete with a Social Sciences 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 broad scientific and applied interests and backgrounds spanning experimental, learning, judgment and decision-making, clinical, developmental, school psychology and industrial/organizational psychology.
  • 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.

  • College Student Affairs Administrator
  • Community and Social Service Worker
  • Human Resources Administrator
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Minority Group & Race Relations Director
  • Public Opinion Surveyor
  • Public Relations Representative
  • Social Service Administrator
  • 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

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

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