Psychology
Application Deadline
May 1, 2013
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at St. Edward’s prepares you to delve deeply into the causes of human behavior. You’ll develop insights and core skills that translate to nearly every professional setting, including education, sales, human resources, marketing, research and social services.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Overview:
As a BA in Psychology major, you’ll learn about psychological facts and theories and how to conduct in-depth research to gain a scientific understanding of human behavior. You’ll also focus on treatments for a spectrum of psychological disorders.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, communicating with clarity and empathy, and a desire to understand what makes people tick are valuable qualities for students pursuing this field.
With this diverse degree, graduates might work in human or social services, or even in business. Professional paths include positions as a case manager for a social service agency, a career counselor for students at a university, a researcher of consumer behavior for a marketing firm, and a manager of a daycare center for children.
Graduate studies typically are required for career advancement in psychology. Our graduates frequently continue their studies and pursue fields such as counseling, social work and human resources.
Course Preview:
BA in Psychology majors take courses from these groups:
REQUIRED COURSES
Students who major in psychology complete up to 32 hours of Core courses that include General Psychology; Human Development; Statistics; Theories of Personality; Abnormal Psychology; and Learning and Cognition.
GENERAL EDUCATION AND MISSION COURSES
All New College programs require general education and mission courses designed to refresh and expand your knowledge and skills in research methods, critical thinking and writing, and oral presentation, among others.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Students choose elective courses that support their focus within psychology, such as Counseling and Guidance, Chemical Dependency, and Group Dynamics.
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
As the culminating experience of the BA in Psychology program, seniors complete an original research project to find new answers to intriguing psychological questions. Many students use this opportunity to explore topics of relevance to them, to prepare for graduate school or to learn more about subjects related to their future careers. Past projects involved topics as varied as mother-daughter relationships, the influence of a victim’s gender on jury decisions, and the relationship between ethnic identity and resilience.
View the Degree Plan (PDF) for sample course information for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Internships
New College psychology majors are encouraged to participate in for-credit internships that help them learn about careers in psychology. Internships present an opportunity to develop job skills, build confidence and boost your résumé. Psychology majors have access to a wide range of internship opportunities in Austin, including organizations that provide grief support and counseling, training for new parents, resources for at-risk youth, hospice care and other services. Our students have worked in schools, community centers and nonprofit organizations.
Research
Research and presentation opportunities build résumés, professional competence and confidence. New College psychology students have presented their research at the Southwestern Psychological Association conference. Students also share their findings in the annual on-campus Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE).
Recent research topics include:
- “Coping and Culture: Coping Strategies of Recent Cuban Immigrants and Native-born Americans in Central Texas”
- “Traditional and Non-Traditional Students: A Comparison of Motivations and Expectations”
- “Attitudes toward Help-Seeking in Hispanics and Caucasians: Does Familism Make a Difference?”