Psychology

Psychology

What is Psychology?
This broad major is intended to orient you to psychology as a whole. You will learn about the science of mind and behavior, human individual and group behavior, the physical and environmental basis of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. This major relies heavily on exploring various theories, while looking at new research and techniques. It is designed to instruct you in psychological principles and methods; to provide the knowledge and skills required at the graduate level; and to offer the background needed to prepare you for work in possible professions as diverse as medicine, law, business, education, engineering, and others.

Although the major focus of the department is on psychological theory and research, students are also offered opportunities to use their knowledge of psychology in practical settings. These opportunities vary from semester to semester, but include courses of an applied nature in environmental psychology, community psychology, clinical psychology, independent study, and independent research projects designed by the student in collaboration with a faculty member. Numerous laboratory courses allow students to learn in a “hands-on” fashion, practicing research techniques, replicating experiments and investigating topics of individual scholarly interest. The department also operates a pre-school playgroup through which students, primarily in the developmental psychology course, may observe childbehavior and relate it to their in-class learning.

Working in Psychology
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Interest and skills in working with people
• Research skills
• Good communication skills
• Critical Observation

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Learning More About Psycholoty

Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library which includes:

• • Great Jobs for Psychology Majors
• Visit the SLU Psychology Department website
• Check out Psychology course descriptions in the Catalog
• Talk with a professor in Psychology about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

• Professional Associations
  • *American Psychological Association
  • *Society of Clinical Psychology
  • Society of Counseling Psychology
  • Association for Psychological Science
  • The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • American Counseling Association
  • National Board for Certified Counselors
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy \
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association                              
  • American Occupational Therapy Association


• Occupational Outlook Information
  • Psychologists
  • Counselors
  • Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists
  • Teachers-Postsecondary
  • Teachers-Elementary, Middle and Secondary
  • Social Assistance Industry Guide


• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
  • *All Psychology Schools
  • *Psych Web
  • *What Can You Do With a BA in Psychology?
  • *Psychology from Career Cornerstone
  • Psych Web
  • Online Psychology Career Center
  • Encyclopedia of Psychology
  • Explore Health Careers
  • Medical and Public Health Jobs with the Federal Government
  • Human Services Careers


• Job Postings
  • Psychology Jobs
  • Social Work Job Bank
  • Nonprofit Career Network
  • Jobs in Human Services
  • Human Resources Jobs Page
  • Idealist
  • Online Psychology Career Center

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Anthropology
Sociology