Program Coordinator: Kevin Reilly
Phone Number: (540) 365-4407
e-mail: kreilly@ferrum.edu
 
The Psychology major is designed to give students a broad background in the study of behavior. The program prepares students for graduate school or for careers in which knowledge of human behavior is essential. All students gain a basic understanding of behavior through required courses in general psychology, learning and research courses.  Their academic experience culminates with three one-credit Professional  Seminars which tie academic courses together and instills in them the importance of ethics, service, research and practice in psychology as a profession.  Depending on students' interests, they choose other courses in the areas of psychology listed below.  Many students also elect to complete a full-time internship in a community setting.  Courses on special topics are often available, based on student and faculty interest.
 
Required Courses:
PSY 201 General Psychology (3 cr.)
PSY 206 Introduction to Research (3 cr.)
PSY 306 Behavioral Research Methods I (3 cr.)
PSY 314 Learning (3 cr.)
PSY 397, 398, 498 Professional Seminars (1 cr. each)
.
Electives within the Major (7 - 8 choices required):
PSY 211 Human Development- Childhood through Adolescence
PSY 213 Human Development- Childhood through Adolescence, with lab
PSY 212 Human Development- Adulthood through Aging
PSY 230 Social Psychology
PSY 319 Human Sexuality
PSY 320 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 325 Psychopathology in Childhood
PSY 328 Health Psychology
PSY 331 Cognitive Development
PSY 335 Psychological Assessment
PSY 340 Personality
PSY 348 Introduction to Techiques of Counseling
PSY 399 Field Placement
PSY 406 Behavioral Research Methods II
PSY 438 Special Topics (Stress, Mind-Body Issues, Social Percption etc.)
PSY 450 Hisotry and Systems of Psychology
PSY 496 Directed Study in Research
PSY 499 Internship
 
Brief Message from Coordinator:
Psychology is a growing field with increasing influence in many parts of our society.  Psychology degrees represent 7% of all baccalaureate degrees in the U.S. and prepare individuals for a variety of careers.  Graduates in psychology often find that their undergraduate training provided not only a strong background in the content areas of psychology, but also excellent experience with organization and critical thinking skills.  The American Psychological Association offers excellent on-line information about careers in psychology.  Graduates from our program have found employment in such areas as business, education, social and human services, rehabilitative services and counseling.  Others have pursued graduate degrees in psychology, counseling, and education at such institutions as Radford University, Virginia Tech, and Harvard University.  We are always happy to hear from prospective students.