Psychology Program
Overview
Fairmont State Psychology classes consist of philosophical, biological, and social frameworks of human behaviors and their clinical and organizational applications.
Psychology majors graduate with an in depth understanding of mental functions and behaviors.
Courses are laced with applied and theoretical information.
Psychology majors who have a strong interest in community service can take advantage of specialty courses just for them. Examples include:
- Psychopathy of Child & Adolescence
- Interpersonal Dynamics
- Delinquency
Students who are interested in a separate major can also study Psychology. A number of elective courses from biopsychology to the Psychology of aging are offered for students to also earn a psychology minor.
The Psychology curriculum is ideal for students anticipating graduate work in areas of:
- Psychology
- Social work
- Counseling
Career Opportunities
The Psychology program is ideal for students who plan to go on to graduate school or for those hoping to enter the work force with an undergraduate degree. Career opportunities include:
- Research Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist (including Forensic Psychologist)
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
- School Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Career & Guidance counselor
- Social worker
- Advertising
- Law school
- Medical school
Model Schedule
Psychology Alumni Showcases
Alumni Showcase 2021
An approximately 25-minute video highlighting some Psychology Program alumni and what they have done with their lives after graduation, in terms of where they work and their advice for current students. This includes our alumni through Fall, 2020.
Child &
Adolescent Professional
Forum
This approximately 2-hour forum included alumni employed as school personnel: school counselors, school psychologists, school health professionals, disability specialists, and service administrators, etc. These professionals represented K-12, higher education, and foster care. Panelists informally described their professional roles, discussed the joys & challenges within their jobs, shared experiences, and answered questions from undergraduate students & high school seniors interested in pursuing similar careers.
Adult
Based Social
Services
Forum
This approximately 2 ½ hour forum included social support professionals from agencies who answered questions about the nature of their work within their agencies, the training & expertise required to do their jobs, challenges of successfully carrying out their work (especially during the Pandemic), and unique challenges in working with a specific population. They offer career guidance, advice, and direction. We brought together alumni from community mental health services, rape & domestic violence services, veterans services, homelessness support professionals, disability services, and addiction & substance abuse treatment, among other areas.
Graduate
School
Informational
Forum
This approximately 2-hour forum included alumni talking about their experiences in graduate school programs in such areas as psychology, school psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, rehabilitation counseling, special education, industrial relations, business administration & law. Panelists discussed the relevance of having a psychology background and answered questions from current students.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Psychology program is to develop graduates capable of improving and advancing the human condition. Aspiring graduates will be provided with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to meet the needs of employers and all of society.
- Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- Students will be aware of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.
- Students will develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
Program Goal 1
The Psychology Program at Fairmont State University strives to meet the needs of the local community and broader society by preparing all majors for immediate entry into human service positions and graduate programs that develop specializations across the many fields of psychology. (Graduation rates and alumni surveys)
Program Goal 2
The program supports the Scientist-Practitioner model by providing experiences for all majors in the broad spectrum of scientist and practitioner roles in academics, business, criminal justice, education, and many human service fields. (Professional student conference presentation, internships/practicums, and community service involvement)