Psychology - BA

The St. Kate's psychology major provides an outstanding foundation upon which to pursue graduate work or a career in a range of professional fields and professional studies. Many psychology students enter graduate programs in the mental health fields of counseling or clinical psychology, in school psychology or in experimental areas of the field. Others pursue professional degrees in law, medicine, industrial relations, physical therapy, occupational therapy or public health.

Psychology serves as a sound liberal arts major because the discipline broadly spans the humanities and social and natural sciences. St. Kate's graduates have found positions immediately after graduation in schools working with students with special needs and as caseworkers in residential treatment centers, group homes and shelters. Others work in the legal system as victim advocates, as medical or social science researchers, as human resource professionals, as child life advocates in a hospital pediatric unit, and in various non-profit organizations. Our curriculum includes a seminar that focuses on helping students explore their future career options. 

For upper-division psychology majors who have demonstrated excellence in their course work, paid positions are available as laboratory instructors, scientific writing tutors or statistics tutors. These unique opportunities allow students to gain professional skills, and to practice teaching while sharing their knowledge and skill with others.

Psychology majors will take courses in psychology, biology and philosophy, and are encouraged to participate in a broad, liberal arts curriculum. Many students pursue internships, which are available at a wide variety of social service and health agencies. Internship sites include the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center, the Wilder Foundation, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, First Call for Help, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Arthritis Foundation, Tubman and Fraser.

Students may choose to double major in psychology and other fields, such as education, art, communication studies, nursing, or social work. 

See also: Applied Science in Psychology, Education - Social Studies with Grades 5-12 Teaching Licensure (for those interested in teaching in secondary schools), Pre-Physical Therapy

This major is offered in the College for Women.

Curriculum

The psychology major consists of 40 credits

Psychology majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors in PSYC 4220W History and Systems. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman or CORE 2000W The Reflective Woman, CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice, and any other writing-intensive course in another department).

This major is offered in the College for Adults.

Curriculum

The major consists of 40 credits. Students complete the required psychology courses and a minimum of 20 credits from one of the four tracks listed below.

Psychology Tracks: Students take three specific courses, at least one at the 3000-level or higher, and two additional track specific courses, in consultation with their advisor.

Psychology majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors in PSYC 4220W History and Systems. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman or CORE 2000W The Reflective Woman, CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice, and any other writing-intensive course in another department).