B.A. in Psychology

What is Psychology?

It is the study of mental processes and behavior. The American Psychological Association says it encompasses both research, through which we learn fundamental things about human and animal behavior, and practice, through which that knowledge is applied in helping to solve problems. In each of the subfields there are psychologists who work primarily as researchers, others who work primarily as practitioners and many who do both (scientist-practitioners). Indeed, one of psychology's most unique and important characteristics is its coupling of science and practice, which stimulates continual advancement of both.

Fields of Psychology

• Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting from adolescent rebellion, to more severe, chronic conditions such as schizophrenia.
• Counseling psychologists help people to accommodate to change or to make changes in their lifestyle.
• Developmental psychologists study the psychological development of the human being that takes place throughout life.
• Educational psychologists concentrate on how effective teaching and learning take place.
• Industrial/organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research to the work place in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of work life.
• School psychologists work with school aged children both in and out of school.
• Experimental/research psychologists apply the scientific method to the study of mental and behavioral processes in human and other animals and are interested in advancing the knowledge base of psychology.

What do I do with my Degree

Some students stop with a bachelor's degree in psychology and find work related to their college major. For example, they may be assistants in rehabilitation centers. Students who meet state certification requirements can teach psychology in high school.

But the study of psychology at the bachelor's level is also a fine preparation for many other professions. In fact, psychology is the second most popular undergraduate major behind business administration. Psychology majors often possess good research and writing skills, are good problem solves, and have well-developed, higher-level thinking ability when it comes to analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. Most find jobs in administrative support, public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, health, the biological sciences, and computer programming.

Psychology Faculty

• Janet S. St. Lawrence, Ph.D., Nova University; Professor of Psychology, Clinical and Health psychology, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33314 (View Vitae)
• Vicki S. Gier, Ph. D., Aissistant Professor, Univeristy of Nevada/Reno, Experimental/Cognitive Psychologist (View Vitae)
• Alisha Gray Marlow, Ph.D.; University Southern Mississippi; adjunct assistant professor; Psychologist, Weems Mental Health Center.
• James L. Shumate, Ph.D.; University of Southern California; adjunct instructor, Psychologist.
• Charles Edward Snodgrass, PhD, University of Southern Mississippi; adjunct assistant professor, Experimental Psychology.

Want more information about the Psychology major? Contact Dr. Janet S. St. Lawrence at the Division of Arts and Sciences, MSU-Meridian by e-mail at jlawrence@meridian.msstate.edu or by telephone at 601-484-0145.

Last Updated: 3/24/08