Psychology
Psychology is a dynamic and growing discipline dedicated to the scientific study of mind and behavior. Researchers strive to gain an understanding of the processes underlying human behavior by examining influences ranging from the neurological to the sociocultural. Students become interested in psychology for a wide variety of reasons: for personal development, to obtain job-related skills, to prepare for careers in psychology, as a valuable elective for other professional careers, or as one of many areas of study leading to a broad liberal arts education.
The psychology program at Mercyhurst College prepares its majors for diverse professional and job experiences. Many graduates enter graduate and professional programs at either the master's or doctoral level in psychology or related areas such as law, health and medicine, social work, education, government, sports, or business. Other students enter the job market in a variety of applied settings immediately after graduation, most commonly in social services and the helping professions. The psychology major stresses an empirical approach to the broad range of psychological issues and problems.
As such, the program is intended to expose students to both theory and research in selected areas, and research experience and methodology, including statistics and experimental design, are essential to the curriculum. During the senior year, students may elect either to pursue a research practicum or an internship providing field experience. The Psychology Department also offers a concentration in Neuroscience as well as Interdisciplinary Minors in the Psychology of Crime and Justice and in Gender Studies. The Psychology Major is a desirable major for students intending a career in medicine or public health, and students considering medical school or graduate school in public heath are advised to contact the Chairperson of the Psychology Department.