Fact Sheets

Psychology @ MSUM

The Psychology Department offers an undergraduate major and minor in psychology. An important aspect of the program is the science/research orientation built into the curriculum. Students may specialize in areas emphasizing preparation for graduate school or for working in the profession at the bachelor's degree level. The program also provides practical experiences through an optional internship opportunity. In addition we have graduate program in School Psychology.

Career Opportunities
Psychology graduates may use their degree in a variety of professions including: behavioral analyst, career counselors, group home coordinators, office managers, sales occupations, social workers, human resource recruiters, trainers, research assistants, and numerous other occupations. According to Salary Survey, in 2005, the average starting salary for Psychology graduates was $30,073.

Approximately 25 percent of undergraduate psychology majors nationally go to graduate school. Graduates with a master's degree in psychology qualify for positions in school, counseling, and industrial organizational psychology. Graduates of master's degree programs in school psychology should have the best job prospects, as schools are expected to increase student counseling and mental health services. Other master's degree holders may find jobs as psychological assistants or counselors providing mental health services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Program Benefits

  • Because specialized training frequently requires special facilities and equipment, the department provides well-equipped psychology labs of exceptional sophistication for a medium-sized liberal arts university. A Child Development lab was recently built that adds to the current lab facilities.
  • Students learn from 11 full-time faculty members who hold doctoral degrees and are specialists in one or more areas within the field of psychology: developmental, social, perception, physiological, learning and school psychology.
  • Our majors get involved in "hands-on" research projects in classes with 18 or fewer students giving you the attention you deserve.
  • The "Psychology Student Center" in Bridges Hall 360A opened its doors in October 2005. The Student Center brings the many departmental resources for psychology students into a central location that is attractive and convenient.
  • MSUM psychology majors may be invited to join Psi Chi, a national honorary organization, or the Psychology Club, which is open to anyone with an interest in psychology. Joining clubs help students reach out into the campus, as well as offer professional development.