Psychologists assist people with a broad variety of needs. Psychology is both a science and a human service profession. Some psychologists do research with the goal of understanding people better. Many more psychologists work with people in a great variety of settings such as schools, clinics, and hospitals. The B.A. Psychology program at Roberts Wesleyan College emphasizes both sides of the field. Students learn to do research; and, in addition to a broad knowledge of the field, students learn beginning level skills for helping people.
Graduates from the B.A. Psychology program at Roberts Wesleyan College are prepared to do counseling and behavior modification at pre-professional entry levels in agencies that serve such groups as youth, the developmentally disabled, and the mentally ill. Graduates who go on to advanced degrees in psychology are prepared for such professions as school psychology, counseling, one of the research specialties of psychology, teaching, or clinical practice.
The degree requires a minimum of 124 semester hours with 90 semester hours being in Liberal Arts credit. The major requires a minimum of 31 credits in psychology, providing ample opportunity to double major or minor in another interest area. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for admission to the major and to graduate.
At Roberts Wesleyan College, Psychology majors frequently choose a second major or minor to enhance their job prospects, gain acceptance into graduate school, or broaden their education in high interest areas such as art, music, Christian ministries, and criminal justice. All students are required to complete an internship and/or be involved in Research Practicum. Students in Research Practicum typically become co-authors on at least one research project that will be presented professionally (conferences or journal articles). Another key distinctive of this program is the strong emphasis on the integration of psychology and Christian theology.
Approximately 25% of psychology students from Roberts go on to professional level training in graduate school immediately after graduation. Another 25% do so within five years after graduation. And, the majority of others work in pre-professional entry level jobs with youth, the developmentally disabled, the mentally ill, and substance abusers. Those who go on to advanced degrees in psychology are prepared for such professions as school psychology, counseling or clinical psychology, teaching, and research. Graduates with double majors in areas such as Criminal Justice, Art, History, Contemporary Ministries, Religion & Philosophy, and English have gone on to law school, forensic psychology, missions, youth ministry, seminary, and art therapy.
Graduates from the B.A. Psychology program at Roberts Wesleyan College are prepared to do counseling and behavior modification at pre-professional entry levels in agencies that serve such groups as youth, the developmentally disabled, and the mentally ill. Graduates who go on to advanced degrees in psychology are prepared for such professions as school psychology, counseling, one of the research specialties of psychology, teaching, or clinical practice.
