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.  Students wishing to study Psychology can elect to earn either a B.A. degree or a B.S. degree.  A key distinctive of the B.A. and B.S. programs is the strong emphasis on the integration of psychology and Christian theology.  In addition, students also have the opportunity for “hands on” experience in an Internship (Field Work) and/or in a Research Practicum.    Students who elect to take Research Practicum typically become co-authors on at least one research project that will be presented professionally (at a conferences or as a journal article).   The B.S. degree is recommended for students seriously interested in eventually pursuing an advanced doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D.).  

B.S. Degree In Psychology

The B.S. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan places a much stronger emphasis on the scientific approach to the discipline and is designed specifically for students who wish to eventually pursue graduate education that is research-oriented and/or linked to doctoral study (Psy.D., Ph.D.).  Students preparing for this advanced study must strive to obtain a GPA well above 3.0, be involved in original research, and perform successfully on standardized graduate school admission exams (GREs) to be considered for admission to these advanced programs.  While the B.S. program includes all of the coursework required for the B.A. degree, it also requires students to participate in all of the psychology laboratory course offerings as well as both research-based courses.  This research/science focus will more fully prepare students for the rigors of graduate education, while also guaranteeing significant experience in research.  Students are encouraged to participate in the Research Practicum course twice in order to increase their involvement in original research.   Those graduates who go on for doctoral study in psychology will be prepared for professions in psychological research, college- level teaching and/or clinical practice.  

The degree requires a minimum of 124 semester hours with 60 semester hours being in Liberal Arts credit.  The major requires a minimum of 51 credits in psychology.  A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 is required for admission to the major and to graduate.

B.A. Degree In Psychology

The B.A. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan provides students with a broad background in Psychology.   Students learn to do basic research and beginning level skills for helping people.   Graduates from the B.A. Psychology Program are prepared to do basic supportive counseling and behavior modification at pre-professional entry levels in agencies that serve such groups as troubled youth, the developmentally disabled, and the mentally ill.   Graduates who wish to obtain employment at the professional level must plan on earning at least a master’s degree (M.A., M.S., M.S.W.) and must strive to obtain a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible for admission to these advanced programs.   Those graduates who go on to master’s level training are prepared for such professions as school psychology, mental health counseling, etc.

The degree requires a minimum of 124 semester hours with 90 semester hours being in Liberal Arts credit.  The major requires a minimum of 34 credits in psychology, providing ample opportunity to double major or minor in another interest area.  A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 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.  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 and Philosophy, and English have gone on to law school, forensic psychology, missions, youth ministry, seminary, and art therapy.