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Psychology

Psychology is a discipline that attempts to understand what motivates people to make decisions and why they have certain reactions to the events in their lives. It seeks to understand human and animal behavior that is considered both normal and abnormal. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers a liberal arts major in psychology with an optional behavioral emphasis as well as a liberal arts minor. With a master's degree or Ph.D., many psychology majors go on to work in areas of clinical psychology which involve counseling, industrial psychology which analyzes groups of workers in private industry, or research psychology which involves conducting research on human and/or animal behavior and analysis of the results.

What will I learn from studying Psychology?

Knowledge:

A psychology major will have a broadened sense of what types of human and animal behaviors are normal and abnormal. He/she will learn to design and execute large research projects and experiments, as well as to organize the resulting data. The study of psychology will lead to a better understanding of relationships, individuals, different perspectives, values and experiences related to sexuality, gender, culture, race and ethnicity. It will also help one to understand how self-concept, attitudes, values and behavior are influenced by the social and cultural contexts in which they occur.

Skills:

  • Performing statistical analyses
  • Designing and carrying out research projects
  • Selecting, administering and interpreting psychological tests
  • Writing proposals and reports
  • Systematically recording and observing behavior
  • Constructing tests and questionnaires
  • Comprehending and applying scientific reasoning
  • Understanding research methodologies used in various disciplines in psychology

What are some of the interests and values related to Psychology?

  • Scientific curiosity about behavior
  • Desire to prevent social problems
  • Sensitivity to individual differences
  • Desire to understand what motivates people
  • Compassion/caring for the welfare of others
  • Integrity

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to Psychology?

Potential Employers:

A psychology major can appeal to different employers for many reasons. Psychology majors have a unique mix of understanding scientific reasoning and statistical analyses and a more liberal understanding of what motivates people to make decisions and carry certain personality traits. With an undergraduate degree, jobs loosely related to psychology are abundant, whereas jobs specifically related to psychology are more difficult to find. Jobs loosely related to psychology include any job in human resources, personnel, public relations, and market research or sales. A job more specifically related to psychology may include working in a group home as a direct care provider or helping to carry out psychological research and testing for government or private industry, although these jobs are more difficult to attain without a master's degree or Ph.D.

Potential Job Titles

  • Human resources
  • Behavior Analyst
  • Public relations
  • Market research
  • Group home counselor
  • Direct care provider
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Youth worker
  • Rehabilitation aid

What are some career paths of UW – Eau Claire Psychology graduates?

  • Resident Treatment Worker , Eau Claire Academy, Eau Claire, WI
  • Living Unit Supervisor , Community Living Services, Victoria, MN
  • Human Services Counselor , Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN
  • Program Coordinator , Alternative for People with Autism, St. Paul, MN
  • Management , Hertz Corporation, Minneapolis, MN

How can I learn more about Psychology?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni and Friends and what they are doing now

Career Discovery Center:

  • Opportunities in Psychology Careers , Charles M. and Donald E. Super
  • Great Jobs for Psychology Majors , Julie DeGalan & Stephen Lambert
  • Opportunities in Counseling & Development Careers , Neale Baxter & Philip A. Perry
  • Real People Working in Helping Professions , Blythe Camenson
  • The Psych Major's Handbook , Tara L. Kuther
  • Career Paths in Psychology , Robert J. Sternberg
  • Opportunities in Mental Health Careers , Philip A. Perry

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Psychology?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Psychology that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Psychology department chair about enrolling in PSYC 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in PSYC 395, 399 or 499.

Research

There are many opportunities for students to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates ( REUs) to enhance the breadth of knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional information about REU’s for undergraduates, go to Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak to a Career Associate or visit the website: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. For additional information about research at UW – Eau Claire, contact the Psychology Department.