Psychology Department
Truman’s Psychology Department provides a broad-based education in the discipline of psychology and instructs students in the scientific method. Students acquire the technical and critical-thinking skills that will enable them to be successful in graduate programs and professional schools as well as careers in psychology and related fields.
Degrees and Programs
Psychology Pathways
Follow the Psychology Pathway of Your Choice
Students in Truman’s Psychology Program have the flexibility to design their major around their own interests and career goals. The following are some popular specializations that you can pursue, or you can design your own with the help of your Psychology advisor.
Students interested in neuroscience can earn a B.S. degree in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science. Courses related to this field include: PSYC 321 Physiological Psychology, PSYC 370 Human Sensation & Perception, PSYC 430 Psychopharmacology, PSYC 444 Cognitive Science, IDSM 431 Cognitive Science Readings, BIOL 333 Introduction to Neurobiology, and JINS 3001 An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Human Consciousness
Students interested in developmental psychology can earn either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in Psychology along with an interdisciplinary Child Studies minor. Courses related to this concentration include: ENG 415 – Literature for Children, IDSM 432 – Child Studies Capstone, JUST 332 – Juvenile Delinquency, PSYC 332 – Child Development, PSYC 337 – The Autism Spectrum, PSYC 437 – Attachment Theory, PSYC 471 – Internship: Psychology, and SED 530 – Psychology of the Exceptional Child
Students interested in forensic psychology can earn a B.S. degree in Psychology along with a minor or major in Justice Systems. Several related internships are also available. Courses related to this preparation include: PSYC 333 Psychology of Personality, PSYC 366 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, PSYC 368 Psychological Testing, PSYC 412 Introduction to Clinical Psychology, PSYC 471 – Internship: Psychology, JUST 281 Introduction to Forensic Science, JUST 332 – Juvenile Delinquency, JUST 331 Criminology, and JUST 335 The Rehabilitative System
Students interested in Research can earn a B.S. degree in Psychology along with a minor in Statistics. Courses related to this preparation include: PSYC 266 Experimental Psychology, PSYC 380 Quantitative Research Design & Analysis, PSYC 441 – Research Practicum in Psychology, PSYC 466 Psychological Research Capstone, STAT 330 Intro to Linear Models. Additional research opportunities such as the McNair Scholars and TruScholars programs are also available to qualified students.
Students interested in Clinical/Counseling psychology can earn either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in Psychology. Some choose to enhance their degree with a minor in Disability Studies. Courses related to this subfield include: PSYC 369 Behavior Modification, PSYC 333 Psychology of Personality, PSYC 366 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, PSYC 368 Psychological Testing, PSYC 412 Introduction to Clinical Psychology, PSYC 430 Psychopharmacology, PSYC 445 Positive Psychology, and PSYC 446 Romantic Relationships.
Supportive Learning Environment
Faculty Mentors
The faculty in the Psychology Department guide students through the process of fitting their passions into a career path. The faculty members have expertise in a variety of specialization areas including:
- Depression
- Biofeedback
- Memory
- Perception
- Personality
- Neuroscience
- Well-being
Research
As part of the Truman experience, students can strengthen their research skills to enhance their applications for graduate school, and research mentors may serve as professional references. Students may also be able to earn course credit through research activities.
Get Involved
There are several organizations on campus for psychology students interested in gaining leadership experiences. Join Psi Chi for honor society recognition and community service or Psychology Club for conversation on relevant topics and opportunities to meet guest speakers.
Professional Development
Internships
Psychology internships offer practical experience and networking opportunities in mental health, social service, business, research, government, and medical settings. Students can find their own internship site or seek assistance from a faculty member.
After Graduation
Students from Truman's psychology program leave with the tools to excel in many areas. Graduate studies include clinical, cognition and perception, developmental, educational, experimental, industrial/organizational, and social/personality psychology, while professional options might involve business, health administration, law, medicine, neuroscience, physical therapy, public health, urban/regional planning, and more.