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.

Neuroscience focuses on the structures and functions of the human brain and nervous system.

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

Developmental psychology includes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the variety of factors that affect the wellbeing and development of young children.

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

Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to the fields of criminal investigation and the law. They often perform criminal, civil or family casework and interact with figures in the justice system (judges, lawyers, offenders and victims).

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

The Psychology Research pathway is designed to maximize the student’s preparation for graduate school in psychology.

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.

Clinical and Counseling psychologists are trained to study psychological disorders and provide diagnostic and treatment services.

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.

Psychology is an enormously popular and flexible major. At Truman you can readily pair it with a second major or a couple of minors. You can participate in research, earn credit for an internship, study abroad, or all three. Psychology majors go on to medical school, law school, graduate programs in social work and all types of psychology. Your advisor can help you create the pathway that is best for you.
350
approximate number of students in the major
300
approximate number of students in the minor
100%
of psychology majors are engaged in research
91%
of psychology faculty members have a PhD
2/3
of psychology majors continue on to graduate school

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.

Processional for Commencement Ceremony

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.