As a psychology major, you can learn how to better understand human behavior. Employing the scientific method and statistical inference and analysis, you can develop techniques for gathering and accessing data to gain psychological insight. The flexibility of this major lets you build a learning experience tailored to your needs and interests. Faculty specializations in the Psychology and Counseling Department include:

  • Depression
  • Biofeedback
  • Memory
  • Perception
  • Personality
  • Neuroscience
  • Well-being

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.

Career Paths

The psychology major prepares you for graduate programs in areas of psychology including clinical, cognitive, developmental, educational, experimental, industrial/organizational, and social and personality. It also prepares you for related career fields of counseling, social work, education, neuroscience, public health, and urban/regional planning.

Notable graduate schools include:

  • University of Missouri - Columbia
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Missouri - Kansas City
  • University of Missouri - St. Louis
  • Truman State University
  • Washington University

Explore Career Options

Featured Courses

Survey behavioral principles and study topics that include human development, personality, learning and thinking, psychological testing, mental health, therapy, and social behavior.
Explore the philosophy of science and the application of the scientific method in psychology, research ethics, nonexperimental and experimental designs, hypothesis development, between-subjects and within-subjects designs, small-sample studies, statistical analysis of research data, and drawing conclusions from research data.
Examine relations among hypotheses, research design, and statistical analyses in psychological research.
Study major theoretical systems of psychology and methodological problems of theory construction and system-making.
Examine human behavior and life-cycle changes from conception through adolescence.
Learn about the philosophy of science and the application of the scientific method in physiological psychology, functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, the chemical bases of behavior, hormones and the brain, life-span development of the brain and behavior, regulation and behavior, emotions and psychological disorders, and cognitive neuroscience.

Opportunities and Experiences

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Research Opportunities

As a psychology major, you can explore research topics such as the effectiveness of study techniques, information storing habits of bilingual people, the effectiveness of antidepressants, social media happiness, and more.

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Internships

Psychology interns often assist professionals in mental health, social service, business, research, government, and medical settings. Notable internship opportunities include:

  • American Red Cross
  • A.T. Still University
  • Department of Children & Family Services
  • Missouri Institute of Mental Health
  • Preferred Family Healthcare
  • Great Circle Behavioral Health Services

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Student Organizations

At Truman, you can join organizations such as Psi Chi, a national honor organization, and Psych Club which provides an opportunity for students to exchange ideas in the field of psychology.