Tracy McDonough, Ph.D., Chairperson
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The Mount’s curriculum is organized around a core consisting of human development, social psychology, psychopathology, biological psychology, and research, augmented by additional psychology courses of the student’s choosing. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking, research skills, and on applying psychological concepts to real-world problems. Students can take courses in the following advising tracks designed to guide their course of study: Business and Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Criminal/Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, School Psychology, or Sport Psychology. Many students elect to participate in the Mount's extensive cooperative education program as a way to gain valuable work experience and supplement their incomes while pursuing their academic goals. Placements in psychology have included transitional housing, research assistantships, community mental health agencies, businesses, schools, hospitals, and youth organizations.
Graduates of the psychology program will have a strong liberal arts background and will be well prepared for jobs in areas such as human services, mental health, research, public relations, and business (e.g., human resources). In addition, the psychology major provides an excellent foundation for further study in graduate or professional schools in psychology, counseling, law, business, health care, or a host of other fields.
Departmental policies: A grade of "C" or higher is required in all major, minor and cognate courses. A minimum of 15 credit hours in psychology course work must be completed at Mount St. Joseph University prior to the awarding of a psychology degree. Psychology majors are required to take an examination assessing learning outcomes prior to graduation.
Licensure for Teachers
Students choosing a major in psychology who also want to pursue Ohio teacher licensure must satisfy the same requirements as the major and additional requirements in behavioral sciences, education and humanities. The pertinent Adolescent to Young Adult License (grades 7-12) is integrated social studies. Degree seeking students should be aware that social studies licensure does not constitute a major. A concentration in social studies is available in the Middle Childhood Licensure (grades 4-9) program. See Education.