PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
PSYCHOLOGY AT MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
FACULTY
FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
COURSE CATALOG
CAREER OPTIONS AND LINKS
PSYCHOLOGY AT MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
Psychology is a science that seeks to systematically explore both human and animal behavior. Our mission is to provide students with a rigorous scientific and theoretical exploration in various areas of psychology including clinical psychology, learning theory, development, neuroscience, social interactions, personality, cognition, statistics, and research methods.
We are committed to providing a quality education for all of our majors, whether they intend to attend graduate school or enter the workforce. We began tracking student entrance into graduate school or psychology-related professions and currently have data from May 2007-December 2008 (6 graduations). We had 53 psychology majors graduate, 25 of those graduates we are unaware of their current activities. Out of those we know about, 20 are in-field (either graduate school or psychology-related professions) and 8 are currently out of field. Of those 8, 2 are in the process of applying to graduate programs. Graduates from Mount Olive College with a degree in psychology have been accepted to graduate programs at schools such as East Carolina University, University of Kent (England), University of Florida, Northern Michigan University, and University of Wyoming and have entered the workforce in the areas of psychological counseling, school counseling, public information, personnel development and training, law enforcement, rehabilitation services, social services, and community relations.
A unique aspect of the Department of Psychology at Mount Olive College is the requirement that a Psychology major complete an internship prior to graduation. For those interested in a career in counseling, we offer a clinical/counseling internship that allows students to work on site at various institutions in the area such as Cherry Hospital, Neuse Correctional Facility, and the O’Berry Center, to name a few. For those students who are interested in research, the department also offers a research internship during which students design, conduct, analyze, and present their own research project. Through this process, they get firsthand experience in the design and data collection phases, an opportunity to see how statistics actually apply to data that are meaningful to them, an opportunity to complete a manuscript that can be submitted for publication, and the experience of presenting their paper at undergraduate conferences.
FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT
As of Fall 2009, the psychology department has completed construction of a new, state-of-the-art research laboratory. The laboratory houses a student computer lab, a testing room for human participants, an observation room where behavioral observations can be conducted, a waiting room for parents, and a conference area specific for the Psychology Department. This research laboratory provides facilities for students working under the supervision of the faculty, either on their own projects through the Research Internship program or assisting faculty on faculty research through the Research Assistantship.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The Department seeks to provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn about psychology. Students can join faculty in research projects through Research Assistantship, and they can design their own projects through Research Internship. Counseling Internship opportunities are available with several area institutions, including Cherry Hospital
The Psychology department’s curriculum allows students to major in Psychology with a concentration in one of several areas. These areas include Applied, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and General Psychology.
The department also offers the Faculty-Student Mentorship program in which every psychology major is assigned to a full-time faculty member for academic advising and is part of a group of majors who meet with the faculty member on a monthly basis to discuss issues of personal and professional interest. These meetings are informal and provide students with a unique opportunity to relate with their professors outside of a classroom environment.
Each year the Psychology Department awards one major for outstanding academics and service to both the department and college. In addition, Mount Olive College awards several students for outstanding GPAs or service to the college, some of which have been Psychology majors.
CLUBS
The department also offers various opportunities for club membership at
COURSE CATALOG INFORMATION
Click on link and scroll down to PSY for degrees. Click the link descriptions below and scroll down to PSY to view course descriptions.
Degrees Offered
B.A. in Psychology
B. S. in Psychology
B. A. S. in Psychology
Minor in Psychology
The Psychology department has put together a proposed class schedule for the 4-year term towards a Bachelors of Science in Psychology.
CAREER OPTIONS
A psychology degree from Mount Olive College prepares students to pursue a wide variety of career options or to continue their education. An advanced degree will further expand a graduate's opportunities. The following is a listing of relevant links:
Master's- and Doctoral-level Careers in Psychology and Related Areas Entry-level jobs available to psychology majors
Exploring Career-Related Abilities, Interests, Skills, and Values Helps you focus on your goals for college and career.
Making the Most of Your Undergraduate Years
Graduate School Options for Psychology Majors
Related Professional Links:
American Psychological Association Homepage
American Psychological Society Home Page
Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology