Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Psychology Department at Carson-Newman University seeks to provide an excellent undergraduate learning experience within a supportive Christian environment. The department is located in the Chambliss Building. In addition to traditional academic courses, the Psychology Department offers several practical opportunities through community fieldwork, internships, independent research projects and teaching assistantships. One distinguishing feature of the Psychology Department is our emphasis on community participation and service. Following graduation, alumni have entered a variety of vocational fields, including mental health, the ministry, education, law, research, business, and industry.

Students may choose between three majors: General Psychology, Applied Psychology or Social Entrepreneurship. The General Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in a broad-based, liberal arts education with a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology. The Applied Psychology major is designed for students who plan to work at the bachelors level or who plan to pursue graduate training in an allied health or human service field. The Social Entrepreneurship major equips students to assume positions of leadership and service in the citizenship sector for positive change. Finally, students can also minor in one of our six minors: Applied Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Mental Health, Positive Psychology, Social Entrepreneurship, and Criminology.

Students in both General and Applied Psychology majors are eligible for membership in Psi Chi, the international psychology honor society. All students regardless of major or minor are invited to join the Psychology Club.

General Psychology Major

The General Psychology major is designed for students interested in a broad-based, liberal arts education with a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology.

It is highly recommended that students preparing for graduate study in psychology, theology, law, medicine, or other profession take an additional emphasis, minor, or major in one or more areas of the liberal arts: biology, math, computer science, English, philosophy, foreign language, political science, history, sociology, cross cultural sociology, art, music, environment & community studies, creative writing, film study, women's studies, international education & missions, Latin American studies, Appalachian studies, photography, management, or economics. Students with intentions of going to medical school should register early with the Health Professions Program.

Because recommended job and graduate school preparations can vary widely depending on career direction, CAREFULLY PLAN your course of studies by meeting regularly with your faculty advisor.

Applied Psychology Major

The Applied Psychology major is designed for students who plan to work on a career at the bachelors level or who plan to pursue graduate training in an allied health and human service field.

It is highly recommended that Applied Psychology majors who plan on working at the bachelors level after graduation or applying to a masters program in counseling or an allied health or human services field take an additional concentration, minor, or major in one or more career-related areas: human services, gerontology, English, mass communication, child & family studies, religion, environment & community, business administration, management, marketing, international education & missions, or computer studies.

Social Entrepreneurship Major

Social Entrepreneurship: Citizens Creating Change for the Common Good

This major equips students to assume positions of leadership and service in the citizenship sector for positive change.

Where Can I Learn More about Nonprofit Leadership & Social Entrepreneurship?

• Ashoka—Innovator for the Public: “What is a social entrepreneur?”
• Bonner Foundation: “Exploring nonprofit careers”
• Echoing Green: “Consider Careers for the Greater Good”
• Skoll Foundation—Uncommon Heroes: “What is a social entrepreneur?”
• YouTube: “A Photo History of Community Organizers”