Department of Psychology

Program Chair - Dr. George M. Diekhoff


What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behaviors like aggression, work and sports performance, and coping under stress; as well as mental processes like attitudes, beliefs, memory, emotions, and thoughts.

Questions Psychologists Ask

  1. Which mental disorders are inherited and which come from life experiences?
  2. What is intelligence and how can intelligence be measured?
  3. What motivates people to perform more effectively at work?
  4. How do people develop attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes?
  5. How can people study and learn more effectively?
  6. How do people develop the personality they have?
  7. What is typical of the developing person through the lifespan?
  8. How is abnormal behavior defined?
  9. What are the most effective ways to help people change?
  10. What is the influence of physiology on human behavior and mental processes?

Undergraduate Mission Statement

 

The Midwestern State University Department of Psychology is committed to the principles of an undergraduate liberal arts education.  We provide a learning environment that encourages an exchange between students and faculty in small classes and outside of the classroom.  Students are led to view themselves and the world from a psychological perspective.

 

We believe in the value of preparing students for a life of productive work, interpersonal and social responsibility, and continued learning.  We believe further that these goals are best accomplished by providing educational opportunities that emphasize the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and values that will enable students to find their place in the working world, contribute to their local and global communities, and continue the learning process throughout their lives.

 

The psychology department engages students in a variety of educational and social activities that will engender:  (1) the acquisition of a broad knowledge base of psychology; (2) an understanding of research methods in psychology; (3) the ability to think critically; (4) the ability to use technology: (5) the ability to communicate effectively, and (6) the effective pursuit of post-baccalaureate education, career, or other opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Careers in psychology are many and varied, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that opportunities in psychology will continue to grow over the next decade.  "Employment will grow fastest in outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment clinics.  Numerous job opportunities will also arise in schools, public and private social service agencies, and management consulting services."

To get more information about careers in psychology, check some of these websites:

http://apa.org/students/brochure/brochurenew.pdf
http://www.psywww.com/careers/jobs.htm
http://psyccareers.apa.org/
http://www.siop.org/jobnet/front.asp
http://pschology.jobs.topusajobs.com/
http://research.apa.org/reports.html