Applied Psychology

A Major

Psychology

A Minor

An understanding of psychology can be applied to every aspect of professional and personal life. The deep understanding of how people think and why they act (or don’t act) is critical to creating successful relationships. Psychological study helps students learn to creatively and critically evaluate information about human behavior.

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Applied Psychology includes 12 courses of in-depth study in the field of psychology, to complement the business and liberal arts core courses.  The program delves into the theory of the field, but then applies that theory for practical use.

The Psychology minor is available to all students. Four courses are required for the minor, which expands a student’s knowledge and understanding of themselves and others, including people from different cultures.

Studying Applied Psychology or Psychology at Bryant

Bryant’s Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Applied Psychology is one of only a few undergraduate programs available anywhere in the United States.  Students who study Applied Psychology develop a strong foundation in psychological theory that is grounded in the practical application of those principles.  The experiential aspect of the program focuses on how to utilize psychology in day-to-day fieldwork, student/faculty-led research opportunities, and internships.

The Applied Psychology major offers a deep understanding of the self, other people, and how to apply that knowledge to a broad range of professional fields. Beginning in their first semester, Applied Psychology majors are provided ongoing academic advising and career guidance by a full-time Bryant psychology faculty member.

The Psychology minor offers an introduction to human behavior and psychology theory.

Students also benefit from a complementary education in core business principles, allowing them to make a deep impact in any organization immediately upon graduation.

Courses

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, the Applied Psychology major requires:

• Introduction to Psychology or Honors: Core Concepts in Psychology
• Introduction to Applied Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Senior Research Seminar or Senior Internship Seminar
• * Applied Psychology Courses (must take 3 of the following):
  • Environment and Behavior, Health Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counseling Theory and Practice, Exercise and Sports Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, or Measurement and Assessment
• * Psychology Survey Courses (must take 1 from each of the following):
  • Psychology of Personality or Abnormal Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development or Adult Development and Aging or Social Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology or Physiological Psychology
• * Two (2) Psychology Electives
  
  * At least one course (total from all groups) must be taken at the 400-level

In their senior year, students have the opportunity to work closely with a member of the psychology faculty through a capstone applied internship or applied research project seminar.

Students in the Psychology minor must complete:

• Introduction to Psychology or Honors: Core Concepts in Psychology
• Two Psychology Electives
• One 400-level Psychology Elective

For complete course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog. Courses are listed in alphabetical order.

Opportunities After Graduation

Students in the Applied Psychology program are prepared for a number of careers, including:

• Legal Advocate
• Child Protection Worker
• Law Enforcement
• Day Care
• Education
• Mental Health Manager
• Social Worker
• Research and analytic work
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Public Affairs
• Sport and Exercise
• Forensics
• Sales
• Human Resources
• Accident & Safety Consultant
• Occupational & Job Analyst
• Market Consulting & Research
• Any of the fields associated with the courses offered

Students are also prepared for graduate study in:

• Psychology
• Law
• Business

For More Information

To learn more about studying Applied Psychology and Psychology, please contact:

Janet Morahan-Martin, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Applied Psychology
jmorahan@bryant.edu