SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Psychology Major (PSHBA, PSHBS)
Program Chair: Dr. Victoria Kazmerski
814-898-6246:vak1@psu.edu
As a scholarly discipline, psychology emphasizes the communication and explanation of principles and theories of behavior.
As a science, psychology involves focused research used by investigators to collect, quantify, analyze, and interpret data that describes animal and human behavior.
As a profession, psychology involves the practical application of knowledge and techniques for the solution or prevention of individual or social problems.
Whether students choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Penn State Erie, they will possess a solid background in the dimensions of psychology and be well prepared to enter the workforce or pursue graduate education.
Both Psychology programs are intellectually challenging and personally rewarding. Students work closely with faculty and often assist faculty on original research projects. Faculty topics of research include study of the biological bases of memory, the psychology of language, how norms guide social behavior, and the development of therapy satisfaction outcome measures.
In either major, students take a core, three-course methodology sequence that culminates in the presentation of an original research project at an on-campus or regional undergraduate psychology conference.
New 15-credit certificate offered in Crime, Psychology, and Public Policy
This is excellent for psychology majors interested in areas of work relating to law enforcement or intelligence, forensic psychology, and/or prevention and treatment of criminal offenders and juvenile delinquents.