Our brains create our realities, weave incredible dreams and imagine infinite possibilities. Psychology asks how. Psychology is the study of both the mind—how it works and how
it fails—and behavior—why we act the way we do and how to shape behavior.
About the Psychology Major
Carroll University’s psychology major offers courses in clinical psychology, social behavior, cognitive theory, biopsychology and neuroscience, which together offer a wide examination of human behavior, from the social animal to the cellular level. Your education will combine theory and practical research. You may find yourself studying what sort of music rats prefer, or how consumer decisions can be influenced by advertising. And you could work one-on-one with a faculty member over the summer on a Pioneer Scholars research project.
An education in psychology provides a better understanding of human behaviors and translates to a wide variety of possible careers in counseling, human resources, marketing and sales, criminal justice and teaching, among others. The program also provides a strong foundation if you’re looking to pursue graduate studies. Our graduates have gone on to attend graduate programs at SUNY–Stony Brook, Texas Christian University and the University of Toronto, among others.
You’ll also have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects, some culminating with publication in peer-reviewed journals (a great advantage whether you’re considering graduate programs or a career).
The psychology major easily pairs with a number of other majors, including business administration, criminal justice, animal behavior and communication, and a double major can be completed within four years.
Our location provides students with access to numerous internships with health-related businesses. These enrich your education and also create connections with local employers. That means many of our students walk straight into meaningful careers upon graduation.
Careers in Education
If you are interested in working in an educational environment, pairing the psychology major with an education major might be a good fit for you. For instance, pairing the psychology major with Carroll’s secondary education major can lead to certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to teach social sciences in high school and middle school. Alongside your education coursework, courses in psychology will not only prepare you to teach social sciences, but also provide you with a sound understanding of mental processes that underlie learning. Or, if you are interested in fostering the success of students by providing mental health services as a school psychologist, or academically focused services as a guidance counselor, pairing the psychology major with Carroll’s educational studies major can prepare you for post-graduate studies to pursue these careers.
Tracks / Minor
While not required, psychology majors may choose to further specialize their study through one of the following tracks. In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in psychology that complements many areas of study:
Internships
We help you build real world experience, explore careers and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following companies:
- Rogers Memorial Hospital
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- La Casa de Esperanza
- Waukesha Mental Health Association
- Wisconsin Early Autism Project
- Area school districts
Careers
College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.
