Why study Psychology at MC?

Why do people do the things they do? How do children learn and develop? How does prejudice form, and under what circumstances are people more likely to help one another? These are just a sample of questions that the field of psychology attempts to answer. The Major in Psychology offers a broad foundation for the understanding of behavior and mental processes. With a focus on human behavior and cognition, students in the major gain an understanding of individual differences, group behavior, and the impact of environmental and social factors. We provide students with the tools necessary for scientific study of behavior and the ability to concentrate the coursework in areas of particular interest, while getting the necessary breadth in social, cognitive, developmental, and clinical areas.

Counseling

The Major in Psychology-Counseling is designed to provide students with coursework related to the helping professions as well as a firm foundation in the science of human behavior. Courses related to the counseling field, including Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Group Facilitation, and Sociology of Marriage and Family, are related in the major. Students in this major are well prepared for graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and related fields. Graduates are also ready to directly enter the workforce and be employed by a wide variety of social service organizations and programs that serve children and families, individuals with substance abuse problems, victims of domestic violence, individuals with chronic mental illness, and others.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The Major in Psychology provides the student a broad curricular experience in psychology as preparation for graduate school. The Major in Psychology Counseling specifically prepares students for graduate programs in a wide variety of counseling fields.  For students who do not plan to go beyond the B.A. degree, the psychology curriculum is useful preparation for any career in which the understanding of individual and group behavior would be beneficial. Major requirements for Child Development and Learning may be found under its own listing.

Photo of Savannah Mallery

Savannah Mahery

Hometown: Sweetwater, Tennessee

A study of the Holocaust in 8th grade influenced Savannah’s career aspirations. “I remember asking myself ‘How could someone do that to other people?,’ and that sparked an interest in mental health and criminal justice,” she said. “It sparked a passion to grow to be an advocate for people who are in the criminal justice system suffering from mental illness, as well as the ones who have been a victim to those who are suffering from mental illness.”

With a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice, she plans to eventually pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, but her interest in Forensic Psychology is strong. Her Senior Study explores this emerging field, and she is vice president of the MC Crime Talk Club. Thanks to classroom preparation and faculty encouragement, she landed an internship with a forensic neuropsychologist that allowed her to directly work in her field of interest.

 

Photo of Haly Scott

Haly Scott ’23

Currently: Pursuing master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UT-Knoxville

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology (and Sociology), Haly is now pursuing her master’s degree. “Once I finish my master’s degree, I plan to work as a counselor in community mental health, with high-risk children and families, and obtain the required counseling supervision hours in order to apply for licensure as a professional counselor, with a mental health service provider (LPC-MHSP) designation,” she said.

Haly credits MC for also teaching her interpersonal, time-management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “With these, I feel confident in facing any challenge that arises, whether in my personal or professional life,” she said. She hopes to one day earn a doctorate in the mental health field after obtaining her LPC-MHSP designation.

 

Chair, Division of Behavioral Science, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Crystal Colter
Chair, Division of Behavioral Science, Professor of Psychology
More Info
Professor of Psychology
Dr. Karen Beale
Professor of Psychology
More Info
Professor of Psychology
Dr. Ariane Schratter
Professor of Psychology
More Info
Professor of Psychology
Dr. Chad Schrock
Professor of Psychology
More Info
Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Kathie Shiba
Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity, Professor of Psychology
More Info
Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Aqualus Gordon
Associate Professor of Psychology
More Info
Visiting Lecturer in Psychology
Christian Ishak
Visiting Lecturer in Psychology

Major in Psychology can lead to careers in counseling, mental health, social work, human services, community agencies, recreational/occupational/rehabilitation therapy, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, development/fund-raising, activities director for special populations, youth work, data analysis, social/marketing/academic research, college student personnel, vocational counseling, substance abuse counseling, sales, marketing, public relations, customer service, or employee training. Some of these careers require advanced degrees.

Major in Psychology-Counseling Track can lead to careers in mental health counseling, vocational counseling, school counseling, marriage and family, social work, human services, community agencies, recreational/occupational/rehabilitation therapy, advocacy work, positions in non-profit organizations, youth work, college student personnel, vocational counseling, and substance abuse counseling. While there are entry-level jobs available in many of these areas, an advanced degree is required for most therapeutic counseling positions.

Job Placements

Brookhaven Retreat
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Eastern State Hospital
Helen Ross McNabb
IBM
Knox County Schools
Mayo Clinic
Memphis City Schools
Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital
State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services

Graduate School Placements

California Institute of Integral Studies
Georgia Southern University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
State University of New York
University of Alabama
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College
Wake Forest University School of Law

Cherokee Health Systems, University of Tennessee, and Autism Society of America for the Autism Training Initiative
Blount Memorial Hospital
Harmony Family Center
Bridge Refugee Services
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Family Promise
Haven House
Helen Ross McNabb
Maryville City, Blount County, and Alcoa Schools

  1. Describes how the interaction of mind, body, and the socio-cultural environment affects behavior.
    1. Demonstrates understanding of and respect for the experiences of diverse and socially marginalized groups.
    2. Recognizes the wide variety of behavior that can be considered normal.
    3. Articulates the multiple causes of varied behaviors
    4. Compares and contrasts major psychological systems
    5. Relates behavior to different developmental levels across the life-span
  2. Critically reviews and analyzes psychological research.
    1. Uses and interprets quantitative and qualitative information appropriately
    2. Identifies relationships and synthesizes information
    3. Considers ethical issues
    4. Uses basic psychological terminology
  3. Demonstrates ability to solve problems using the scientific mode of inquiry.
  4. Expresses oneself clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking professionally.
    1. Gives formal presentations
    2. Uses APA style in written communications as appropriate

The Major in Psychology requires 47 credit hours with 40 hours in major courses and 7 hours in related areas.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 244: Introduction to Neuroscience(3 hrs)
PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology(2 hrs)
PSY 311: Research Design(3 hrs)
PSY 312: Experimental Psychology(4 hrs)
PSY 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
PSY 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
BIO 111: Fundamentals of Biology(4 hrs)

Either of the following courses:

SOC 101: Introductory Sociology(3 hrs)
Or
SOC 211: Cultural Anthropology(3 hrs)

Nineteen (19) additional hours in psychology electives, at least 6 hours of which must be at the 300 or 400 levels - Psychology electives must include 3 hours from each of four domains.

Note that some courses fall into multiple domains but may be counted toward fulfilling the requirement for only one domain.

Cognitive:

PSY 314: Cognitive Psychology(4 hrs)
PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning(4 hrs)
PSY 327: Sensation and Perception(4 hrs)

Developmental:

PSY 211: Child Development(3 hrs)
PSY 218: Adolescent Development(3 hrs)
PSY 222: Adult Development and Aging(3 hrs)
PSY 324: Child Poverty and Inequality(3 hrs)

Social:

PSY 221: Social Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 224: Cross-Cultural Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 227: Intimate Relationships(3 hrs)
PSY 301: Theories of Personality(3 hrs)

Clinical:

PSY 301: Theories of Personality(3 hrs)
PSY 331: Abnormal Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 333: Theories and Techniques in Counseling(3 hrs)

A double major in Psychology and Developmental Psychology is not permitted.

The Major in Psychology with a Counseling Track requires 53 credit hours with 43 hours in major courses and 10 hours in related areas.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 244: Introduction to Neuroscience(3 hrs)
PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology(2 hrs)
PSY 311: Research Design(3 hrs)
PSY 312: Experimental Psychology(4 hrs)
PSY 331: Abnormal Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 333: Theories and Techniques in Counseling(3 hrs)
PSY 338: Introduction to Counseling Practice(3 hrs)
PSY 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
PSY 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
BIO 111: Fundamentals of Biology(4 hrs)
PHR 235: Group Facilitation(3 hrs)

One of the following:

PSY 211: Child Development(3 hrs)
PSY 218: Adolescent Development(3 hrs)
PSY 222: Adult Development and Aging(3 hrs)

One of the following:

PSY 227: Intimate Relationships(3 hrs)
PSY 301: Theories of Personality(3 hrs)

One of the following:

PSY 314: Cognitive Psychology(4 hrs)
PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning(4 hrs)

One of the following:

PSY 337: Internship in Psychology(0-15 hrs)
PSY : Elective(3 hrs)

One of the following:

SOC 101: Introductory Sociology(3 hrs)
SOC 211: Cultural Anthropology(3 hrs)
SOC 215: Sociology of Marriage and Family(3 hrs)

The Minor in Psychology consists of 15 hours.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

15 hours in psychology with at least one 300-level course

The Minor in Psychology is not open to students majoring in Developmental Psychology, Psychology Counseling, or Neuroscience.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

Catalog Apply

Request Info

Interested in this Program of Study at Maryville College? Submit your basic information and an Admissions counselor will contact you shortly to answer any questions you might have.

Loading…