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.

The Psychology Department will create a healthy, sustainable environment that fosters student engagement & leadership in an interconnected world through meaningful educational experiences that contribute to the public good.

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In addition to the primary, we also offer majors in these sub-areas:

Counseling:

The Major in Psychology-Counseling is designed to provide students with coursework related to the counseling field, including Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Group Facilitation, and Sociology of Marriage and Family. Graduates are ready to directly enter the workforce of 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.Students are also well prepared for graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and related fields.

Developmental Psychology:

The  Major in Developmental Psychology is an excellent option for students who are interested in developmental science across the lifespan and in providing services to children, adolescents and adults. Students in this major build a strong foundation in the theory and practice of development, from conception through aging.

Neuroscience:

Neuroscience is a rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field includes study in psychology, biology, chemistry and statistics. While understanding the biochemistry of individual nerve cells or examining mental processing or disease states such as Alzheimer’s, you will learn how the brain and nervous system respond to the environment and generate behavior.

Meet a Current Scot

Photo of Annie Melhorn, a student majoring in Psychology.

Annie Melhorn

Hometown: Ten Mile, Tennessee

To truly excel in post-secondary education, Annie knew she needed a college that was not only academically strong but also strong in character. After the welcome she received from the Admission Ambassadors, advisors, professors and even the College’s president, Annie chose MC.

A Psychology and Criminal Justice double major, Annie found work at the Family Resource Center of Maryville as an assistant to its director. “Being able to directly work with families that need emotional, physical, medical, social and academic support has deepened my knowledge of the criminal justice and psychology fields.”

In addition to being inducted to the College’s chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, Annie is working towards obtaining her Certified Nonprofit Professional credential through the College’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

 

Meet a Recent Grad

Photo of alumni Brooke Pratcher who recently graduated with a degree in Psychology.

Brooke Pratcher ’22

Currently: Pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio

When Brooke enrolled at MC, she was set on the Biology major and Pre-Vet track. However, her interest in psychology was piqued in a psychology class where she learned about the significant shortage of Black, female counselors. “I knew that this lack of representation could have profound effects on the mental health and well-being of Black individuals,” she said. That knowledge inspired her to pursue a career in psychology so she could address the disparities.

Brooke credits her MC professors for helping her develop the cultural competence and empathy necessary for effective counseling and the rigorous curriculum and hands-on experiences for preparing her for her graduate studies and beyond. Her current career plans are to become a family and marriage counselor in South Carolina and potentially pursue a doctorate in the field.

 

Chair, Division of Behavioral Science, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Crystal Colter
Chair, Division of Behavioral Science, Professor of Psychology
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Professor of Psychology
Dr. Karen Beale
Professor of Psychology
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Professor of Psychology
Dr. Ariane Schratter
Professor of Psychology
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Professor of Psychology
Dr. Chad Schrock
Professor of Psychology
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Professor Emerita
Dr. Kathie Shiba
Professor Emerita
Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Aqualus Gordon
Associate Professor of Psychology
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Visiting Lecturer in Psychology
Christian Ishak
Visiting Lecturer in Psychology

A 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.

A 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

Cleveland Clinic Foundation
McNabb Center
IBM
Knox County Schools
Mayo Clinic
Memphis City Schools
Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital
State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services

Graduate School Placements

Georgia Southern University
Marymount University
Middle Tennessee State University
Montana 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
Xavier University

Blount County, Alcoa, and Maryville City Schools
Blount County Department of Children’s Services
Blount Memorial Hospital
Bridge Refugee Services
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools
Family Promise
Harmony Family Center
Haven House
Helen Ross NcNabb
New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center

  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 337: Internship in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSY 353: Senior Study (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 337: Internship in Psychology (3 hrs)
PSY 338: Introduction to Counseling Practice (3 hrs)
PSY 353: Senior Study (3 hrs)
PSY XXX: Psychology elective (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 (3 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.

You may also be interested in:

Counseling

Developmental Psychology

Neuroscience
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