Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, thought, and emotion. It is a broad discipline, involving areas as diverse as biology and philosophy. The field includes areas such as social (the influence of groups on individuals), developmental (issues related to childhood and the aging process), abnormal (unusual or maladaptive behavior), and cognitive (thought, language and perception) psychology.
Our Psychology program is designed to provide you with exposure to the many different fields of psychology. You'll learn problem-solving techniques through the program’s focus on research and analysis of human behavior in experimental research and statistics courses.
A liberal arts emphasis provides you with the opportunity to study psychology and its relationships with other fields such as sociology, philosophy, and biology. At the same time, the student-faculty ratio and the focus on experimental methods allow you to formulate and test your own ideas about human behavior. In addition, Lees-McRae College provides you with unique internship opportunities in a rural, Appalachian setting.
What You'll Study
This program is full of fascinating classes. Learn about abnormal psychology, including the origins, symptoms and treatment of mental disorders. Study attitudes and behaviors associated with courtships and romantic relationships. Dig into the scientific study of the relationship between brain and behavior. Examine the classification and impact on behavior of psychoactive drugs.
Beyond the Classroom
All Psychology majors are required to complete an internship. Psychology internships allow you to gain experience in fields or working with populations that may be related to career fields of interest. Examples of the wide range of internship experiences available include Children's Hope Alliance, Banner Elk Elementary School, New Opportunity School for Women, and Banner Elk Winery. Internships are also available working with doctors, lawyers, therapists, and other professionals.
After Graduation
Common Career Areas
Psychology majors go on to a wide range of careers. With a degree in psychology, students will be prepared to enter a variety of industries, common fields being business, social service, and education. If an individual chooses to stay in the field of psychology, this program will set them up for success in applying to a variety of graduate programs in the field.
- Counseling—Mental Health Counselor, Grief Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Art Therapist, Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Technician
- Business—Sales, Human Resources, Training and Development
- Social Service—Social Work, Nonprofits, Sociologists
- Education—Professor, Secondary Education, Elementary Education, School Administration
Career information is provided through Vault and O'Net. Current Lees-McRae students can see the full results on Vault using their student email and password.
Alumni Success
Unit Supervisor Children's Hope Alliance (formerly Grandfather Home for Children)
Social Work Graduate Student University of Southern California
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student University of North Georgia
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduate Student North Carolina State University
Counseling Graduate Student Appalachian State University
Social Psychology Graduate Student Lehigh University
Education Graduate Student University of Texas at Austin
Social Work Graduate Student University of South Carolina
Meet the Faculty
James Carson, PhD
Program Coordinator and Professor of Psychology
Sue Hart, PhD
Professor of Psychology