Psychology

At Wesleyan we place a high value on active learning through the experimental research process. All psychology majors complete at least one research project and many do additional research in professors’ labs as part of independent studies or in their senior seminar course. As a result, psychology majors not only learn about what others have done, but make their own contribution to the field. Students travel each year, accompanied by faculty members, to present their research at the annual meetings of the Southeastern Psychological Association and the Comparative Cognition Society. Psychology majors can make use of a human subjects lab complete with remote viewing equipment and DirectRT reaction time software. There is also an animal lab used for serial pattern learning research

In addition to classroom instruction, psychology majors often benefit from experiences that occur within the community. Many psychology majors complete an internship at sites such as the local women’s Crisis Line and Safe House, The Methodist Home for Children and Youth, and Navicent Health. Considering our broader community, psychology majors may join study abroad trips relevant to the field. Past offerings have included Drugs and Behavior (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and the Neuroscience of Pleasure and Beauty (Rome, Italy)

A psychology degree prepares students for success in a variety of career settings. While some psychology majors go on to pursue a master's or doctorate, others find employment with a bachelor's degree in fields such as business or education. Regardless of their desired path, psychology majors are competitive for many jobs due to their strong critical thinking and communication skills.

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, students unlock many entry-level job opportunities in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare. Within these fields, a graduate can work as a research analyst, marketing and advertising agent, or training and development specialist. While some psychology majors enter the workforce after earning their bachelor's degree, many go on to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. For the most lucrative careers in psychology, an advanced degree is usually required.