The state of Kentucky has a wide range of options for students hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree in the field of Psychology. Students can pursue a psychology degree as a part of the process of becoming a professional psychologist but this degree also offers many more options. The curriculum used to prepare psychology majors is a plan of study heavily based in the Liberal Arts. While students learn a lot about psychology they also learn a great deal about other topical areas that can lead to employment or graduate training in other fields, both related and unrelated. Psychology Degrees can be used as preparation for careers. Among them are:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Law
- Business
- Customer Service
- Human Resources
- Teaching
The flexibility of these types of college programs makes this degree option a good choice for all students. By earning this type of flexible degree, graduates have the ability to take their college degree and apply it in many fields.
Centre College
The Division of Science and Mathematics
Centre College is a private liberal arts college with a loose affiliation to the Presbyterian Church. The college is located in Danville, Kentucky, a city of nearly 16,000 residents, about 35 miles south of Lexington. Centre is a four-year, Bachelor’s Degree granting institution with an enrollment of around 1,375 students. The school was founded by Presbyterian leaders and officially chartered by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1819. The College is also an affiliate member of the Associated Colleges of the South. In 2015, US News and World Report ranked Centre as the 45th best National Liberal Arts College and the 31st Best Value in the country. The Division of Science and Mathematics is home to a wide range of disciplines and majors. The Bachelor’s Degree options in Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience provide students with a strong scientific training program. It prepares students for immediate entrance into the workforce or graduate training programs.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree Program has a rich history of training students for careers in many different fields. Psychology majors begin their studies by gathering a great deal of foundational learning in classes such as Intro to Psychology and Intro to Research Methods. When these are completed, students can choose from a wide variety of elective courses in the field. The Department offers many different courses including topics such as:
- developmental psychology
- social and abnormal psychology
- cognition and learning
- behavioral neuroscience
Psychology majors can customize their major by choosing from various upper-level courses that outline the breadth and depth of the field. Some of these exciting courses include:
- Psychology of Women
- Cultural Psychology
- Personality
- Health Psychology
Students will participate in an experiential capstone experience. This is done by completing either a senior seminar course or collaborating with a faculty member to complete an advanced research project.
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience
The Bachelor’s of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience Degree Program was founded in the 1960’s as a psychobiology program. According to the College, this program was among the earliest undergraduate degree-granting programs in the country. The adapted Behavioral Neuroscience curriculum highlights the biological bases of behavior, with a strong focus on:
- neuroanatomy
- neurophysiology
- neuropharmacology
- behavioral ecology
Students must complete the required foundational courses in:
- psychology
- biology
- chemistry
- physiological psychology
- research methods
Behavioral neuroscience majors can choose from upper-level behavioral neuroscience courses that cater the plan of study to the student’s unique interests and career goals. This program provides students with the training required for careers in:
- neuroscience
- animal behavior
- the medical field
A strong focus is placed on research in this program and the required research courses offer students two important strengths:
- Ongoing group meetings where students and faculty discuss their projects, provide feedback and ideas, and share solutions to problems
- Close, individual attention from a faculty member in the development of the experimental design, collection of the data, analysis of the results, and reporting of the findings
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Centre College
The Division of Science and Mathematics
Jan Wertz, Psychology Program Chair
600 West Walnut Street
Danville, Kentucky 40422
(859) 238-5334
E-Mail: jan.wertz@centre.edu
Melissa Burns-Cusato, Behavioral Neuroscience Program Chair
600 West Walnut Street
Danville, Kentucky 40422
(859) 238-5384
E-mail: m.cusato@centre.edu
Eastern Kentucky University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Eastern Kentucky University (Eastern or EKU) is a comprehensive teaching and research university in Richmond, Kentucky. The school is made up of regional campuses in Corbin, Danville, and Manchester. It has satellite centers in Fort Knox, Lancaster, and Somerset. Its extensive online department offers more than 25 fully online degree programs. In 2015, US News and World Report ranked Eastern as the 62nd best college or university in the Southern Region of the United States as well as the 27th Top Public School. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest Division with the broadest academic offerings at Eastern Kentucky University. The College confers Associate, Baccalaureate and Master’s Level Degrees through 16 unique departments in:
- the creative and performing arts
- humanities
- social and behavioral sciences
- mathematics and natural sciences
The mission of the college is to “equip students with the intellectual skills, knowledge, and tools that will enable them to compete successfully in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world”.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology Degree Program trains students in the foundational basis of psychology so they have a strong academic framework to build upon. The flexible BS degree helps students develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, opening the doors to a range of career options. Students pursuing the BS in Psychology can choose from one of the following areas of concentration:
- General Psychology
- Substance Abuse
- Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Forensic Psychology
- Child and Family Psychology
- Psychology of the Workplace
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Students complete the concentration by fulfilling the minimum requirements of the psychology major as well as a pre-determined number of upper-level courses in the concentration area.
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The fully online Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree Program follows the curriculum for the traditional, on-campus BS very closely. Students pursuing an online degree in Psychology can choose from the following concentration areas:
- Psychology/Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Psychology/Forensic Psychology
- Psychology/Child and Family Psychology
- Psychology/Workplace Psychology
- Psychology/Brain and Cognitive Science
Some of the major strengths of this program include:
- A strong focus on student engagement and students success is a top priority for all students in the program
- An expert faculty provides interactive feedback and a collaborative approach to learning
- Opportunities for joint student-faculty research
- Online tutoring anywhere with the EKU PASS tutoring program
- Dedicated academic advisor and individualized degree mapping
Bachelor of Science in Psychology Animal Studies
The unique Bachelor of Science in Animal Studies Degree Program is an interdisciplinary, applied science program. It concentrates on animals and their interactions and relationships with humans. This multidisciplinary approach helps students explore the complex details of:
- animal’s lives
- human-animal relationships
- ethical and moral concerns about animals
- representations of animals and humans
- the significance of animals in human evolution, history, culture and civilization
Animal Studies majors work closely with faculty who are top-notch teachers, mentors, and scholars. Class sizes are kept small so students receive the individual attention they need to thrive.
Accreditations
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Eastern Kentucky University
The College of Arts and Sciences
521 Lancaster Avenue
127 Cammack Building
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-1105
E-Mail: robert.brubaker@eku.edu
Program Website
Georgetown College
The Psychology Department
Georgetown College is a small, private, Christian liberal arts college in Georgetown, Kentucky. The school was established in 1829 and was the first Baptist College west of the Allegheny Mountains. The low student/faculty ratio (1:1) is a huge strength of the many undergraduate degrees offered by the various divisions. The College has produced five Rhodes Scholars and 31 Fulbright Scholars since 1989 It’s home to a unique Honors program including a partnership with Regent’s Park College in Oxford. In 2014, the school became one of just 18 schools in the country to earn the highest rating for protecting free speech on campus. In 2015, US News and World Report ranked Georgetown as the 155th best National Liberal Arts College. The Psychology Department at Georgetown offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with additional resources such as Psi Chi (the National Honor Society in Psychology) and supports a Psychology Bowl team. The Psychology Bowl team competes in a tournament, held during the Spring Academic Conference with questions from 10 different subject areas of psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program has a strong curriculum with the goal of offering students a comprehensive conceptual framework from a range of psychological and social perspectives. The study plan emphasizes critical reading and thinking. It also places emphasis on understanding the important historical and theoretical framework of psychology and the empirical methodology used to conduct scientific research. Many psychology majors enrolled in this program continue their education in graduate training and the Psychology Department participates in the proper preparation for this goal. For students who choose not to attend graduate school, the curriculum prepares graduates for a variety of career options. Qualified students enrolled as Psychology majors have the opportunity to participate in the Psi Chi Club, which is the National Honor Society for Psychology students. They may also choose to sign up for the Psychology Bowl, which is an annual tournament for Psychology Students to test their knowledge in the major sub-fields of psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Child Development Minor
Students pursing the BA in Psychology degree with the optional minor in Child Development will be required to complete the same curricular guidelines as the BA in Psychology program. In addition to those requirements students must also complete:
- Required Core Courses – 9 hours
- Psychological Processes – 3 hours
- Cultural Diversity and Socio-cultural Context – 2-3 hours
- Child Guidance and Health – 3 hours
- Exceptional Children/Atypical Development – 2-3 hours
- Art/Music/Theatre – 2-3 hours
Students in this program may also participate in Psi Chi or the Psychology Bowl team.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Georgetown College
The Psychology Department
400 East College Street
Georgetown, Kentucky 40324
Dr. Karyn McKenzie – Professor of Psychology, Chair
Anderson Hall, Room 024
(502) 863.7933
E-Mail: karyn_mckenzie@georgetowncollege.edu
Program Website
Kentucky Christian University
The School of Social Work and Human Services
Kentucky Christian University (KCU) is a small, private comprehensive Christian university in Grayson, Kentucky. The school was founded in 1919 as the Christian Normal Institute. As a Normal School the programs offered included a high school, a junior college, and a training program for public school teachers. In the early 1920s the emphasis shifted to training students for the Christian ministry. Currently, degree programs are offered across eight individual schools within the University:
- the School of Art and Science
- the Sack School of Bible and Ministry
- the School of Business
- the Keeran School of Education
- the School of Music
- the Yancy School of Nursing
- the School of Social Work and Human Services
- the Graduate School
As part of the curricular requirements, all students complete a 24-hour core in Biblical Studies, in addition to the liberal arts core and the student’s major area of study. The blend of religious studies, liberal arts, and professional studies is a benefit unique to Kentucky Christian University students. Students must also participate in twice-a-week chapel services. The University is nationally recognized for:
- the strength of its worship leaders
- the Christian nursing program
- athletic programs
In 2015, US News & World Report ranked KCU as the 56th best college or university in the Southern Region of the United States.
The School of Social Work and Human Services mission is to “prepare students for careers as Christian human service professionals”. Upon graduation students are adequately prepared for practice as entry level workers in social service agencies as well as for graduate education or graduate school in their chosen field.
Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology
KCU psychology majors complete their training program with a minimum of 120 hours in general education, Bible courses, and Counseling Psychology courses. Counseling Psychology students must also complete a 400-hour internship in a human service organization. It’s designed to offer an experiential learning opportunity that can be used to apply classroom training in the real world human service situations in multi-cultural settings.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Kentucky Christian University
The School of Social Work and Human Services
100 Academic Parkway
Grayson, KY 41143
E-Mail: lknight@kcu.edu
Program Website
Kentucky State University
The College of Arts and Sciences – The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public co-educational university in Frankfort, Kentucky. The school was established in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons. KSU was the second state-supported institution of higher learning founded in Kentucky. Currently the undergraduate enrollment is just over 2,000 students with a graduate enrollment of 134. Four individual colleges support degree Programs, offering:
- four Associate’s Degrees
- 55 Bachelor’s Degrees
- six post-graduate programs
The university also offers five liberal study degrees through the Whitney Young School (WYS) of Honors and Liberal Studies. It consists of:
- an Honors Program
- an Integrative Studies Program
- an International Studies Program
In 2015, US News and World Report ranked KSU as the 38th best Historically Black College or University in the United States. The major goal of the College of Arts and Sciences is to “provide students with requisite academic skills, knowledge, and a sense of competence which will allow them to assume leadership roles in their respective fields of study or career interests”. The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers training programs in:
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program at Kentucky State offers training that covers a wide range of topics related to the behaviors and experiences of humans and animals. The curriculum covers subjects such as:
- perception
- memory
- thought
- behavior
- the psychological, social, physiological, and developmental process that underlies these phenomena
Students become familiar with the empirical scientific method and how to apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to assess, prevent, and resolve individual and social problems. The Psychology Major plan of study focuses on training students to pursue entry-level positions in:
- the human and social service
- medical, law, or management fields
- Graduate studies
All psychology graduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the core area of psychological science
- Demonstrate an understanding of research design concepts applied in the psychological literature
- Demonstrate the ability to link psychological theory, research, and practice
- Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural and social context of human behavior
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical codes of conduct as outlined by the American Psychological Association
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Kentucky State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street
Frankfort, Ky. 40601
(502) 597-5932
E-Mail: tierra.freeman@kysu.edu
Program Website
Psychology training programs at the undergraduate levels are intentionally broad-based. This is in part due to the varied nature of the field. However, it is also partially due to the fact that many graduates of undergraduate psychology programs will not pursue graduate training in Psychology. Without a graduate degree in Psychology, the professional options are somewhat limited. Despite the low number of psychology undergrads pursuing graduate training in the field, Psychology is still among the top undergraduate majors in the country. This is largely because savvy students know that a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology can be applied to a plethora of fields of study and practice. By securing a Bachelor’s in Psychology, students in Kentucky will open many doors for their academics and career.
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