An undergraduate degree from one of the many accredited colleges and universities in Mississippi can be the start of a rewarding career. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Handbook, professional psychologists earn a median salary of $69,280 per year (which equates to approximately $33.30 per hour). The BLS predicts an increase of 12 percent. Employment opportunities are most readily available to individuals who hold graduate degrees. However a Bachelor’s Degree is a necessary step on the path to becoming a professional psychologist. Mississippi offers a wide range of educational opportunities to those interested in this career choice.
Delta State University
The College of Education and Human Sciences
Founded in 1924, Delta State University is a four-year public coed university located in Cleveland, two hours north of Jackson. Delta State awards undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs of study leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Colleges of:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business, Education
- the School of Nursing.
It also offers the Educational Specialist degree and Doctorates in Education and Nursing Practice. The University also offers an exchange program allowing students to study and intern in other countries. It has short-term study abroad opportunities to better understand the impact that culture has on business.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Delta State University as Tier 2 for Southern Regional Universities. The Psychology Program serves over 70 undergraduate majors and offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a strong emphasis on the development of research, analytical, and communication skills.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program focuses on research, analytical, and communication skills development. Coursework includes:
- Learning & Cognition
- Abnormal Psychology
- Personality and Behavior Analysis
Students are actively involved in a variety of theoretical and applied research covering topics including:
- social cognition
- cognition
- eyewitness memory
- teaching and learning
- comprehending text
- unconscious processing
- biological psychology
- educational psychology
Psychology majors are prepared to pursue graduate study in major masters’ and doctorate programs across the nation. Other students choose to pursue careers in psychology related professions. Completion of the Major includes 39 credits and the following coursework:
- General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Research Methods I
- Statistics
- Research Methods II
- Learning & Cognition
- Biological Psychology
- Senior Seminar
- 15 credits of approved electives
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Delta State University
The College of Education and Human Sciences
Dr.Temika Simmons, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Ewing 349 – Box 3142
1003 W Sunflower Road
Cleveland, Mississippi 38733
(662) 846-4355
E-Mail: psychology@deltastate.edu
Program Website
Jackson State University
The Department of Psychology
Jackson State University is a coed public institution located in Jackson. The American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York founded the school in 1877 as Natchez Seminary. The society moved the school to Jackson in 1882 renaming it Jackson College. It’s a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Jackson State University reached a student population of nearly 10,000 students in 2015 making Jackson State the fourth largest HBCU in the nation.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Jackson State University as Tier 2 for National Universities. Athletic teams participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
The Department of Psychology is part of the School of Social and Behavioral Science in the College of Liberal Arts.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Curriculum for the BS in Psychology exposes students to the various fields of psychology. The Psychology major prepares students for advanced studies in psychology, and careers in:
- behavioral sciences
- education
- mental health
- social work
- teaching psychology
Students in the program have numerous opportunities to work on research projects with senior researchers. They may also may participate in summer research internships at major universities. The Community Health Program also provides undergraduates with research experience. Community Health is a research focused program in assisting African American adolescents and women, as well as adolescents with a history of substance abuse, in activities reducing their risk for HIV infection.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Jackson State University
The Psychology Department
Bryman Williams (Director of Clinical Training)
College of Liberal Arts Building-2nd Floor
1325 J. R. Lynch Street
Post Office Box 17550
Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0350
(601) 979-2371
E-Mail: bryman.e.williams@jsums.edu
Program Website
Millsaps College
The Psychology and Neuroscience Department
Founded in 1890, Millsaps College is a private coed Liberal Arts College located in Jackson. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and enrolls nearly 1,000 undergraduates. Millsap offers 32 majors and 41 minors, including a self-designed major, and numerous opportunities for study abroad and internship opportunities. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Millsaps College as the 93rd Best National Liberal Arts College in the country.
The school’s varsity Majors participate in NCAA Division III in the Southern Athletic Association. The Psychology and Neuroscience Department has a mission to “cultivate majors with a broad base of knowledge in psychology to prepare students for advanced graduate study in psychology, to provide a background for entry into one of the advanced professional schools (e.g., law, medicine, business, education), or to enable the student to receive a broad liberal arts education”.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BA and BS degree programs in Psychology offer students a diverse curriculum. It provides a broad-based education in psychology and the facets of:
- behavior
- mental processes
- communication
- research
- writing
Coursework includes forensics, sports and positive psychology, and traditional coursework to prepare students for graduate study.
The undergraduate psychology curriculum emphasizes the understanding of human diversity, and an appreciation and application of the scientific method. It also studies the use of critical thinking skills beyond the domains of psychology.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Millsap College
The Psychology and Neuroscience Department
1701 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39210
(601) 974-1000
E-Mail: Admissions@millsaps.edu
Program Website
Mississippi College
The College of Arts and Sciences
Mississippi College is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, just west of Jackson. It was founded in 1826. The college is the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the country and the oldest college in the state of Mississippi. With an enrollment of more than 5,000 students, Mississippi College is the largest private university in the state.
Mississippi College awards more than 80 undergraduate degree programs and 15 graduate degrees. It has a law school and a physician assistant program. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Mississippi College as the 32nd Best Southern Regional University. The College of Arts and Sciences consists of three schools:
- the School of Christian Studies and the Arts
- the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- the School of Science and Mathematics.
It provides students a liberal arts education that reflects academic excellence and Christian concern and commitment.
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The undergraduate program in Psychology leads to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Curriculum for the psychology major provides an in-depth understanding of the complexities of psychological principles and how to apply them in practical situations. Coursework includes studies of how approach psychology as a practical science based in applied research, while maintaining a Christian perspective and values. The psychology major requires 34-40 credits. It prepares graduates for careers in agencies and organizations as a technician or case manager. Students are required to participate in research courses that provide a foundation for advanced studies in psychology.
- Students in the Bachelor of Arts program with a psychology major are required to complete 34 credits in Psychology coursework as well as 12 additional credits in a modern Language
- Students in the Bachelor of Science program with a Psychology major are required to complete 34 credits in psychology coursework as well as 6 additional credits of psychology electives
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Mississippi College
The College of Arts and Sciences
200 South Capitol Street
Clinton, Mississippi 39056
Stephen Southern, Chair
(601) 925-3843
E-Mail: southern@mc.edu
Program Website
Mississippi State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1878, Mississippi State University is a public coed university located in Starkville, about 170 miles southeast of Memphis. The University offers more than 175 programs leading to a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees in eight academic colleges that include:
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Architecture, Art and Design
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Bagley Engineering
- Forest Resources
- Veterinary Medicine
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse college within Mississippi State University. It provides academic programs ranging from the natural and social sciences to the humanities. Undergraduate enrollment is over 16,000 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Mississippi State University as the 161st Best National University.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in psychology degree program allows students to specialize their studies while still gaining exposure to the humanities and social sciences. Students in the BS program are required to be proficient in a foreign language by the second semester. Students are required to complete a six course theme in a specific area of study.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Mississippi State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Psychology
2nd Floor Allen Hall – Drawer AS
Post Office Box 6161
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
(662) 325-2646
E-Mail Form
Program Website
With expected growth in both employment opportunities and potential salary, psychology is an excellent career choice. The BLS estimates that by 2022, there will be an additional almost 20,000 positions available for psychologists. Some areas of psychology, such as Industrial / Organizational Psychology and Gerontology, will see even larger increases.
While most professional psychologists hold their graduate degree, an undergraduate degree is the first step toward this career. Students earning their Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology will have many options upon graduation. They may continue their academics and enter into a graduate program in psychology. They may opt for graduate studies, but choose a different path, such as medicine, business or law. They may also choose to immediately enter the work force. It depends upon their individual career aspirations.
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