Psychology

Deepen your Understanding in Human Behavior

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR ARTS

The Psychology major at Stevenson University helps students develop a detailed, integrated, and science-based understanding of behavior, including mental processes. As a student in this major, you’ll learn how to apply this understanding to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

If you are interested in how humans think, feel, and act, our program will help you develop a scientifically based understanding of behavior and mental processes in both humans and animals.

There are four components to the program:

  • Students study the content of the major subdisciplines within psychology. Through studying these subdisciplines and their associated theories, research methodologies, and scientific findings, students learn how behavior is affected by an individual’s genetic background, physical state, cognitive and socioemotional processes, and cultural environment.
  • The content of psychology is based on science; therefore, majors begin to understand, evaluate, and apply research. They also have the opportunity to design and participate in research.
  • Psychology students learn about psychological disorders and the clinical application of psychology. They develop the knowledge and skills to help others solve personal problems, develop professional opportunities, and lead richer, fuller lives.
  • Students identify their career goals, plan the appropriate career paths to achieve those goals, learn professional ethics, and acquire skills essential to their professional interests. Psychology majors develop the intellectual, interpersonal, and technical skills to obtain employment relevant to their degree or to pursue graduate studies.

Graduates of the Psychology program will:

  • Think critically about major theories, concepts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  • Conducting research by choosing appropriate research designs and statistical analyses, interpreting and communicating research results, and applying ethical standards.
  • Helping others by using psychological knowledge, counseling theory and skills, and ethical standards.
  • Analyzing how sociocultural differences affect their personal and professional interactions.
  • Planning and pursue their ongoing career and/or professional development.

Stevenson Psychology

Connection to Career

Internship Placements

  • Boys and Girls Club of Westminster
  • Carroll County Public Schools
  • Healthcare for the Homeless
  • Manahawkin Nursing and
    Rehabilitation Center
  • Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Top Employers

  • Advocate Support Services
  • Chesapeake Rehabilitation Services
  • Kennedy Krieger Institute
  • PA Counseling Services
  • Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital

Graduate Opportunities

  • Chicago School of Psychology
  • Towson University
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • University of Texas
  • West Chester University

Career Pathways

  • Behavior Technician
  • Career Counselor
  • Human Resource
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Psychologist

Meet Our Students & Alumni

Down to the Root

Semira Nock

Psychology Major

Not everyone knows what their college major is going to be at 12-years-old, but Semira Nock knew by then that her purpose in life was to help people—and pursuing studies in psychology was the key. She believes in the fundamental roots of psychology: “In order to change one’s life, you have to change one’s mindset and thought process.”

Study Psychology at Stevenson

Courses

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements

FYS 100First Year Seminar1 credit
PSY 101Introduction to Psychology3 credits
PSY 108Human Growth and Development3 credits
PSY 136Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences4 credits
PSY 201Writing for Psychology3 credits
PSY 205Career Development I1 credit
PSY 215Psychopathology3 credits
PSY 230Basic Counseling Skills4 credits
PSY 260Behavioral Approaches to Change3 credits
PSY 262Social Psychology3 credits
PSY 305Career Development II1 credit
PSY 355Experimental Design and Analysis I4 credits
PSY 363Cognitive Psychology3 credits
PSY 370Biological Psychology3 credits
PSY 450Internship3 credits
PSY 455Experimental Design and Analysis II3 credits
PSY 480Senior Seminar: Diversity in Psychology3 credits

Six credits of psychology electives (at least three credits at the 300-level or above) from among the following:

PSY 208Human Sexuality3 credits
PSY 216Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents3 credits
PSY 250-254Topics in Psychology3 credits
PSY 326Special Topics in Cognitive Psychology3 credits
PSY 327Special Topics in Developmental Psychology3 credits
PSY 328Special Topics in Personality Psychology3 credits
PSY 329Special Topics in Social Psychology3 credits
PSY 333Tests and Measurement4 credits
PSY 340Advanced Counseling Skills4 credits
PSY 341Counseling Theories3 credits
PSY 350-354Advanced Topics in Applied Psychology3 credits
PSY 405Career Development III1 credit
PSY 420History and Systems of Psychology3 credits
PSY 470Senior Research Thesis4 credits

Explore our academic catalog for a full listing of courses, course descriptions, suggested course sequences, and more.

Minors and Other Options

Minor in Psychology

The minor in psychology requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a PSY prefix. Students majoring in counseling and human services may count up to three psychology courses required by the major toward a minor in psychology. Courses ineligible for the psychology minor include:

  • PSY-206 Child Development (except for education majors)
  • PSY-330 Educational Psychology (except for education majors)

General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the minors section of the catalog.

Minors at Stevenson

BA Option

Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level.

Bachelor’s to Master’s Option

BS/MS options are available for students majoring in Psychology who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework while working toward a Stevenson University Master’s Degree in one of the following:

Explore more Bachelor’s to Master’s Options

Psychology News

Dr. George Leary, a Stevenson University faculty member, will present a talk on Despair and Hope: The Psychology of Climate Change.

We are happy to feature Olivia Gooch (’22 Psychology) this week!Olivia is currently in her junior year.

We are proud to feature our alum Sophia Allen (’11 Psychology) this week.Sophia is currently working as a Research Administrator at Johns Hopkins University.

Have a Question?

Contact Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
Owings Mills Campus
Garrison Hall North, Second Floor
1-877-468-6852