Psychology Major

Program Details

Degree: Bachelors
Major: Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology | Psychology
Area of study: Social Sciences
Course Language: English

Program Overview

Explore the behavior of humans and animals alike

At Bridgewater, you’ll delve deep into the physiological, behavioral and mental processes of both humans and animals. The study of psychology can apply to clinical, counseling, educational, industrial or social settings. Through psychology, you can play a central role in the fields of health, sports, politics and business.

What to Expect

The best way to learn about psychology is to do psychology – apply it in labs, presentations, research, brain dissections, internships, experiments and other types of engaged learning. Get ready.

Direct involvement in psychological research and the application of knowledge and techniques to the prevention, treatment and solution of individual and social problems.
37 credit hours of courses that covers fields such as behavioral psychology, clinical psychology, cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology and neuroscience.
Learning from expert professors who are knowledgeable and passionate professionals who are committed to advancing the field of psychology and helping their students succeed.

Courses

The Department of Psychology offers a wide range of courses to students to represent the diversity of the field and to meet the diversity of students’ interests. Students have the opportunity to choose those courses that best serve their interests and career goals.

Behavioral Psychology

PSY-240

Introduction to the experimental analysis of behavior. Historical and modern approaches in the scientific study of learning are discussed.

Developmental Psychology

PSY-370

Emphasis on describing and explaining the changes that characterize physical, perceptual, cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan.

Clinical Psychology

PSY-320

Emphasis on covering the two main tasks of clinical psychologists: psychotherapy and testing. Content includes a variety of treatment approaches and therapeutic techniques.

Required Courses

Meet the Faculty

Graduate Schools

Like many BC graduates, you might enter graduate schools such as:

Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Baylor University
College of William and Mary
Dartmouth University
George Mason University
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Pepperdine University
Princeton University
State University of New York, Binghamton
Towson University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech
Washington University

Activities, Clubs, Internships

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the international honor society for psychology majors. If you have a GPA of 3.0 or above and are at the sophomore level or higher, you are eligible for membership in Psi Chi.

Lab Research

Lab research subjects have included:
- Sensation and Perception (effects of light)
- Development (animal, impact of drugs on brain development)
- Social (bullying, gossip, status)

Professional Associations

Attend the Virginia Association for Psychological Science’s annual meeting with the department. Attend – and even present at – the annual meeting of the Neurobehavioral Teratology Society.

Internships

You also have the opportunity to complete local internships at places such as:
- Boys and Girls Club
- Bridgewater Retirement Community
- Center for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Commonwealth Center for Child and Adolescents
- Community Services Board
- Department of Social Services
- Gemeinschaft Home
- Mercy House
- Rockingham County Public Schools
- Sentara RMH Medical Center

Careers

Pursue careers in counseling, mental health, education, business, psychiatry, case management, research and rehabilitation. Our alumni have landed in places such as John Hopkins University, Compass Counseling Services of Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Child Development Clinic among others. Their career paths include:
- Allied Health Staff
- Behavior Specialist
- Case Worker/Manager
- Child Protection Worker
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Counselor
- Medical Researcher
- Medical/Science Writer
- Mental Health Technician
- Neuroscience Lab Technician
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Advisor
- Residential Counselor
- Therapist

Chart your path

Learn more about career paths, employment and advancement in the field of psychology from the American Psychological Association.

Alumni Stories

Benjamin Williams ‘21

Benjamin Williams ‘21 was involved in student senate, campus crusades, the swim team and residential advising. As a psychology major, Williams was particularly interested in why people behave as they do. As a part of the Master of Science in Psychology program at Bridgewater College, he is stepping into the adult–world, he says. Also, working as an Intern Case Manager at Augusta County’s Commonwealth Attorney’s Office helping intakes achieve sobriety, Williams says the master’s program helped him in his work.

Sarah Wampler ‘20

Sarah Wampler ’20 started her Bridgewater journey unsure of what to study. Now an alumnus, Wampler is remembered as an avid member of many on–campus organizations such as Jazz Band, Ultimate Frisbee Team, Psi Chi Society, Tri–Beta Honors Society, Alpha Chi Honors Society, and Philomathes. She also took part in research, partnering up with a few of her classmates and Dr. Bradley of the Psychology Department to examine the Effects of Caffeine and Ethanol Self Administration. Wampler, despite being a seasoned psychology graduate and researcher, continues to be fascinated by the intricacies of the human brain. “It just blows my mind that such a small thing has such a large impact on how we behave,” said Wampler. Wampler is continuing her studies in a doctorate program for Behavioral Neuroscience at Ohio State University to research the cognitive and behavioral effects of traumatic brain injuries.

Sarah Barbin ‘15

Sarah Barbin ’15 was an engaged member of the Bridgewater community as a member of the Psi Chi Honors Fraternity and Real Bodies Club. As a psychology major, she seized the opportunity to visit different historical and modern mental healthcare facilities in a course with Dr. Eby. Post–college, Barbin worked for a behavioral health organization. Then, she attended Heidelberg University and obtained a masters degree in counseling with the intent to practice clinical counseling.

Similar Programs

Consider adding taking your career to the next level, adding a minor, or focusing on a certain area of study.
- Psychology Minor
- Neuroscience Minor

Program Outline

Apply psychology to clinical, counseling, educational, industrial, or social settings.
Play a central role in the fields of health, sports, politics, and business.

Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at Bridgewater College emphasizes experiential learning with a focus on direct involvement in psychological research and the application of knowledge and techniques to solve individual and social problems.
Requires 37 credit hours of courses covering various areas like behavioral psychology, clinical psychology, cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience.
Offers the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable and passionate professors committed to advancing the field of psychology and helping students succeed.

Outline:

Content:

Covers a diverse range of topics within psychology, allowing students to explore their interests and career goals.
Examples of courses include:
Behavioral Psychology (PSY-240)
Developmental Psychology (PSY-370)
Clinical Psychology (PSY-320)

Structure:

Combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences like:
Lab research on topics like sensation, perception, development, and social behavior.
Attending professional association meetings.
Completing internships at local organizations like schools, mental health facilities, and social service agencies.

Course Schedule:

The program offers flexibility for students to choose courses based on their interests and career goals.
However, the program appears to follow a modular structure based on different areas of psychology, as mentioned.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Likely includes a combination of methods such as:
Exams and quizzes
Written assignments and research papers
Presentations
Participation in discussions and group projects
Performance in laboratory activities and internships

Assessment Criteria:

Specific criteria will vary depending on the assessment method but likely focus on:
Understanding of key concepts and theories
Ability to apply psychological knowledge to real-world situations
Critical thinking and analytical skills
Communication and writing abilities
Research skills and data analysis

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

Incorporates active learning strategies to engage students and promote their understanding of the material.
These methods may include:
Interactive lectures and discussions
Collaborative projects and group work
Simulations and role-playing exercises
Case studies and problem-solving activities

Faculty:

Consists of expert professors passionate about the field of psychology.
Faculty members actively engage in research and are committed to providing students with a high-quality educational experience.

Unique Approaches:

Emphasizes experiential learning opportunities through hands-on research, internships, and other activities.
Encourages students to engage in research with faculty members, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Provides opportunities to attend professional conferences and connect with psychologists in various fields.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates can pursue careers in diverse fields:
Counseling
Mental health
Education
Business
Psychiatry
Case management
Research
Rehabilitation

Examples of Alumni Career Paths:

Allied Health Staff
Behavior Specialist
Case Worker/Manager
Child Protection Worker
Community Outreach Coordinator
Counselor
Medical Researcher
Medical/Science Writer
Mental Health Technician
Neuroscience Lab Technician
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Residential Counselor
Therapist

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates have secured positions at various institutions, including:
John Hopkins University
Compass Counseling Services of Virginia
Shenandoah Valley Child Development Clinic

Advancement:

The program provides a strong foundation for students to pursue further graduate studies in psychology or related fields.

Alumni Spotlight:

The provided text includes spotlights on alumni highlighting their experiences and successes in the field of psychology.
Such research projects can provide students with valuable experience and contribute to their professional development.

About University

Bridgewater College: A Summarization

Overview:

Bridgewater College is a private, liberal arts college located in Virginia. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a close-knit community and personalized learning experience. The college prides itself on its affordable tuition, making a college degree accessible to a wider range of students.

Services Offered:

Academics:

Admissions & Aid:

Life at Bridgewater:

Visit:

Other:

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Bridgewater College emphasizes a close-knit community where students are encouraged to participate in various activities and events. The college provides a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and socially.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Tuition:

Personalized Learning:

Strong Community:

Focus on Experiential Learning:

Academic Programs:

Bridgewater College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

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Program Details

Program Overview