Psychology

Psychology scientifically studies human behavior to learn why we behave the way we do and how we can apply that knowledge. Through rigorous and practical courses students gain perspectives on personality, thinking, emotion, human development and mental disorders. Through class, laboratory and field work, critical-thinking, communication, and research, skills become applicable in many fields: education, health, business and international relations.

Many of our students graduate being prepared for graduate school in psychology or related fields, but also for a wide variety of careers that value the knowledge and analytical skills of our Psychology degree. A degree in Psychology is an incredibly desirable qualification in fields such as human resources, marketing, sales, social services and others.

Program Requirements Department of Psychology Psychology Scholarships Minnesota Transfer Pathway

Program Highlights

• All psychology courses within the major are available online.
• Foundations courses provide introduction to major fields of psychology.
• Elective courses relate psychology to everyday life and career interests.
• Scientific, data-driven orientation to psychology based on core curriculum that includes statistics (with lab) and two research methods courses.
• Opportunities for student-faculty research collaboration.
• Laboratory houses extensive equipment for behavior research, experiments and data analysis.
• Senior Capstone Experience allows a choice of in-depth study areas, exploration of classic readings, a self-designed research project or field work.
• Students present original research annually at the St. Cloud State Student Research Colloquium and/or the Midwestern Psychological Association meeting in Chicago.
• This discipline is also available as a minor to complement another major. 

Program Distinctions

• Curriculum based on American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.
• Faculty with a variety of teaching and research interests including:
  • Sleep quality and cognitive performance
  • Organizational leadership
  • Emotional development
  • Emotional  and cognitive-affective development in Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis patients
  • Learning and memory
  • The psychology of the Holocaust and dictatorships
  • Cross-cultural psychology
  • Creativity and creative problem solving in business
  • Industrial-organizational psychology
• Faculty with corporate work experience with clients such as Kodak, DuPont, 3M and management consulting firms.