New options for psychology majors

Penn State Greater Allegheny has been approved for new options for psychology majors.

Effective Fall 2010, students will be able to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in psychology, which will include specialization in either business or science, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in psychology. ?The current degree is a B.A. in applied psychology,? said Margaret Signorella, professor of psychology and women?s studies and campus program coordinator. ?The applied psychology major is a traditional psychology major, but with an emphasis on students applying their classroom learning in real world settings. The name change to psychology better reflects the nature of our program.?

The new B.S. degrees will include classes in business or science that better prepare students for careers or graduate study in business or health-related professions. ?In the past, psychology students had to take extra courses to prepare for these careers. Now their interests can be incorporated into one of the new options,? said Signorella.

Both the new B.A. and B.S. majors require a capstone experience. Most students will choose to complete the capstone by doing an internship. Students interested in research may choose to design their own research projects. In either case, the psychology program at the campus will continue to emphasize the importance of gaining experience both in and out of the classroom.

For more information, please see the psychology program Web page.