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Psychology Outcomes & Career Options
The Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology is a broad program and represents a variety of interests. The requirements are organized around a core set of courses with additional breadth and depth courses from which the students may select based on their interests. A major in Psychology may prepare the student for a career in psychology, marriage and family therapy, teaching, special education, medicine, dentistry, social work, psychiatric, speech therapy, ministry, personnel administration, or residence hall deanship. While most of these career areas require advanced study at the graduate level, bachelor degree graduates may also qualify for entry-level positions in some of these fields.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology.
- Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions, using appropriate research methods.
- Use critical thinking effectively.
- Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems.
- Seek and evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims.
- Tolerate ambiguity and realize that psychological explanations are often complex and tentative.
- Demonstrate information competence in relevant areas.
- Use information and technology ethically and responsibly.
- Demonstrate effective writing skills in various formats (e.g., essays, correspondence, technical papers, note taking) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, defending, persuading, arguing, teaching).
- Reflect on experiences and find meaning in them, including as they relate to their personal spiritual commitments and the Seventh-day Adventist orientation of the University.
Educational Qualifications
A doctoral degree is often required for employment as a psychologist, particularly in the academic world. People with doctorates in Psychology qualify for a wide range of responsible research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, private industry and government. A bachelor’s degree in Psychology is appropriate for careers in management and social work.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies should drive employment growth.
Entering Salary
Sources:
Academic program information adapted from:
La Sierra University. (2016-2017). Undergraduate Academic Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.lasierra.edu/bulletin
Career information adapted from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Psychologists,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (visited October 13, 2016).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Medical Scientists,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm (visited October 13, 2016).
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psychology@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2099
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