Major & Minor
Psychology
Psychology is the science of the human mind and behavior, exploring issues like perception, emotions, development, happiness, motivation, creativity, and mental wellbeing.
About the Psychology Major
The psychology major at Southern Virginia University dives deep into the mystery of the human mind: cognition, emotion, motivation, neuroscience, productivity, development, perception, happiness, creativity, and more.
Because of our small class sizes at Southern Virginia University, you will enjoy personal and professional relationships with your professors who have a wide variety of expertise in neuroscience, clinical and consulting experience, industrial/organizational psychology, research, addiction, and more.
Often paired with additional minors and concentrations, the study of psychology allows one to better understand oneself and others, be an informed consumer of research, and be prepared for leadership roles. These skills you develop can applied to a wide variety of careers inside and outside of traditional psychology.
In the major, you could find yourself role-playing to practice empathy, visiting a juvenile delinquency institution, learning how to be an effective sports coach, participating in a national research study replication project, or making a video that explores drug effects. With challenging upper-level classes often similar to graduate-level classes, you will be well prepared to continue your education in whatever field you choose.
Learning Outcomes
What you’ll learn in the Psychology major:
- Fundamental knowledge of psychological concepts and principles
- Understanding of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including research methods
- Familiarity with ethical standards and socially responsible behaviors
- Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Career Opportunities
There is a wide array of potential careers with a psychology degree, including jobs in counseling, marketing, social work, and more depending on your personal and professional goals. Learn where a career in psychology can take you.
- Psychotherapist, Counselor, or Social Worker
- Human Resources or Organizational Behavior Specialist
- Marketing or Sales Manager
- Information Specialist or Data Analyst
- Academic, Guidance, or Admissions Counselor
- Behavior Specialist or Case Manager
Getting Started in the Psychology Major
Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Psychology Major today.
Enroll
Begin by taking Introduction to General Psychology (PSY 105) in your first year
Contact Your Advisor
Get in touch with New Tab, Open Bio for: Professor Alison Caldwell-Andrews to discuss your interests and goals
Declare
Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office
Questions? Contact the Registrar at Emailregistrar@svu.edu.
Related Programs and Concentrations
Alumni Success
Sam Armstrong (‘20) Attending the University of Virginia Law School
“The law influences our daily lives, like the way we think and interact with people. And that’s the study of psychology too.”
Links to news article discussed in slideRead MoreAlumni Success
Matthew Valentine (’22) Attending Marriage and Family Therapist Program at Utah Tech University
“Professor Batis has shown me what a graduate-school course looks like as he treated my senior capstone course as such. I am well prepared. I’m so grateful for these great mentors.”
Links to news article discussed in slideRead MoreIn the News
Dr. Batis Named Professor of the Semester
Batis joined the Southern Virginia faculty in 2017 after teaching for twelve years at other universities. He has extensive graduate training in statistics and psychopharmacology and teaches courses including Behavioral Neuroscience, Statistics and Addictions.
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