Studies lead to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology degree. Program Overview Psychology is the branch of psychology that seeks to apply current psychological principles to practical problems in the workplace and everyday life. The psychology major at Robert Morris University provides education and training in psychology to prepare students for successful careers or graduate programs in psychology and related fields, such as child care, counseling, research, law or social work.

About the Program: Program Overview Program Goals Curriculum Requirements Industry Demand Sample Business/Industry Job Titles Salary Inforamtion

This program is unique for several reasons. First, by completing the required RMU core, students gain computer and communications skills not typically found in other psychology programs. Secondly, the program requires completion of an academic minor and a two-semester practicum experience, in which students complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised work in a setting that meets their career interests. Finally, 27 credits of open electives allow students to fulfill requirements of another major or minor, or to select a broader range of courses.

Program Goals
The goals of the B.S. in Psychology degree program are to prepare professionals who can:

• Demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills in psychology;
• Demonstrate the critical thinking, decision-making and general application skills necessary for ethical and competent performance in human services occupations;
• Conduct and integrate traditional and developing methods of research and scholarship and apply these methods to practical problems in human endeavors; and
• Communicate clearly and succinctly in professional writing, presentation and scholarship.

Curriculum Requirements
The B.S. in Psychology degree program requires 120 credit hours. The curriculum has four components:

1. Robert Morris University Core - 39 credits
   These are the traditional liberal arts requirements of the University. Studies in humanities, communications skills, and social, behavioral, natural and quantitative sciences are included.
2. Psychology Core - 36 credits
   This component includes advanced course work in psychology. Studies in social psychology, child psychology, human growth and development, industrial psychology, abnormal psychology, physiological psychology, cognitive psychology, behavioral research and statistics are included, plus a two-semester practicum.
3. Required Minor - 18 credits
   This component requires students to complete an approved minor by taking a minimum of six courses in an area of interest.
4. Open Electives - 27 credits
   This component permits students to select courses from other University programs to personalize the program of study.

   Industry Demand
   U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics predict that psychology will be one of the fastest growing professions in the next 10 years. The number of social/human service assistants is projected to grow at an aboveaverage rate of 36 percent or more. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's 2004 statistics indicate more than 3,000 position openings a year in the social/human services fields.

   Sample Business/Industry Job Titles
   Social worker, counselor, clinical coordinator, child care provider, recreation specialist, management trainee, research assistant, residential advisor, career counselor, academic advisor, customer service representative, sales associate, recruiter, police officer.

   Salary Information
   2006 national mean bachelor-level starting salaries by job function:

   Administration (Social Services)	$27,500
   Counseling	$27,755
   Human Resources/Industrial Relations	$31,500
   Management Trainee	$34,699
   Research (Nontechnical)	$27,367
   Sales	$33,374
   Social Work	$26,100
   Teaching	$28,348