Moon Township, Pa. – The Department of Social Sciences at Robert Morris University (RMU) has launched a chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology.
The charter members are Stephanie Bruner, Scott Cross, Maria El-Tahch, Leah Fitzgerald, Donald Gallagher, Kathryn Gallian, Joseph Guida, Rachel Hauser, Denise Morgan, Bobbi Orndoff, Kellie Radovich, Jessica Riley, Jordan Riley, Ross Seibert, Ashley Wagers, Ashley Walters, David Wheeler and Ashlea Wiegand. Stephen T. Paul, associate professor of psychology, will be the faculty sponsor for the chapter.
“The fact that our department was able to meet the requirements for establishing a local chapter of Psi Chi within four years of offering the applied psychology degree is a strong testament to the quality and hard work of the department as well as the students in the major,” said Paul.
A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, Psi Chi’s stated purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship, and to advance the science of psychology. Founded in 1929, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most successful honor societies, with over 1,070 chapters located at college and university campuses throughout the United States. and Canada. In addition to recognizing academic achievement, Psi Chi chapters sponsor programs and activities that augment the regular curriculum, offer an outlet for services to the campus and community at large, and provide practical experience and fellowship through affiliation with the chapter.
“I am very proud of the exemplary faculty and dedicated students who have worked so hard for this achievement,” said Kathryn Dennick-Brecht, head of the Department of Social Sciences.
In Applied Psychology Practicum I, each student is required to complete 120 hours at an approved site, under the direction of a faculty member, allowing the student to develop real-world skills and enhance their marketability. The program is also designed with 30 open elective credits, which allows students, working with their academic advisor, to customize a program to meet their career goals.
Students can also take a clinical concentration as an option, which provides professional preparation for those who seek either a clinical career (such as counseling) or graduate school. RMU’s students have been placed at agencies and facilities that include the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, Camp All-American, Contact Pittsburgh, Drug and Alcohol Services of Beaver County Inc., Gateway Rehabilitation, Pumpkin Patch Preschool and Kindergarten, Tender Care Learning Center, and West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center.
RMU’s Department of Social Sciences offers a curriculum that prepares graduates to earn the bachelor of arts degree in social sciences, the bachelor of science degree in social sciences, or the bachelor of science degree in applied psychology. The social science and applied psychology degree programs are designed to deliver a strong foundation in liberal arts that helps to prepare students for successful careers, professional programs, or graduate programs in social sciences, applied psychology or education.
Currently, 87 students are emrolled in RMU’s Applied Psychology program, and the first cohort of RMU students will graduate in May 2009.