Psychology

Delve into the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. Discover the world of animal behavior. Learn about stress and resilience. Prepare for graduate school. Learn about research, practice, and policy. Serve in community-based internships.

The field of psychology is rooted in both science and philosophy to understand behavior and experience. Psychology is a diverse discipline with experimental, clinical, community, and public policy applications. Psychologists are trained in research methods and apply findings to improve the quality of life for people, organizations, and communities.

Studies in psychology explore the field in its social and historical context and may include learning about human development, social and community psychology, neuropsychology, and cultural diversity.

Psychological science is applied both nationally and globally in clinical, research, educational, and policy settings. Psychologists work in diverse settings including universities, schools, research labs, hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

By studying psychology, you can lead to the development of integrative thinking to value diverse questions, challenge biases, and promote socio-emotional intelligence.

Interdisciplinary programs incorporating psychological perspectives can develop psychologically literate citizens who can encourage policy makers to use findings from psychological research when forming policies.

Areas of expertise currently offered include:

• Developmental psychology from a lifespan perspective
• Adolescence
• Emerging adulthood
• Self and identity
• Social media use
• Critical race and feminist approaches to psychology,
• Multicultural counseling
• Clinical psychology
• Health psychology
• Expressive arts therapy
• Animal behavior
• Conservation psychology
• Organizational Psychology

Sample Program

Culture and Cognition: Flourishing Mind, Flourishing Society

Offered Fall 2020

What goes on inside your head, and why? To what degree is thought an individual act, and how is it influenced by the social contexts in which we live?

In this program we will use the twin lenses of psychology and sociology to examine both functional individual psyches and thriving social structures. We will explore how our brains and cognitive processes create perceptions, language, memories, and values; how our choices impact our brains and thought processes; and the ways in which these processes and choices are conditioned by cultural and social factors.

Well-being itself is a cognitive construct whose definition and experience varies across time and place. Through an integrative examination of cognitive psychology, sociology, and positive psychology, we will learn and practice how to intentionally, mindfully curate resilient cognitive and social structures. We will cultivate foundational skills that are relevant across all careers and fields of study—observation, analysis, critical thinking, and writing—but that may be particularly helpful in social and human services, health care, and education.

View this program in the catalog.

 

After Graduation

Psychology studies offer an enormous variety of career paths. The demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and social services agencies continues to grow. Evergreen students are encouraged to extend their knowledge of psychology to other disciplines. Some go on to pursue graduate study in clinical, developmental, or cognitive psychology, counseling, or social work while others use psychological perspectives to inform their work in literature, the arts, and other fields. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a real difference in other people’s lives, studying psychology can be a great way to achieve that goal.

Facilities & Resources

The Evergreen Psychological Society

This student group is dedicated to providing space and resources for Evergreen students who are interested in psychology and the mind. Weekly meetings are held for discussion of psychology, information sharing, and networking opportunities with other psych students.

Internships and Research

Numerous internship opportunities in counseling and clinical settings, social service agencies, and schools are available for students interested in clinical psychology or counseling. Upper-level students may also work with faculty to conduct individual research projects in psychology or social sciences.

Western Psychological Association Convention

The Western Psychological Association (WPA) is the regional arm of the American Psychological Association. Their annual convention of psychology professionals and students allows students to explore the range of activities and topics that psychology offers, and to learn cutting edge research in the field. Faculty facilitate the trip annually for students who are interested in attending.