Psychology
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Major Minute: Psychology at PLU Transcription
[video: Professor Shneidman is sitting in the center of a psychology lecture hall with a podium. In the bottom left corner, gold text reads: “Laura Shneidman, Associate Professor of Psychology”]Professor Shneidman: Hi. I am Associate Professor Laura Schneidman. I teach in [the] PLU psychology department, and this is my Major Minute.
[video: A visual countdown from three flashes on the screen in yellow and black colors. A countdown clock appears on the left side of the screen counting down from 60 seconds after Man claps his hands in the foreground](beeping) (upbeat music)
Professor Shneidman: Psychology is a science. It’s all about understanding the human mind
and exploring how and why we think, feel, and connect with others. It helps us tackle really big questions, like how do we support learning post pandemic, or how do we promote mental health in college students? At PLU, the psychology department is really special, because undergrads get research opportunities that are usually reserved for grad students elsewhere. For example, this semester, my students are gathering data on how kids learn in a children’s museum. Many other incredible experiences include studying abroad, internships, being a teaching assistant, joining the psych club, and community-engaged learning. The psychology department also has many partnerships with organizations in the area, so our grads have scored internships and jobs in fields like EMT, nursing, social work, psychology, HR, teaching, sales, government, and policymaking. A degree in psychology can empower you to help others more effectively, and it serves as a foundation for graduate level studies in law, medicine, and other kinds of social sciences.
(buzzing)
About:
Want to understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do — and use that knowledge to make a difference? That’s what psychology at PLU is all about. Explore topics such as mental health, brain science, and human behavior while conducting your own research and connecting what you learn to real-world community needs.
As a psychology major, you can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a more research-focused Bachelor of Science. On either path, you’ll have opportunities to explore advanced topics in scientific and professional psychology, conduct psychological research, and gain exposure to the practice of psychology in community settings.
You’ll also work closely with professors who care about your career goals and will support you throughout college — and even after graduation. Graduates of PLU’s psychology program have pursued a wide range of paths: graduate study in psychology, medical school, law school, counseling, social work, occupational or physical therapy, business, education, and more.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Research and Data Analysis — Design experiments, collect data, and use statistical software to analyze patterns in human thought, emotion, and behavior.
- Scientific and Critical Thinking — Evaluate psychological theories, identify biases, and apply evidence-based reasoning to understand complex social and individual issues.
- Communication and Collaboration — Present findings clearly in written and oral formats. Develop the ability to work effectively in groups, combining diverse perspectives to solve problems, conduct studies, and communicate findings in both academic and professional settings.
- Applied Psychology and Problem-Solving — Use psychological principles to address challenges in mental health, education, business, healthcare, social services, and more.
- Ethical and Cultural Competence — Develop awareness of ethical standards and cultural contexts that shape human experience and responsible psychological practice.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Communications Specialist, Washington Trafficking Prevention
- Behavior Technician, Kids and Family Counseling PLLC
- Research Assistant, Meta
- Mental Health Counselor, MultiCare
- Special Education Teacher, Kent School District
- Veteran Peer Services Program Manager, State of Washington
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Integrated Therapy Services NW
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, University of California, Riverside
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
- Doctor of School Psychology, Illinois State University
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pacific Lutheran University
- Master of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, Walden University
- Master of Business Administration, University of San Diego
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedHands-On Experience
100% of psychology students participate in hands-on research within the major courses.
Study Abroad
Psychology students have spent semesters studying in Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland, New Zealand, Austria, and have taken January Term study away courses (taught by PLU Psychology professors) in London, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.
Get Involved
Join PLU’s chapter of Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology), the Psychology Club, and/or live in the Wellness House learning community on-campus.
Outcomes
90% of 2024 Psychology graduates reported either employment or acceptance in graduate school within 6 months of graduating.
