Bachelor of Science in PsychologySchool of Arts and Sciences
Discover the how and why behind human behavior
While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, students will explore the captivating world of human behavior, both as a science and to promote well-being. If you find people fascinating and their behavior intriguing, this program is designed for you. Delve into the study of psychology, a field that provides a breadth of knowledge and skills that can be applied to any field such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Our comprehensive curriculum equips students with a solid foundation to satisfy that curiosity about human behavior and prepare for a diverse range of career opportunities.
At Edgewood College, students will examine various aspects of psychology, choosing to embrace the subject areas that interest them the most. Our Psychology Research Center, coupled with partnership with community organizations for internships, offers students a unique educational experience. Pursue your own research interests under the mentorship of our dedicated faculty and gain hands-on experiences that will set you apart in the job market.
Our program is academically rigorous and committed to real-world application. Students can customize their education by choosing a concentration that will prepare them for clinical certification and/or a specialized career path. Leaders in the psychology field, our faculty bring their diverse expertise to offer a wider range of courses, while maintaining the intimacy of a small collaborative community of learners. Graduates from our program have successfully pursued roles in human resources, social services, sales, marketing, and more, with many continuing their studies in graduate programs.
Clinical Counseling Concentration
This concentration is designed for students seeking advanced training and career opportunities in clinical and counseling professions. It explores the major theories of personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapies. Additionally, it provides students with a strong foundation for graduate programs and pre-professional clinical work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The general concentration offers students the greatest flexibility to select courses within the major, encompassing various sub-fields of psychology. It includes courses designed to prepare students for advanced graduate training and future opportunities in the field of psychology. And it also stands on its own as a general bachelor’s level degree suitable for entry into many professions.
Students in this program can sit for the state certification social work licensing exam by adding the human services concentration. When combined with the psychology major, this concentration prepares students for state certification. Upon completing the program and passing the state social work exam, students will earn the “Certified Social Worker” credential without needing to attend graduate school.
Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration
This concentration is designed to educate students in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse problems utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction. It meets the educational requirements for Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor Certification.
Madison, WI
On-campus
120
August 28, 2024
Careers within Psychology
$53,710
Average annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology prepares you for a variety of career paths. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require a graduate level degree.
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Childcare Worker
- Clinical Psychologist*
- Counselor
- Health Educator
- Human Resource Specialist
- Marketer
- Mental Health Specialist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Research Specialist
- Social Worker
- Teacher
Psychology by the Numbers
25
Field internships
7
Research theses completed
155
Students participated in Psychology-related research
Psychology Student Spotlight
![Jessica Erickson](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Jessica-Erickson-600x600.jpg)
ALMFT, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Clinical Counseling Concentration, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Fleming Family Therapy, LLC
Jessica Erickson ‘20
“The advice that I would offer current Edgewood Psychology majors is to seek out opportunities, and to take those presented to you. The Professors in the psychology department are not only intelligent and great teachers, but they care about their students, and I felt that first-hand. My time at Edgewood College was truly so helpful to my career and I cannot imagine having gotten those opportunities at other (bigger) schools (i.e., working in the Psychology department, conducting research with faculty, and having professors that know me personally and do what they can to help support me).”
Featured Courses in Psychology
Psychology 288 Cognition and Perception
In this course, we will explore the neural processes underlying cognitive functions such as attention, reasoning, imagery, language, problem solving, sensation, and perception. We will examine these phenomena in the context of the evolution of the cognitive system in the natural world, and the physiological mechanisms that enable them. Within the body of this course, we will understand Cognitive Science as a foundational laboratory science, and we will cover many theoretical and empirical approaches to Cognitive Science, with a focus on Perception. This course will provide students with knowledge and experience in the theories and techniques that are the foundations of experimental psychology and our understanding of the basic functional properties of the human brain.
Psychology 315 Parent-Child Relationships
This course considers parenting practices across diverse cultures around the world and within the United States. It draws on research from several disciplines (primarily psychology, sociology, and anthropology) to inform students’ understanding of parenting in diverse cultures. An interdisciplinary approach will be employed to examine how geographic, political, religious, cultural, and economic characteristics of the country/region/community affect specific childrearing approaches and practices. The course will also cover a smaller number of “controversial” topics, including: child discipline; grandparents as parents; fatherhood; parenting children with special needs; gay/lesbian parenting; and child abuse. In trying to understand parenting practices, students will also examine parenting practices in their own communities through a community engagement activity outside of class.
Psychology 340 Psychopathology
This course will introduce students to a wide range of psychological disorders and conditions of psychopathology, along with contemporary treatment approaches. Students are introduced to historical and contemporary, accepted conceptualizations of psychopathology, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the basis of diagnosis and classification of psychopathology. In addition, where applicable critical thinking multicultural, legal, and ethical issues involved in the field are also addressed.
Psychology Experiences
All psychology majors at Edgewood College are required to do at least one psychology-related internship. The purpose of the internship is for students to gain relevant field-based experiences that provide valuable skills for post bachelor’s jobs or graduate school applications. Field internships involve engaging with the community and could include working with children on the autism spectrum, with victims living in domestic violence shelters, in residential treatment centers, community centers, working alongside school psychologists, or in the areas of social services. Research internships could involve developing research questions, designing a research study, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting the project.
Faculty Spotlights
![Ashley Holland](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Ashley-Holland_600x600.jpg)
Professor, Division Head
Ashley Holland
AshleyHolland@edgewood.edu
![Ferrinne Spector](https://www.edgewood.edu/wp-content/uploads/Ferrinne-Spector_600x600.jpg)
Associate Professor
Ferrinne Spector
FSpector@edgewood.edu
Adjunct Instructor
Kimby Hughes
KShult@edgewood.edu
Associate Professor
David Lambert
Lambert@edgewood.edu
Assistant Professor
Shalini Singh
SSingh@edgewood.edu
Adjunct Instructor
Emily Truman
ETruman@edgewood.edu
Adjunct Instructor
Kelly Williams
KWilliams@edgewood.edu
Research Opportunities
The Psychology Research Center is in Dominican Hall and offers students opportunities for data collection and research using experimental, observational, and physiological methods. You will experience immersive virtual reality simulations, computer-based experiments, behavioral observation studies, and physiological data collection techniques. Different scenarios and experiences can be simulated in this environment, while the research student and advisor observe reactions and interactions of the participants. Research is student-designed and conducted with volunteer participants. Students are involved in design, data collection and analyses, and presentation.
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On-campus
Bachelor of Arts in Art -
On-campus
Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy -
On-campus
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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On-campus
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education -
On-campus
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience -
On-campus
Bachelor of Science in Sociology
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On-campus
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice -
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On-campus
Bachelor of Science in Child Life
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology
Can I combine psychology with another major or minor?
Yes! Psychology has been paired with many other majors and a frequently chosen minor for other majors, such as nursing and education. Common double majors include neuroscience, criminal justice, and art therapy.
Do I need a graduate degree to work in the field of psychology?
No! Psychology majors can work in the field with their bachelor’s degree in many areas including research, clinical/behavioral support, or community organizations. However, some positions in Psychology, such as delivering therapy one-on-one would require a graduate degree.
How well does the program prepare students for graduate studies in psychology?
The Psychology program, with the differing concentrations and internship experience, prepares students well for graduate work. Psychology graduates who apply to graduate school are typically accepted to the program of their choice.