Psychology at Earlham enables you to study human behavior through conducting research, engaging in collaborative inquiry with peers and faculty, and practicing counseling skills. This approach allows you to experience the full scope of what it means to be a psychologist in today’s world.
We offer several unique and innovative courses not often seen at other small liberal arts colleges, including Psychology of Happiness, Psychology of Sport, Psychology of Sustainability, Psychoactive Drugs and Behavior, and Human Sexuality.
The psychology program begins with core courses that cover the many different theoretical and methodological approaches to the field. In these courses, you will survey a wide range of psychological subfields and explore their relevance to current social issues and everyday life.
Additionally, you will acquire a basic understanding of the principles of research and critical thinking that serve as the foundation of science.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, you must complete a total of 38-40 credits, made up of the following courses:
Psychology courses with a primary focus on basic research in psychology are numbered 351-359. Other courses offer depth in a specialized area, integrate psychological research and theories with other disciplines, focus on applications of psychology, or some combination.
Courses 300-339 are cross-listed from other departments, which may be of interest to psychology majors. Courses cross-listed from other departments do not count toward the major. These courses help to engage in scientific psychological research; utilize psychological theory, methods and data in addressing applied questions; and think richly, systematically and critically about the personal experiences, interpersonal interactions, social issues and problems they will encounter throughout their lives.
To earn a minor in psychology, you must complete:
Three of the following courses
-
Students majoring in psychology enter a number of careers in mental health, business, marketing and user experience (UX), among many others. Many students also pursue advanced degrees in clinical or counseling psychology, social work, sports psychology, forensic psychology, experimental psychology, law and medicine.
-
Students who wish to become licensed mental health providers will need to earn an advanced degree in the appropriate field. Speak with an advisor to discuss options.
---
91% of work seekers who majored in the social sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
94% of 2017-2019 graduates from the psychology program reported a career outcome within six months of graduation.
Careers
Top job industries for psychology majors include mental health treatment, healthcare, social work, human resources, research and nonprofits.
Outcomes
Within six months of graduation, one-third of grads from 2017-2019 were attending graduate programs in fields like counseling, organizational psychology, education and early childhood development.
What types of jobs and graduate school programs do graduates pursue?
Earlham psychology students have pursued graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling, organizational psychology, applied animal behavior and welfare, education, and healthcare, among other fields.
Recent graduates have landed jobs as behavioral clinicians, research assistants, and teachers, to name a few.