PSYC Student Handbook
Information and Resources for Westminster PSYC Students
Hello, Students,
Welcome to the 2013-14 school year. This handbook is designed to be a resource for you at any stage in your psychology education.
We are excited for you to begin to explore or continue exploring our field in multiple ways. One thing we cannot stress enough is how much getting involved can enhance your experience. Involvement can take many forms: from regular office hour visits with faculty members to field experience to research assistance to many other ways to put your psychology learning into action.
Our Psych Club is open to any student interested in the study of psychology and sponsors events on relevant topics. Faculty mentors can help you with not only planning your classes, but also considering how your work supports your plans for after graduating. If you don't already have a faculty advisor, we urge you to get connected with one by emailing me or asking a faculty member you already know.
The Psychology Majors & Minors Canvas Site will feature department chair office hours. You can use Calendar-Scheduler to sign up for a time to talk about anything related to your experience as a psychology major or minor.
Wishing you many interesting, challenging, and meaningful moments in your psychology education,
Jen Simonds, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology / Psychology Department Chair
Welcome!
What is Psychology?
“Psychology has a long past, but only a short history.” – Hermann Ebbinghaus
Psychology is an academic field of study. It is the science of human thought, emotion, relationships, health, and behavior. Psychology seeks to better understand individuals and groups through the construction of theory, research, and applications, examining the full range of human experience. There are several subdivisions in psychology. In fact, the American Psychological Association has 54 Divisions! Some of the sub-disciplines in psychology include:
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Clinical Psychology. The study and treatment of persons with emotional, behavioral, and psychological disorders.
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Cognitive Psychology. The study of how individuals sense, perceive, apprehend, store, retrieve, and apply knowledge. This also may include the study of language or be expanded to include brain-cognition relationships in cognitive neuroscience.
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Counseling Psychology. Similar to clinical psychology but with greater emphasis on typical functioning and adaptation to life events.
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Developmental Psychology. The study of change and human development across the lifespan.
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Experimental Psychology. A general title applied to the field of psychology conducting controlled research about a variety of processes.
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Forensic Psychology. An application of psychological knowledge and processes to the legal setting.
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Health Psychology. The study of psychological, behavioral, relational, emotional, and cognitive influences on health, illness, and well-being.
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Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The study and application of psychological principles in the workplace.
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Neuropsychology. The study of the relationships between brain and behavior. This may include clinical applications or laboratory research.
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Quantitative Psychology. The study and development of methods and techniques for acquiring, analyzing, and applying information.
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Social Psychology. The study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in a social context. Research in the field includes topics such as attributions, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, attitudes, persuasion, conformity, group processes, attraction, prosocial behavior, and aggression.
Some careers in psychology require advanced study (master’s or doctorate degree); others provide entry level opportunities with a bachelor’s degree.
