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Centered on Humanistic Psychology

Our psychology major offers rigorous study of human science psychology that includes existential, phenomenological, depth psychology, liberation and critical psychology, as well as radical feminist, queer, intersectional and post-structuralist theories.

We encourage critical and holistic thinking in order to respectfully address the diverse and unique lived experiences of children and adults, and foster activist perspectives that enhance the well-being of persons and their communities.

Concentration Options

Students also have the opportunity to choose concentrations of study in the following areas:

  • Child psychology
  • Clinical psychology
  • Community psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Psychology of religion and spirituality

 

Courses & Topics

Our courses are designed to prepare students for continued study at the graduate level as clinicians and scholars.

You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the psychology major. Courses include:

  • Modern and Postmodern Approaches to Psychology
  • Psychopathology: Critical Perspectives
  • Foundations to Community Psychology
  • LGBTQ Mental Health
  • Zombies & Psychological Life
  • Psychology of Evil and Human Destruction

Pictured from left are students Nicolette "Nik" Tymczyszyn, Dillion Peterson, Darian Lees, Vivian Kinter, Cynthia Gelien and Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D.

Department of Psychology faculty frequently provide students with real-world learning opportunities and include them in research efforts. Pictured from left are students Nicolette "Nik" Tymczyszyn, Dillion Peterson, Darian Lees, Vivian Kinter, Cynthia Gelien and Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D. The group collaborated with Professor Autumn Redcross, Ph.D., and the ALC Court Watch program to conduct ethnographic observations on mental health court. Read about their experience.

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom

Learn from faculty who have worked in various areas of psychology and had their research published in many scholarly journals.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Brent Robbins, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Psychology. Photo by John Altdorfer.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
  • Recipient of the American Psychological Association's Carmi Harari Early Career Award
  • Published research includes mixed method investigations of emotion, embodiment, and the medicalization of the body
  • Past President and Committee Chair, Society for Humanistic Psychology

Confluence Psychology Alliance Group

Pictured is Marley Smartnick. Submitted photo.

Point Park students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers through Confluence, an undergraduate humanistic psychology alliance that offers a place for multiplicity and diversity of thought, community, friendship and pro-action/activist outreach. It is open to all majors – all those interested in the psychological life of fiction, film, dance, politics, music, philosophy and everything else under the sun. Confluence members are unapologetic about their intellectual pursuits and unabashedly passionate! Learn more here

"My experience in my small town inspired me to go into the field of psychology, but it wasn’t until I reached Point Park that I decided to pursue the community focus. Confluence is an opportunity to get involved with the University and Pittsburgh communities, which I am thrilled to do."  – Marley Smartnick, Confluence chairperson

Psychology Internships

Students in our psychology major participate in internships and practicums at local agencies (many of which are within walking distance of campus) including:

  • The Mobile Thriving Respite  
  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape 
  • Imagine Further Collective 
  • Operation Safet Net  
  • Bridge Outreach  
  • Inside our Minds  
  • Persad  
  • The Counseling Initiative  
  • ALS/Courtwatch  
  • Visible Hands/Integrative Community Therapy  
  • Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh 
  • Strong Women, Strong Girls  
  • The Bradley Center

Psychology Alumni in Graduate School

Alumni of our B.A. psychology program have gone on to complete graduate school at a variety of schools such as:

  • Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Duquesne University
  • The University of West Georgia
  • Chatham University
  • Seattle University
  • Carlow University

Career Options

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, our students are well-prepared for continued study at the graduate level or to pursue various career opportunities, such as:

  • Advocate
  • Administrator
  • Case Manager
  • Clinician
  • Licensed Counselor
  • Social, Market, or Data Researcher
  • Therapist
  • Therapeutic Support Specialist

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