Psychology

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

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Brent Dean Robbins, Ph.D.

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

News & Features

Point Park Launches Scholarship Program for High School Students Who Visit Downtown Campus

Monday, August 7, 2023 The Point Park University Visit Scholarship — valued at $4,000 — aims to recognize and reward the enthusiasm of prospective students who take the time to experience firsthand the unique educational environment and rich cultural offerings of the Downtown campus.

Psychology Students Engage in Advocacy-Driven Research with Abolitionist Law Center Court Watch

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Undergraduate and graduate students from Point Park University's Department of Psychology spent the semester conducting ethnographic observations of Allegheny County's mental health court in partnership with the Abolitionist Law Center (ALC) Court Watch program, a hands-on experience that allowed students to apply course concepts directly to a real-world setting while participating in meaningful, cause-driven work.

Students and Faculty from Point Park University to Lead "Chalk Out & Speak Out" Event in Market Square Focused on Street Harassment

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Point Park University students and faculty in the Department of Psychology will partner with several Pittsburgh organizations to host a “Chalk Out & Speak Out” event in Downtown Pittsburgh's Market Square on Thursday, April 20, 4–7 p.m., to raise awareness of street harassment, how to eradicate it and guidance on what to do when experiencing catcalling or other forms of unwanted comments.