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"Teaching a Humanistic Style of Psychology: A Faculty Q&A"

Centered on Humanistic Psychology

Our psychology major offers rigorous study of human science psychology that includes existential, cross-cultural, depth psychology 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 
Pictured are psychology undergraduate students at their blanket and coat drive for the homeless.

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:

  • Theories of Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Children's Play: Psychological Aspects
  • Counseling Practicum
  • Happiness, Well-Being and Human Strengths
  • Psychology of Diversity
  • Psychology of Gender
  • Psychology of Evil and Human Destructiveness
  • Indigenous Psychology

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.
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

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:

  • Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
  • Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
  • AHEADD Achieving in Higher Education
  • Mercy Behavioral Health
  • Freedom Center
  • Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
  • The Icarus Project
  • Operation Better Block
  • Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh
  • The Project to End Human Trafficking
  • Secret Angel L
  • 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

Nicholas Moran '15
Thursday, February 18, 2021 "Point Park’s psychology department had a heavy emphasis on humanistic psychological perspectives, which continues to shape the way in which I approach my clinical work. I believe that my clients are the experts, and I am a helpful resource to assist with the co-construction of their fully actualized self. Point Park gave me necessary experience in conducting psychological research, presenting at conferences and improving my academic writing skills. I seek to provide an inclusive and brave space for my clients to explore all aspects of themselves and the intersections of their identities and presenting mental health concerns. Point Park helped me to see the client first as opposed to focusing on diagnosis."
Serena Daywalt '20
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Psychology major and Honors Program student Serena Daywalt will present "Targeting Teacher Burnout: Caring for Teachers Can Bring Compassion to the Classroom" at the National Collegiate Honors Council virtual conference this fall.
Teaching a Humanistic Style of Psychology: A Faculty Q&A with Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D.
Monday, June 1, 2020 Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D., talks about what makes the psychology major at Point Park University unique.