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
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.
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:
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."
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.
