About the Program

The Program and Requirements

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors at the university despite the demanding curriculum that emphasizes research, culminating with a senior thesis. Prospective majors must meet all qualifications for acceptance by the University.

The program offers a broad range of courses in such areas as Developmental Psychology, Learning and Cognition, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Industrial\Organizational Psychology, Bio-Psychology, Psychology of Personality, Counseling, Experimental Psychology, and Data Analysis.

Students must take a total of 43 credit hours in psychology. Students are encouraged to sample courses in the diverse areas of psychology to fulfill personal interests and explore vocational possibilities. Students also have a total of 39 free elective hours to sample courses in psychology or other disciplines.

Research Opportunities

The Tennessee Tech Psychology Program is unique in its emphasis on developing research skills and pursuing personal research interests. These research skills prepare students for careers in a variety of fields other than psychology. Developing personal research projects places more responsibility on the student, but it allows for the excitement of original discovery that is at the heart of scientific inquiry.

Applied Experience

In addition to the formal classroom and laboratory training, practicums are available for the students to gain experience and test their vocational aspirations in a variety of applied settings. There is also an active psychology club that invites guest speakers of interest, makes field trips and attends state and regional psychological conventions. Tennessee Tech has a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology.

Instruction and Facilities

The personal approach to research necessitates close contact with instructors and fosters an apprenticeship system. To facilitate this approach, research-oriented courses typically are small and have fewer than 15students. The psychological laboratories are equipped for studies in group dynamics, learning, cognition, perception, development, human physiology, and industrial psychology. In addition, the laboratories include facilities for computerized data collection and analysis. This research training culminates in a senior thesis of the student's own design. Some of these research projects are presented at regional and national psychological conventions or published in scientific journals.

Careers

There are many careers available for students with a psychology major. Students must decide if they want to use their background in psychology to be called a Psychologist; if so, they must have one to two years (master's degree) or four to five years (Ph.D.) of post baccalaureate education. This would enable an individual to be a Clinical Psychologist, Counselor, School Psychologist, Industrial Psychologist, etc. Tennessee Tech offers master’s level degrees in a variety of fields. Students may also use their psychology background to pursue careers in business involving personnel management, training and staff development, retail management, marketing, or strategic planning. Many students choose to enter a social services field at local or state levels before pursuing additional post baccalaureate education.