Psychology

When you major in Psychology at Cabrini, you learn about human behavior and how to apply that knowledge to personal, societal, and organizational issues in a diverse world. You will explore how our brains, minds, and experiences come together to form who we are and why we behave the way we do.

Students completing the major will engage in a course of study that adheres to the learning outcomes recommended by the American Psychological Association, which prepare students for a variety of fields within psychology as well as in related disciplines.

Knowledge Base—Understand both the breadth and depth of the field of psychology
Scientific Inquiry—Learn to interpret psychological phenomena and incorporate sociocultural factors to understand behavior
Communication—Gain confidence in presentation skills and writing across modalities
Ethical and Social Responsibility—Learn about ethical standards and how to build community in a diverse world
Professional Development—Build skills necessary to prepare readiness for employment and/or graduate school. Gain an understanding of career options at baccalaureate and graduate levels. Plan and prepare for future career goals.

As a Psychology major, you will receive individualized advising to meet your goals for the major and your career beyond your bachelor of science degree.

Our Psychology major provides the basis for further study in a variety of fields within psychology as well as in related disciplines. Because graduate training in psychology is often essential for a career as a professional psychologist, we prepare students for graduate study and develop those skills necessary to function effectively in a field that is based on empirical research. Students take a wide array of courses fostering laboratory research, social and developmental skills, and neurological and clinical experiences.

For more information, visit our Psychology Department.

Contact Information

Ruta Clair, PsyD, CBIS
Chair and Assistant Professor, Psychology
Iadarola Center, Room 101D
610.902.8351

Psychology Program Details

The course of study for Cabrini's Psychology major* is based on a generalist model that is designed to prepare students for a variety of fields within psychology as well as in related disciplines. Heavy emphasis is given to preparing students for graduate study and developing those skills necessary to function effectively in a field that is based on empirical research. Students take a wide array of courses fostering laboratory research, social and developmental skills, and neurological and clinical experiences.

Emphasis is given to psychology as both a natural and social science within the framework of a liberal arts and sciences education. Students may pursue double majors and minors. The department works closely with the sociology, criminology, and social work programs to enhance the student’s career opportunities and allow for diversity of curricula and faculty.

It is important for students who plan careers as professional psychologists to know that graduate training in psychology is often essential. Therefore, heavy emphasis is given to preparing students for future graduate training and specialization in our program.

*Classified as a Bachelor of Science beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.

Employment Outlook

Students who plan careers as professional psychologists should know that graduate training in psychology is essential. Therefore, heavy emphasis is given to preparing students for future graduate training and education in our program.

Graduates have worked in a variety of fields, including careers as:

Art therapists
Behavior specialists
Camp directors
Career counselors
Clinical psychologists
Counseling psychologists
Doctors
Educational psychologists
Forensic psychologists
Mental health technicians
Neuropsychologists
Parole officers
Professors
Public assistance workers
Occupational therapists
Recreational therapists
Rehabilitation psychologists
Research assistants
Research analysts
Social workers
School psychologists
Sports psychologists
Teachers
Youth group workers
Youth ministry workers

Psychology majors have also enjoyed internship experiences with:

Elwyn
JEVS Human Services
Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education
Kinney Center for Autism (child and adult programs)
Norristown State Hospital
Timothy School

Cabrini Psychology Major Learning Outcomes

Students will:

demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology (APA goals I, III)
apply basic research methods and the scientific approach to solving problems ethically in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and presentation skills (APA goals II, III, IV)
use critical thinking to apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues in a diverse world (APA goals I, II, III)
acknowledge biological and cognitive underpinnings in understanding the development of normal and abnormal thinking and behavior (APA goals I, II, III)
explore pathways in psychology for career and professional development (APA goal V)