Psychology

Fairmont State Psychology classes consist of philosophical, biological, and social frameworks of human behaviors and their clinical and organizational applications.

Psychology majors graduate with an in depth understanding of mental functions and behaviors. Courses are laced with applied and theoretical information.

Psychology majors who have a strong interest in community service can take advantage of specialty courses just for them. Examples include:

Psychopathy of Child & Adolescence
Interpersonal Dynamics
Delinquency

Students who are interested in a separate major can also study Psychology. A number of elective courses from biopsychology to the Psychology of aging are offered for students to also earn a psychology minor.

The Psychology curriculum is ideal for students anticipating graduate work in areas of:

Psychology
Social work
Counseling

Career Opportunities

The Psychology program is ideal for students who plan to go on to graduate school or for those hoping to enter the work force with an undergraduate degree. Career opportunities include:

Research Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist (including Forensic Psychologist)
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
School Psychologist
Mental Health Counselor
Career & Guidance counselor
Social worker
Advertising
Law school
Medical school

Behavioral Analytics Concentration

This B.S. in Psychology concentration in Behavioral Analytics offers students who major in psychology the opportunity to expand their skills in manipulating and analyzing data on a larger scale to become competitive in a job market that is increasingly focused on the use of “Big Data”. This specialization is an add-on to the psychology degree and is to be completed in addition to all psychology major requirements in place of free electives. It is recommended that students who are interested in this specialization possess at least an ACT math score of 21 or above, or its equivalent, in order be able to register for the required courses.

View Concentration Requirements

Contact Info

Dr. Mike Ransom

Chair Department of Behavioral Science

101 HB

304-367-4675

mransom@fairmontstate.edu

Model Schedule

Psychology Program

Psychology Alumni Showcases

Alumni Showcase 2021

An approximately 25-minute video highlighting some Psychology Program alumni and what they have done with their lives after graduation, in terms of where they work and their advice for current students. This includes our alumni through Fall, 2020.

Child & Adolescent Professional Forum

This approximately 2-hour forum included alumni employed as school personnel: school counselors, school psychologists, school health professionals, disability specialists, and service administrators, etc. These professionals represented K-12, higher education, and foster care. Panelists informally described their professional roles, discussed the joys & challenges within their jobs, shared experiences, and answered questions from undergraduate students & high school seniors interested in pursuing similar careers.

Adult Based Social Services Forum

This approximately 2 ½ hour forum included social support professionals from agencies who answered questions about the nature of their work within their agencies, the training & expertise required to do their jobs, challenges of successfully carrying out their work (especially during the Pandemic), and unique challenges in working with a specific population. They offer career guidance, advice, and direction. We brought together alumni from community mental health services, rape & domestic violence services, veterans services, homelessness support professionals, disability services, and addiction & substance abuse treatment, among other areas.

Graduate School Informational Forum

This approximately 2-hour forum included alumni talking about their experiences in graduate school programs in such areas as psychology, school psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, rehabilitation counseling, special education, industrial relations, business administration & law. Panelists discussed the relevance of having a psychology background and answered questions from current students.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Psychology Program at Fairmont State University is to support students in developing a strong foundation of applied and theoretical knowledge in anticipation for either future graduate training or immediate employment. This will be done by providing students training in a broad range of psychological content, a firm foundation in statistical analysis and the scientific method, and a critical understanding of both historical and contemporary psychological theories and clinical practices.

Program Goal 1

The Psychology Program at Fairmont State University strives to meet the needs of the local community and broader society by preparing all majors for immediate entry into human service positions and graduate programs that develop specializations across the many fields of psychology. (Graduation rates and alumni surveys)

Program Goal 2

The program supports the Scientist-Practitioner model by providing experiences for all majors in the broad spectrum of scientist and practitioner roles in academics, business, criminal justice, education, and many human service fields. (Professional student conference presentation, internships/practicums, and community service involvement)