Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

If you are looking for a career where you can make an impact on the mental health and overall well-being of others, psychology may be the best major for you.

Why Saint Martin's University

Psychology at Saint Martin's structures coursework and field placements to integrate experiential learning with rigorous study of psychology, closely aligned with the Benedictine principle of service to others. The program's curriculum provides a broad-based education in psychology that gives students the skills and self-confidence to use a variety of perspectives in their work with people.

• Faculty exclusively staffed by clinical and experimental professionals. All faculty are trained as practitioners as well as researchers.
• One 15-week required internship for all majors in either research or applied tracks.
• Research projects generated and carried out by students. Faculty act as guides.
• Approximately 60 percent of graduates move directly into entry-level social service positions. Remaining graduates pursue advanced degrees in counseling and social work
• Participation in Psi Chi, the psychology honor society for exceptional students.
• Student leadership opportunities through Saint Martin's Psychology Club.
• Students are encouraged to attend and present at conferences.

Research and internships

Students may take as many as twelve internship credits while completing their degrees. Students pursue internships consistent with their own interests in a variety of settings. These include school counseling, youth outreach, parent and family support, juvenile and adult corrections, drug and alcohol counseling, youth recreation leadership, mental health counseling, case management, social welfare casework, elder services, halfway house and shelter work, vocational rehabilitation, and personnel work.

Internship locations include:

• Community Mental Health Centers
• Correctional facilities
• Military/JBLM
• Thurston County prosecutor's office
• Crisis Clinics
• Haven House

In addition to internship opportunities, Saint Martin’s psychology students are encouraged to refine and present their senior capstone research projects at such venues as:

• Western Psychological Association conferences
• American Psychological Association (APA) conferences

Career paths

A Bachelor of Arts in psychology prepares graduates for advanced study in counseling and social work, along with careers in a variety of health and human service fields including:

• Mental health services
• Law enforcement
• Teaching
• Art or music therapy
• Crisis work
• Labor relations

In addition, an array of professions utilizes the skills of critical and scientific thinking about behavioral experiences that are developed as a participant in the Psychology Program. These include fields such as:

• Business
• Law school
• Banking
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy programs
• Social work

Psychology program requirements

Major

• University core requirements
• 12 semester hours of lower-division courses
• 30 semester hours of upper-division courses

Minor

• Six semester hours of lower-division courses
• 15 semester hours of upper-division courses

Popular psychology courses

• Drugs, the family and society
• Health psychology
• Psychology and law
• Psychology of religion and spirituality
• Trauma and recovery