Interested in psychology at CMU?
You're in good company: psychology is one of CMU's largest and most popular programs! Below, our friendly faculty answer your most frequently asked questions. Check out the list and links, and contact us if you need more information.
What is psychology about?
Psychology is the science of human behavior. This means that psychology is focused on what people do and why they do it. Psychology is a research-based bridge between the fields of sociology on one side and biology on the other. As a science, psychology uses research where experiments are designed to test why people do what they do. Psychology has very broad applications. Employees with psychology degrees work in clinical and mental health settings, industry and business (including sales and marketing), education, medicine, and many other fields.
Click here to learn more.
What are my psychology options at CMU?
We offer both a BA and a minor in psychology. The minor provides a more brief introduction to psychology (24 credit hours) that pairs well with any major. A psychology minor complements degrees in criminal justice, sociology, exercise science, biology, and political science.
Our department also offers a minor in Forensic Investigation–Psychology, which concentrates on the psychological elements of forensic investigation and forensic work in legal settings.
What psychology courses does CMU offer?
Perhaps the better question is, what courses don't we offer? As one of the largest programs at CMU, psychology has over 30 different courses! Check out the complete list.
My parents say I can't get a job with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Is this true?
Absolutely not! Our graduates develop the the work skills that employers seek. The more you get involved in your education—not only in class but also in research, leadership, and community service—the sharper these skills become. Many of our alumni go straight from a BA in psychology to jobs in a wide range of fields. For tips on finding your first job after a psychology BA, click here.
Can I get into a good grad school after your program?
Yes, you can! Many CMU psychology graduates continue their academic training in different areas, at both masters and doctoral levels.
What are your psychology classes like?
We pride ourselves on high-quality teaching. We keep our classes small, and you can expect active learning experiences in all of your classes. Active learning in college means having discussions, engaging in projects, doing research, and writing papers and research reports. It also entails in-class activities to help you ask questions and develop ideas.
We offer some required courses in both in-class and online versions. Many other classes use a blended format where you do some learning in class and some online. Often the online component uses videos, questionnaires, projects, and other opportunities for exploration.
Click here for more information on our courses.
Who are the psychology faculty at CMU?
We all have doctoral-level degrees in our fields. As important, we're talented and dedicated teachers. Our students always come first.
Why not get to know us a little better?
Do you offer internships and practicums?
Yes, lots of them! They're a fantastic way to gain real-world experience and career connections.
CMU students do actual research with faculty? Really?!
Really. In fact, the chance to collaborate with faculty is one of the advantages of attending a student-focused university like CMU.
How can I get to know other psychology students?
We're glad you asked!
Our program has a long history of active student engagement—and fun! We have a highly active Psychology Club, a chapter of the International Honor Society in Psychology, a student chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), and many other ways to get involved.
You've sold me—how do I get started?
It's easy! Simply choose psychology or counseling psychology as your major during your CMU Orientation. Click here for more information on what to expect your first year in the program.
Of course, you're welcome to call, email, or visit any of us during our office hours. You can also drop in any of our Psychology Club or NAMI meetings—we'd love to see you!