Psychology studies human thought and behavior from the perspective of the individual. It considers all aspects of human functioning, including the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social realms.

The psychology program at Transylvania University provides students a solid foundation in both the experimental and applied aspects of the discipline. Specific areas in which faculty members hold expertise include clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and biopsychology.

Research is an important component of the psychology program. After completing a course in research methods, students may design and conduct independent research projects, working with faculty in their areas of expertise. Regional and nationwide research opportunities are available during the summer. Transylvania students have won state and regional awards for their research projects, including top honors from the Kentucky Psychological Association.

The Lexington area offers many interesting opportunities for internships in psychology. Our students have gained experience by working with children in therapy settings, as legal advocates, or studying children's behavior in an after school program. Our students have also explored the intersection between business and psychology by working in human resources departments at universities, hospitals, and large corporations. They have done internships in the mental health field at therapists' offices, an Alzheimer's day care center, and an assisted living facility for the elderly.

Many of our graduates continue their education in graduate and professional schools, either in psychology or in areas like law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work. Some students start careers immediately after receiving their bachelor's degree in psychology and put their knowledge of human behavior to use in a variety of professions. These students often possess good research, statistical, writing, and problem solving skills, and have well-developed critical thinking ability when it comes to analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. Most find jobs in administrative support, public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, health, the biological sciences, and computer programming.

Psychology majors have many qualities that are attractive to job recruiters, including strong people skills. Psychology majors also value these skills themselves. Psychology helps you prepare for both work and life.

Some of the positions held by our recent psychology graduates:

Mental health associate
Director of adult day care center
Statistical analyst
Research technician
College professor
Clinical psychologist
Lawyer
Physician
School psychologist
Business professional

Some of graduate/professional schools our recent graduates have attended:

Vanderbilt Law School, California School of Professional Psychology (clinical psychology), University of Louisville (clinical psychology, art therapy, law), University of California-Santa Barbara (theater), University of Kentucky (school psychology, social work, medicine, cognitive neuroscience, law), University of Colorado at Denver (industrial/organizational psychology), Oregon Health Sciences University (medicine), Stanford University (neuroscience), Duke University (clinical psychology)