English 
Explore the science of understanding.
There is nothing more complex or more connected to the center of our being than the human mind. It is the storehouse of our precious memories, the center of our creativity and innovation, the artillery of our problem-solving weapons, and so much more.
Discover the intricate world of psychology and gain an understanding of the brain and the science behind why people behave the way that they do.
Special opportunities
- Gain hands on experience through enriching internships, such as working at the state hospital in Missouri, the police department in St. Louis, local diagnostic centers, and more
- Facilitate events, such as after school programming for elementary school children, where you can share your knowledge of psychology with others
- Join the William Woods’ Psychology Club and use your love for psychology to help others while exploring one of the many areas you can use your degree
- Conduct cutting-edge research alongside experts in the field of psychology
- Have the unique experience of presenting your findings at local, regional and national conferences
- Participate in monthly events and meeting with like-minded peers through the William Woods University Psychology club or join the international honor society for psychology, Psi Chi
Our Psychology degree at work
Many students pursue a graduate degree in a specialized area of psychology, such as:
- Counseling psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Sports psychology
- Clinical psychology
- School psychology
- And others
Students who pursue a career following their undergraduate degree have the opportunity to hold advisory, research-led, treatment-led or therapeutic roles in one of the following fields:
- Public and private healthcare
- Education
- Mental health support
- Therapy
- Casework
- Counseling
- Sales, marketing and public relations
- Top and mid-level management
- Human resources
- And many more
Employers of William Woods psychology graduates have included:
- Missouri Foster care system
- Therapeutic riding centers
- The United States government
- Major television networks
- U.S. military
- Colleges and universities
- Private practice
- And others
I absolutely love my job, and it was my internship at WWU that led me to the field of forensic psychology. My education at William Woods completely prepared me for my graduate education. I initially was nervous about how prepared I would be for the rigorous graduate program I chose, but I came to realize that I was better prepared than most other people in my classes.
— Jennifer Sydow, psychology graduate who earned a master’s degree from University of Denver, now a psychology associate in the Virginia Department of Corrections
The psychology program at William Woods provides a foundation of knowledge that is a real asset in a professions-oriented workplace. As a result of my education, I have a greater understanding of the motivations and perspectives of those around me and have an enhanced ability to convey my perspective in such a way as to have it positively received. Regardless of what one ultimately chooses to do after graduation, a degree in psychology has applications to those choices.
— Michelle Stephens Kemp, psychology graduate, Faber & Brand Law Firm
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree at William Woods University consists of 122 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 27 core major credits, 12 required elective credits, a minor, and a year of foreign language.
Major Requirements
Core Credits: 37.00
| This course would be open to any student who wanted to take it, though it would be particularly useful for students in psychology or social science. This course would introduce students to the foundational ideas of how the brain works, and how biology drives behavior. Additionally, it would provide a basis for understanding additional scientific ideas. Importantly this course would be a natural science course. It would cover scientific principles including experimental design, the progressive nature of knowledge and interpretation, and the interconnectedness of systems, as well as introducing students to understanding quantitative information in figures, tables, and other forms of presentation. credits: | Introduction to Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology -N | 3 |
| An introductory course in statistics. Topics include: elementary probability, measures of central tendency and variation, normal distributions, sampling, confidence intervals, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation. Emphasis on the use of graphing calculators and the utility of mathematics as a problem-solving tool. Extensive discussion of applications in natural science, social science, and business. Prerequisite: MAT 099 or equivalent. credits: | Elementary Statistics -M | 3 |
| An introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline surveying the biological basis of behavior, motivation, learning, sensation, perception, memory, thinking and language. credits: | General Psychology I -U | 3 |
| An introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline surveying interpersonal behavior, personality development, intelligence, psychopathology, assessment, treatment, and research methodology. credits: | General Psychology II -Q | 3 |
| In this course, students will explore the career paths available to students who major in psychology. Individuals will work on developing career goals and specific plans of action for gaining employment in the field of psychology. Areas of graduate study will also be discussed as well as the job opportunities available to students who pursue advanced degrees. credits: | Careers in Psychology | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how the social world affects individuals’ lives. Students will learn key theories that explain the power of a situation in shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Course issues include perception, prejudice, attitudes, conformity, group dynamics, attraction, aggression, and prosocial behaviors. Students will be expected to apply social psychology theory to social situations. Prerequisite – PSY102 or PSY105 credits: | Social Psychology | 3 |
| This course focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics in the design, analysis and interpretation of data in psychological research. Students will learn to effectively present data. Practical application is emphasized. Prerequisites: SWK313 credits: | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how the human mind processes information. Students will gain a deep appreciation for the mind and how it is able to accomplish day-to-day tasks and what happens when something goes wrong. Course issues include sensation and perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, problem-solving and decision-making. Prerequisite: PSY101 and (PSY102 or PSY105) (Students are strongly encouraged to complete SWK 313 and PSY 313 prior to enrolling in PSY 324) credits: | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
| The study of the factors which lead an individual to pathological behavior, the types of abnormal behavior, and the current methods of therapy. Prerequisite – PSY102 or PSY105 credits: | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| This course will allow students to complete a research project in an area of psychology. Students will be guided through the research process including the review of literature, methodology and data analysis. This course is repeatable for credit. Students will be able to repeat this class for credit. Prerequisite: SWK313 and PSY313 credits: | Advanced Research Project | 3 |
| This is a capstone course integrating prior learning and exploring leading research and controversial issues in psychology. This course is based on individual student curricular needs and interests. Students employ skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation on topics inherent to the psychology major. Prerequisite – PSY101 and PSY102 credits: | Psychology Seminar | 3 |
| This course examines the application of basic concepts of research methodology to social work, including problem formulation, design of research, measurement, sampling, and data analysis. It includes the role of research in social work and the interpretation and critical analysis of research reports in social work. This course provides the foundation to equip students to be consumers of published research and to engage in building knowledge to enhance practice and service delivery through the use of scientific methods. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on preparing students to identify research findings that assist them in being more effective practitioners as well as producers and consumers of research. credits: | Research Methods | 3 |
Psychology Electives - 9 Credits
| The study of the psychological principles that support the foundation of educational theory and practice. The student will be able to understand and apply the psychological principles that form the basis of educational theory and practice. credits: | Educational Psychology -Q | 3 |
| A survey of the field of personality, emphasizing modern theoretical approaches, basic methods of investigation and current research findings. credits: | Psychology of Personality -U | 3 |
credits: | Independent Study | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how psychological theory can be applied to intimate relationships. Students will develop an understanding of how relationships are formed, maintained and dissolved. Course issues include attraction, attachment, sexuality, conflict, love, equity, communication, fidelity and jealousy, and relationship violence. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of how psychological processes influence relationships to their own lives. Prerequisites:PSY102 or PSY105 (Students are strongly encouraged to complete PSY 310 prior to enrolling in PSY 326.) credits: | Psychology of Intimate Relationships | 3 |
credits: | Interdisciplinary Honors Studies | 3 |
| Requires a minimum of 120 clock hours in an approved work situation. The student must submit a log documenting the work dates and times and describing the work activities according to at least three pre-approved objectives. In addition, the student will submit three essays describing and evaluating each of the following: the role of the on-site supervisor, the quality of the work environment, and the usefulness of extended internships. The student will also prepare a resume. Requires permission of division chair. credits: | PSY Internship I | 3 |
credits: | Advanced Projects | 3 |
| A comparison of various theories of counseling and psychotherapy with a focus on practical counseling techniques. Emphasis is placed on individual and group techniques which can be directly applied to educational and everyday settings. Prerequisite – PSY102 or PSY105 credits: | Counseling | 3 |
| Requires a minimum of 120 clock hours in an approved work situation. In addition to submitting a log of work activities with dates and times, the student will develop a complete portfolio illustrating internship activities and outcomes, with brief explanatory texts. The student will also prepare a resume. Requires permission of division chair. credits: | PSY Internship II | 3 |
credits: | Must complete at least 3 credits from the following options | 0 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the typical development of a child from birth through emerging adulthood. Biological, cognitive and social development and the influencing factors will be covered. Students will be expected to apply the theories discussed in the course to improve child welfare. credits: | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the development of the individual across the lifespan. Students will learn how biological, social and psychological processes impact development. Students will be expected to apply developmental concepts to situations occurring in everyday life. Prerequisite – PSY102 or PSY105 credits: | Lifespan Development | 3 |