Department of Psychology

Rebecca Martin, Interim Department Head
Department of Psychology
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4930

Faculty

Professors

Brady Phelps, Debra Spear

Associate Professors

Rebecca Martin, Tyler Miller

Assistant Professor

Olabisi Atoba

Lecturer

Sarah Thimsen

Instructors

Pirita See

Emeritus

Allen Branum, Robert Burke, Kenneth Hillner, Virginia Norris, Bradley Woldt

Overview

The psychology department provides a robust and challenging undergraduate curriculum that produces a sound knowledge base in the science of psychology, develops and enhances critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful employment, further scholarship, sociocultural and international awareness, and civic involvement and engagement. In addition, the department promotes opportunities for undergraduate research and formal internships. While many students go on to graduate programs in psychology and a wide variety of other areas, many also find positions in their local community, particularly in the human services, criminal justice, education, business, and human resources areas. Students with a psychology degree have gone on to graduate programs in many areas including: Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Counseling, School Psychology, Law, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Public Policy.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Graduate Programs*

Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.S.)

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

The department offers opportunities for student engagement through research, internships, and student organizations. The department sponsors two student organizations, the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. The Psychology Club is open to any student and provides the opportunity to participate in community service, volunteer projects, and professional development as they learn about internship options, student research opportunities, and the graduate school preparation process. Psi Chi is open to qualified students, provides academic recognition, and seeks to nurture the spark of that accomplishment by offering a climate congenial to members’ creative development.