Psychology
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes (perception, emotion, and cognition), and the application of the knowledge acquired to the resolution of personal and social problems. For students seeking a B.S., the Department of Psychology offers a major in psychology with an optional applied concentration in either human performance or counseling/clinical psychology. A major in psychology is an excellent choice for some students. Some students majoring in a different area who have the ability to complete two majors may wish to major in psychology as well. Given its nature, it complements many other academic areas.
Common Career Paths
A Psychology degree opens a number of doors from a career perspective. From substance abuse and autism to business areas like human resources and management, the skills you gain can contribute to a wide variety of possibilities. Some other positions you could qualify for with a Psychology degree:
- Assistant behavior analyst
- Business administrator
- Case manager
- Human resources manager
- Psychiatric technician
- Rehabilitation specialist
- School counselor
- Top- or mid-level manager
Common Salary Ranges for Graduates
The average annual salary for Psychology graduates in North Carolina is $37,047. While some salaries are as high as $80,000, the majority of salaries currently range between $26,000 and $43,000.
Average Tuition Cost
The average cost for an incoming residential freshman to attend MU is less than $18,000 – similar to the cost of attending one of the big-box public schools, but with the enhanced value of a highly-regarded private school with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
While tuition varies, depending on a student’s financial aid package, it’s important to know that the average financial award for an incoming residential freshman at MU is more than $34,000.
Tuition cost for the MU Online program in Psychology is $435 per credit, for a total of $53,940 for the program prior to transfer credits and financial aid being applied. Students who are Active Duty, Reservists, or National Guard have a discounted tuition rate of $250 per credit, for a total of $31,000 for the program prior to transfer credits and financial aid being applied.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More than 97% of MU students receive some form of financial aid, with the University offering more than $24 million annually to students for scholarships. If a student is active military, family of active military, or a veteran, they may also qualify for MU’s military education benefits.
Optional Psychology Concentrations (On-Campus or Online)
Interested in Our Online Psychology program?
You're interested in the MU Psychology program, but are a working adult looking for the flexibility of an online program? Visit the Psychology program on our MU Online microsite for more information on the program, careers, how to apply, tuition and aid, and much more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Psychology degree opens a number of doors from a career perspective. From substance abuse and autism to business areas like human resources and management, the skills you gain can contribute to a wide variety of possibilities. Some other positions you could qualify for with a Psychology degree:
- Assistant behavior analyst
- Business administrator
- Case manager
- Human resources manager
- Psychiatric technician
- Rehabilitation specialist
- School counselor
- Top- or mid-level manager
To work in psychology, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. While there are some jobs available to those with bachelor’s degrees, most careers in the field require a master’s degree or higher.
The Psychology major consists of 41 semester hours, which is expected to take about four years to complete.
To become a licensed psychologist in North Carolina, you will need to get either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. However, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Methodist University would allow you to take the first step in obtaining a doctorate.
Mission
The Psychology Department seeks to develop students who understand the psychological functioning of themselves and others, know how psychology is applied to enhance human life, know the ways knowledge (especially scientific knowledge) is acquired, and are prepared to enter graduate school or the workforce. The Psychology Department supports the mission of the university, with particular emphasis on providing an education grounded in the liberal arts tradition and developing whole persons who will make substantial contributions.
Goals
- Students will acquire a significant understanding of their psychological functioning (perceiving, feeling, thinking, and behaving) and its development and that of others.
- Students will acquire significant knowledge of the application of psychology to the enhancement of human life.
- Students will acquire significant knowledge of different approaches to attaining knowledge, with an emphasis on the scientific approach.
- Students who major in psychology will be prepared for entrance into a graduate program in psychology or an entry-level job related to the provision of psychological services in which a baccalaureate degree in psychology is a requirement or an alternative requirement.