Psychology is often defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that Psychological Sciences embraces all aspects of the human experience: from the function of the brain to the action of nations, from child development to care of the aged. The focus on the scientific aspect of psychology is highlighted by the Association for Psychological Sciences.

When most people think of Psychological Sciences, they often think of the clinical and counseling professions - that is, providing therapy to people in need. However, psychological science has many subfields and divisions, as evidenced by the American Psychological Association Science in Action page, and the Divisions within APA. Experimental psychologists study such things as learning, memory, creativity, judgment and decision-making, sports performance, motivation, dating and mating behavior and much more. Clinical and counseling psychologists may be involved in research about what makes practice effective. Within the domain of business, human factors and industrial-organizational psychologists work on many important concerns about making our work environments more effective. 

About Psychological Sciences

Students completing undergraduate degrees in psychological sciences develop many career skills valued by employers. For more information, review the Transferable Skills Resource from the American Psychological Association.  

A recent publication from APA for psychology students identified 300 careers, many for those with undergraduate degrees  (Appleby, 2017 An Online Career Exploration Resource for Psychology Majors) 

Major career areas include: 

  • Business, Advertising and Finance
  • Children and Families
  • Education
  • Health and Medical Services
  • Human Resources
  • Law and Law Enforcement
  • Military 
  • Traditional areas of psychology (Academic, Clinical, Counseling, Cognitive Development, Criminal, Forensic, Health, Media, Neuropsychology, Personality, Public Health and many more 
  • Social and Human Services
  • Spirituality 
  • Sport, Recreation and Fitness
  • Technology
  • Therapy

Please be sure to visit with your advisor to discuss career options and planning. 

As a student in the Chadron State Psychological Sciences program, you will have choices among classes in a wide variety of subfields in Psychology: experimental, abnormal, cognitive, developmental, physiological, personality, and social psychology. We have recently added courses in gender, health psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, clinical psychology, sport psychology and psychology and law. 

You will complete coursework in psychological sciences, Essential Studies, and a major or minor in another area. The ability to select a minor from another area allows you to personalize your degree and career plan. Some minors can be completed online. Minors that might be of interest to psychological sciences students include: 

  • Biology 
  • Communication Arts (several options) 
  • Criminal Justice 
  • Family and Consumer Science (several options, including Public Health, Child and Family) 
  • Mental Health (four new minors added) 
  • Mathematics 

Psychology students at Chadron State College can complete their major coursework online or in a face-to-face setting. Classes are typically small. We encourage students to become part of the active campus environment, including student clubs, and to engage in experiential learning in the form of internships. 

 Psychological Sciences students develop important skills in critical thinking, research and writing as they learn more about the field of psychological science. These skills are important in a wide range of careers, as well as important for preparation for graduate school in psychological science or related programs. Please visit this page for more information about learning outcomes and degree programs in psychological sciences.

Learning Outcomes

The undergraduate Psychological Sciences program at Chadron State College adopted student learning outcomes associated with five learning goals developed by the American Psychological Association (APA).1 Students completing a major in Psychological Sciences will be tested through assignments embedded throughout the curricula as part of the assessment strategy adopted by the Undergraduate Psychological Sciences Program Committee.

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of psychology.

2. Use scientific reasoning and critical thinking in psychology.

3. Apply ethical standards to psychological science and practice.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills.

5. Apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

Source: APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (Version 2.0) (August 2013). Visit http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx to find the revised APA undergraduate program guidelines.