Introduction
Psychology is the systematic study of behavior, particularly the behavior of individuals, their actions, reactions and motivations. The goal of this program is to prepare students to contribute to the improvement of the human condition. Students entering the program should realize they must obtain graduate-level education or other advanced training before being accepted as professional psychologists.
Interested?
UW-Stout's Psychology program focuses on human rather than animal behavior. Our students are exposed to a strong foundation in psychological theory and application, and are exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints for understanding behavior.
The major, in combination with course work in communications, mathematics, humanities, and natural and social sciences, fulfills the requirements of a liberal arts degree, which meets the criteria for graduate school or for an entry-level position in the work force. A majority of students continue their education at the graduate level, often choosing to study counseling or clinical psychology, health psychology, school psychology or industrial/organizational psychology. The Psychology program at UW-Stout is designed to enable each student to select the courses and experiences which best enhance personal interests and career plans.
Preparing For Stout
Algebra, writing and science are recommended as important course background for those wishing to study in the psychology program. Advanced math instruction can be useful in understanding research. Microcomputer skills and work experience also prove valuable.
Starting Out
Beginning freshmen meet with the program director during their summer orientation and receive information and assistance regarding appropriate courses and scheduling needs. The required course work is begun the first semester and built upon each semester after. Students are advised to enroll in courses in a timely fashion. This provides continuity for development of knowledge.
As You Progress
Each course in the curriculum has been developed to build upon previous knowledge, providing students the opportunity to learn and grow as they master the concepts and principles of psychological thought. Students also have the opportunity to investigate specific professional applications such as clinical, counseling, developmental, experimental, social and applied psychology. As students progress to more advanced course work, they develop a strong foundation in research methodology. Opportunities for hands-on learning are available in the experimental laboratory, and include faculty support to design and develop personal research projects. Possibilities for personalized learning through field experience and work cooperatives also exist. One of the unique aspects of our undergraduate program is the student's opportunity to learn through personalized experience under the guidance of a faculty member.
Entry Positions
A high percentage of graduates go immediately into graduate programs, either for master's degrees in guidance, counseling or human resource management, or into programs in clinical, social, developmental or applied psychology. A small percentage go into professional studies in law, medicine or in science.
Because the program offers an opportunity for students to develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, graduates may go directly into the work force and are employed in a variety of areas. Many find employment in the human services areas of preprofessional counseling or social work. Others go into sales, business, or human resource management. Still others find employment in the area of communications.