Pittsburg State University

What you'll study

The Psychology degree provides a broad foundation in major areas of psychology while allowing electives and applied experiences to match individual interests. Core topics include biological bases of behaviour, developmental psychology across the lifespan, social and personality psychology, learning and cognition, and abnormal psychology.

• Research methods and statistics: coursework in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory practicum to build competence in conducting and evaluating empirical research.
• Core content areas: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal/clinical psychology.
• Applied and elective options: topics such as counselling theory and techniques, health psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organisational psychology, and substance use assessment.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or capstone project, opportunities for independent research under faculty supervision, and internships or practicum placements with community agencies and local employers.

Students typically choose a programme pathway (for example a research-oriented track or applied/practitioner track) and select electives to prepare for either immediate employment or graduate study. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, scientific literacy, ethical practice and professional communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic transcripts, demonstration of proficiency in English, and a record of coursework in core subjects such as English and mathematics. Standardised test scores may be considered where provided, but admissions policies vary and test submission is often optional.

• Programme prerequisites: students preparing to major in psychology are advised to complete introductory psychology and mathematics/statistics courses early in their studies; some upper-level courses require specific lower-level prerequisites.
• Transfer students: transfer applicants should submit college transcripts; previously completed psychology and statistics courses may be applied toward the major subject to departmental review.
• Progression to major: the department may require a minimum GPA in introductory coursework for formal admission to the major or to specific advanced courses.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pittsburg State prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level roles and for further professional training. Common employment areas include human services, case management, rehabilitation support, behavioural health technician roles, and positions in education, non-profit organisations and business.

• Entry-level roles: research assistant, case manager, behavioural health technician, program coordinator, community outreach specialist, and human resources support roles.
• Further training: many graduates pursue graduate study to become licensed counsellors, clinical psychologists, school psychologists, or to specialise in industrial-organisational psychology or forensic psychology.
• Transferable skills: employers value graduates for their skills in research methods, data analysis, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.

Why study at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State offers a close-knit campus environment with accessible faculty mentors and a strong focus on applied learning. The programme emphasises hands-on experiences — lab work, supervised research projects and community placements — so students can translate theory into practice.

• Faculty engagement: students can work directly with faculty on research projects and benefit from small-class instruction that supports personalised feedback and mentoring.
• Applied learning opportunities: practicum placements with local agencies and internship pathways help students build professional experience and local employer connections.
• Support services: career services, academic advising and writing/statistics support help students prepare for jobs or graduate study after graduation.

The programme is suitable for students seeking a solid undergraduate grounding in psychology with opportunities for research, practicum experience and preparation for a wide range of career and postgraduate pathways.