Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The psychology major at Tennessee Technological University builds a foundation in scientific principles and applied practice. Core coursework typically includes introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics, followed by intermediate and advanced classes such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and biological bases of behaviour. Students also study ethics in psychology and complete a capstone or senior seminar that integrates knowledge through a project, paper or presentation.

Beyond core requirements, the programme offers elective and topical modules that reflect faculty expertise and local practicum opportunities. Typical elective topics include learning and behaviour, personality theory, health psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, motivation and emotion, and applied behaviour analysis. Students are encouraged to take quantitative courses and supporting classes in biology, sociology, education or computer science to broaden their skill set.

Research and hands-on experience are emphasised. Undergraduates can participate in faculty-led research labs, complete a supervised practicum or internship with community agencies in the Upper Cumberland region, and pursue independent study. These experiences help students develop data-collection and analysis skills, clinical observation, and professional communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and to meet Tennessee Technological University’s general admissions standards. Typical preparation includes college-preparatory coursework in English and mathematics and exposure to social sciences. Admissions considers the whole application, including high-school record, recommendation letters, and any personal statement or supplementary materials.

Transfer applicants should present college transcripts showing satisfactory performance in previous coursework; psychology and statistics credits may transfer subject to departmental review. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic preparation and English language proficiency according to university requirements.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tennessee Technological University prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level roles and for further professional training. Common career paths include roles as research assistants, case managers, human resources or organisational support staff, behaviour technicians, rehabilitation specialists, or community service coordinators. Graduates also move into allied fields such as marketing, education, criminal justice, and health services.

Many students use the BSc/BA as preparation for graduate study. To become licensed clinical, counselling or school psychologists, or to work as licensed therapists, graduates typically continue to master’s or doctoral programmes and complete supervised clinical experience. The programme’s emphasis on research methods, statistics and practicum experience supports applications to graduate programmes and competitive entry to professional training.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University offers a psychology programme with close faculty mentoring, accessible undergraduate research opportunities, and strong links to local practicum sites across the Upper Cumberland region. Class sizes at the undergraduate level allow for direct interaction with instructors and participation in hands-on projects.

Students benefit from departmental resources such as research laboratories, practicum placement support, and student organisations that include psychology clubs and honour societies. The department supports preparation for both careers and graduate study through advising on internships, graduate applications and licensure pathways. Studying at Tennessee Tech gives students a balance of rigorous scientific training and practical experience in a regional public university setting.