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Do You Have a Program for Art Therapy or Other Alternative Therapies?
We do not have a separate major for alternative therapies. However, we have a number of students who are interested in these fields. Our graduates have been offered jobs in these areas, and some have successfully applied to (and graduated from) Master's Programs. In general we encourage students to become psychology majors and to take additional classes in their particular area of interest (e.g., art, music, dance). We also encourage students to take advantage of some fairly unique internship opportunities (e.g., the Western Carolina Center -- a non-profit organization for adults with developmental disabilities). Finally, the Asheville community is a great resource, and we continue to seek out additional experiential learning situations for our students.
Are There Ways to Combine My Interest in Psychology with My Interest in Service?
Yes! Psychology majors are in an excellent position to combine these interests. You might choose to lead sports activities with adjudicated youth, tutor elementary school students during the day, facilitate discussions on sensitive issues with teenage girls at weekend workshops, serve as a companion for the elderly in the evenings, participate in a buddy program for victims of HIV, conduct art and music sessions with young children or adults with developmental disabilities, or tutor middle school and high school students in an after school program -- to name just a few! Talk to other students or visit the Service Learning Office for even more great ideas.
What if I'm Interested in Psychology Courses, but Don't Want to be a Major?
Many non-majors enroll in psychology courses, and we try to make all of our courses interesting for everyone. In fact, the unique perspective brought by non-majors is a welcome addition to any classroom. Some majors (e.g., Education, Outdoor Leadership, Social Work) require psychology courses; other majors (e.g., Environmental Studies, Human Studies) provide the option of applying psychology courses toward the major. We also offer a psychology minor. However, many students simply enjoy learning about psychology and integrating that knowledge into their personal lives or chosen field of study. Wondering where to begin? PSY 100 (Introduction to Psychology) -- which is required for most upper-level courses. Go to Degree Requirements for more information.
What Opportunities Will I Have Here at WWC as an Upper-Level Psychology Major?
Psychology majors have numerous opportunities to translate their theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom into real-world practical experience through internships and research projects. Recent internships have included tutoring elementary school children with special needs, learning about the diagnostic procedures used for children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, locating social services opportunities for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and clinical depression, assisting in behavioral management techniques for adults with developmental disabilities, and caring for mentally retarded adults in a residential facility. Research projects have included studies on creativity, self perception and self-fulfilling prophecy, and the dynamics of on-line communication. Talk to the psychology faculty about your goals and ways to achieve them! Go to Advanced Opportunities for more information.
What in the World Can I Do with a Psychology Major When I Graduate?
Psychology majors are hired by all sorts of businesses -- advertising/marketing departments, community organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and corporations. Possible job titles include: editor, human resource manager, mental health care worker, public relations specialist, technical writer, or rehabilitation counselor. Many students also choose to attend graduate school at some point after graduation. Psychology majors can be accepted into Master's Level programs in Social Work, Education, or Psychology; Professional Schools, such as Law School or Medical School; Doctor of Psychology programs; or Ph.D. programs. Go to Applying to Graduate School or Other Useful Links for more information. You can also stop by the Career Resource Center for a more extensive list of post-graduation possibilities.