Skip to main content

Psychology

Jump to page section

Program Overview

Do you find yourself thinking about why people do what they do? Are you curious about the experiences, feelings, and thoughts that influence how we perceive the world? Your interest could indicate a more than casual curiosity into what makes our minds tick.

Knowledge and appreciation of human interaction are essential for success in our rapidly expanding and diverse society. The study of psychology offers insight into understanding the thoughts, emotions, and actions that shape who we are, and explores the dynamics of human interaction.

As a psychology major at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., you will gain insights into the various theories that form the foundation of psychology and develop practical skills that enable you to comprehend, analyze, and interpret human interactions. Whether you're leaning towards clinical practice, research, government, or business our distinguished B.S. and B.A. psychology programs will provide a solid foundation to realize your ambitions.

 

What Makes the King's Psychology Program Different?

At King's College, we understand that the journey of becoming a skilled and empathetic psychologist is more than just acquiring knowledge. It's also about personalized attention, hands-on experiences, and a supportive community that nurtures growth.

Our psychology program stands out for its distinctive approach to education:

Small Class Sizes, Big Opportunities We're committed to fostering a close-knit learning environment. With an average of just 16 students per class, our professors can provide individual engagement to help foster a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Empowering Hands-On Learning Psychology is a dynamic field that thrives on real-world application. That's why we provide ample opportunities for hands-on research projects, internships, and experiential learning. Our connections with local organizations and institutions enable you to immerse yourself in areas that align with your interests, giving you a competitive edge as you enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
Multiple Pathways to Success Whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, you'll find a curriculum that equips you with a strong foundation in psychology and the necessary skills to excel in your chosen path.
Opportunity for independent research As a psychology major, you'll get the chance to make an impact on the field while you pursue your degree. Our students have been published in many professional journals and showcased at regional, state, and national conferences. In fact, since the 1970s, nearly two-thirds of scholarly publications from our psychology department have had student co-authors.
two people shaking hands in business attire

What's the Difference Between a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology?

We recognize that each student's educational journey is unique, which is why we offer both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in psychology. These distinct pathways allow you to tailor your degree to align with your specific interests, strengths, and future career aspirations.

The B.A. in psychology is an excellent choice for students who have a passion for understanding human behavior within a broader liberal arts context. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of psychology while allowing you to supplement your studies with courses from various disciplines.

The B.S. in psychology is tailored for students seeking a more in-depth scientific understanding of psychology and a focus on research methodologies. If you're intrigued by empirical research, statistical analysis, and the scientific exploration of psychological phenomena, the B.S. program offers an immersive experience.

Who Should Pursue a B.A. in Psychology?

  • Individuals who aspire to careers emphasizing communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Anyone looking to go into the workforce after college.
  • Interested in law, social work, political science, or counseling.

Who Should Pursue a B.S. in Psychology?

  • Individuals interested in scientific research and processes.
  • Anyone interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology or related fields.
  • Interested in the sciences, such as experimental psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or academia.
a patient and a counselor in a session together

Concentration Areas and Second Majors

At King's, students can tailor their major to individual interests by choosing a concentration in clinical counseling, developmental, business/human resources, forensic, or neurobehavioral psychology.

Through careful course scheduling, some psychology students also opt to take a second major in fields such as criminal justice, neuroscience, sociology, or social work.

 

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

Our psychology majors find themselves in a diverse array of professional fields, showcasing the flexibility and breadth of knowledge they acquire during their academic pursuits, from counseling and industrial psychology to experimental research and school psychology.

King's graduates work as educators, social workers, and counselors, using their deep understanding of human behavior to guide and support individuals through life's challenges. If you're interested in the intricacies of law or medicine, a psychology degree equips you with the insights needed to excel in criminal justice, health care, and more.

Our graduates also enroll in graduate programs spanning various psychology disciplines, including clinical, counseling, neuroscience, school, child, industrial, and experimental psychology. The adaptability of a King's psychology degree has also helped our graduates succeed in other fields, including medicine, law, social work, and business administration.

Psychology Career Paths

Many of our students go on to pursue clinical and counseling careers in private practice, social work, health care, law enforcement, and teaching. The skills you develop through our program also resonate strongly within corporate landscapes, including human resources, marketing, advertising, management, and labor relations, all of which benefit from the understanding of human dynamics.

A few recent graduates and their initial job placements include:

  • Business and Industry
    • Recreational therapy, Berger Pines Hospital
    • Social worker/counselor, Cedar Glen Nursing Home, Danvers, Ma.
    • Mental health technician, Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa
    • Psychologist technician, Georgia Hospital.
  • Government
    • Rehabilitation counselor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    • Caseworker, Lackawanna County Agency for the Aging
    • Multiple positions at the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health Centers, including caseworker, crisis intervention aide, family health worker, mental health assistant, mental health nursing assistant, program director, psychiatric aide, psychologist, and recreation aide.
    • Primary care, Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Unit, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
    • Corrections officer, State Correctional Institution, Dallas, Pa.
  • Social services
    • Supervisor of delinquent children, Act I Group Home, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
    • Resident counselor, volunteer worker, Christian Appalachian Project, Nicholasville, Ky.

 

Graduate Studies

A bachelor's degree in psychology provides a solid foundation for master's and doctoral studies in any specialty of psychology, as well as medical or law school, social work programs, and MBA or other advanced degrees. Personal student advisement helps students choose electives, a minor, and/or a second major relevant to postgraduate and career interests.

Placements include:

  • Psychology programs: Bucknell University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florida State, Fordham University, Georgia Tech, LaSalle University, Lehigh University, Oakland University, Penn State University, Temple University, Texas Tech University, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Wisconsin, and Villanova University.
  • Law schools: Rutgers, Syracuse University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, Georgetown University, and Dickinson.

 

Psychology Program Description

At King's College, our psychology program embraces interdisciplinary interests, and we encourage students to shape their academic journey according to their goals. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of psychology, we offer a unique opportunity for double majors with virtually every other major at King's.

What sets our double majors apart is the chance for students and advisors to collaboratively design interdisciplinary components that reflect their distinct interests, creating a true liberal arts educational experience.

Our internship program and independent research are key parts of the major elective sequence. Students may choose work experience in various settings that align with their career aspirations. These experiences empower students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, bridging the gap between academia and reality. Additionally, our internship program complements our commitment to individualized growth by enabling students to tailor their education to their unique interests and career goals.

Our psychology program also empowers students to refine their studies through concentration options. Students can tailor their major to their specific interests by choosing from clinical, counseling, developmental, business, human resources, forensic, or neurobehavioral psychology concentrations.

 

Major Resources

Student Organizations

Contact Us

Christopher Aults, Ph.D.

Visit Us

We welcome all potential students and their families to visit our beautiful campus and get a taste of the King’s College experience. Feel free to schedule a personal visit or register for one of our upcoming admission events.

Request Information

Loading...

Sociology

students talking at a round table

Criminal Justice

students talking outside at a picnic table

Political Science

professor talking to students in front of a whiteboard