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.

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.

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.

Psychology Curriculum

The psychology curriculum at King's College is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that equips you with a deep understanding of human behavior, critical thinking skills, and practical application of psychological theories. We offer a balanced blend of foundational courses, specialized concentrations, firsthand experience, and research opportunities.

As a psychology major, you will begin your journey with a solid foundation in core concepts, delving into subjects such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and research methods. From there, you can choose from specialized concentrations that align with your interests, including clinical counseling, developmental psychology, business and human resources, forensic psychology, or neurobehavioral studies. These concentrations allow you to tailor your coursework to your desired career path while gaining expertise in your chosen area.

Psychology Degree Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (B.A.), students must complete 37 credit hours in the major and fulfill all general education requirements. For a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology (B.S.), students must fulfill the same requirements for a B.A. and 21 science credits.

View a comprehensive list of all psychology degree requirements here.

PSYCHOLOGY B.A. DEGREE (12 COURSES - 37 CREDITS)

  • PSYC 101 counts toward both the major and minor in psychology. PSYC 101 should be taken before choosing more advanced psychology courses.
  • PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • PSYC 220 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
  • PSYC 221 - Research Methods (4)
  • PSYC 450 - Senior Seminar (3)
  • Select one course from each of the following five major categories (15 credits)
    • Learning and Cognition
      • PSYC 339 - Theories and Applications of Learning (3)
      • PSYC 365 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
    • Biological Foundations of Behavior
      • PSYC 321 - Brain and Behavior (3)
      • PSYC 342 - Drugs and Behavior (3)
      • PSYC 346 - Psychopharmacology (3)
    • Developmental
      • PSYC 355 - Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (3)
      • PSYC 356 - Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (3)
    • Personality and Psychopathology
      • PSYC 350 - Theories of Personality (3)
      • PSYC 351 - Psychopathology (3)
    • Social
      • PSYC 357 - Social Psychology (3)
      • PSYC 360 - Industrial Psychology (3)
  • Nine (9) additional elective credits from psychology

PSYCHOLOGY B.S. DEGREE

This track includes the same requirements listed for a B.A. in Psychology, along with 21 science credits selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers and information systems, computer science, geography, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. *NSCI 171 through 179 may be used to satisfy science requirement.

PSYCHOLOGY MINOR REQUIREMENTS (6 COURSES - 18 CREDITS)

  • PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • (15) credits PSYC electives

Specially designed minors are available for students in all MSB majors, and for students majoring in criminal justice and education. Please consult with the Psychology Department Chair.

CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE MAJOR

For those students who wish to focus their psychology major on a particular subarea, we suggest taking the courses listed below to develop a concentration in one of the following: human resources, clinical/counseling, developmental psychology, neurobehavioral, and forensic psychology. Students are encouraged to take these courses as part of their free electives, but they are not required (students must still meet the requirements for the Psychology B.A./B.S.).

Human Resources Concentration

Take the following electives: PSYC 338, 350, and 357; and HRM 354 and 360. Choose any three courses from the following list: HRM 210, 380, 210; MKT 315, 325, 350; MSB 200, 305, 480 NOTE: MSB, HRM, and MKT do not count toward the psychology major.

Clinical/Counseling Concentration

Take the following psychology electives: PSYC 346, PSYC 350, PSYC 351, PSYC 353, and PSYC 357. Take the Clinical Practicum (PSYC 470) OR a clinical-oriented internship (PSYC 499)

Developmental Psychology Concentration

Take the following psychology electives: PSYC 355, PSYC 356, PSYC 391

Neurobehavioral Concentration

Choose one Psychology course from each of the following four categories: Biological: PSYC 321 or PSYC 345. Learning/Motivation: PSYC 337, PSYC 338, or PSYC 339 Sensory Processes: PSYC 348 or PSYC 349 Applications: PSYC 340 or PSYC 343. Conduct an independent research project approved by an appropriate member of the Psychology Department.

Forensic Psychology Concentration

Take the following psychology electives: PSYC 341, PSYC 343, PSYC 391.

Psychology Course Descriptions

View a comprehensive list of psychology courses here.

PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3)

A survey of basic topics, concepts, and psychological principles, including child development, learning, memory, motivation, physiological influences, stress, coping, personality dynamics, social functioning, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. Special emphasis is given to covering disabilities, crime and violence, profiling and forensics, managing stress, psychotropic medications, addictions, brain injury, and counseling. At the end of this course, it is expected students will (a) understand the research principles that make psychology a scientific discipline; (b) be able to critically evaluate research findings; (c) understand the biological and psychological factors involved in cognitive and emotional development from birth to old age; (d) know the causes and effects of psychological disorders; (e) appreciate various psychotherapies; and (f) be capable of evaluating the use of prescription medication for treating mental disorders, among other topics.

PSYC 220 - Psychological Statistics (3)

Basic statistics in the behavioral sciences, including descriptive statistics, probability, correlation, one- and two-sample t-tests, one-way and two-way analysis of variance, and chi-square.

PSYC 220L - Psychological Statistics Laboratory (1)

This is a hands-on lab designed to give students an understanding of the computer Implementation of basic statistics in the behavioral sciences. Over the course of the semester, students will learn to apply the theories and concepts of statistics using the computer software program SPSS. This course is recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate-level study.

PSYC 221 - Research Methods (4)

This course gives students exposure to the various methods used in behavioral science research, including research design, data collection and analysis, and ethics. Students will have the opportunity to write a research proposal, conduct a research project, and report the results in both written and verbal formats. Students will have the opportunity to create and present on a poster similar to those done in professional psychology conferences. Prerequisite: PSYC 220.

PSYC 321 - Brain and Behavior (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an introductory overview of how brain processes impact behavior and psychological functioning. Course material will be discussed in the context of implications for both normal and abnormal behavior.

PSYC 325 - Human Sexuality (3)

The intent of this course is to provide students with a broad range of knowledge about sexuality. Topics include what sexuality is, basic sexual anatomy, conception, contraception, attraction, variations in sexual behavior, sexual disorders, and sexual diseases. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 391L.

PSYC 337 - Conditioning and Learning (3)

Topics include basic principles of learning as seen in controlled laboratory studies; current research trends involving fear, frustration, partial reinforcement, etc., which have relevance for both human and animal learning; and application of learning principles to everyday behavior, self-control, and behavior problems.

PSYC 338 - Motivation: Psychological Perspectives (3)

An experimentally oriented survey of theory and research on motivational forces governing behavior. Topics include instinct, pain, fear, frustration, incentive, cognitive consistency and dissonance, aggression, achievement, power, job motivation, and interpersonal attraction.

PSYC 339 - Theories and Applications of Learning (3)

This course surveys the dominant theorists in the 20th century who have analyzed the learning process from a variety of conceptual models. In the course, we also apply the theories to present issues like coping with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and psychotherapy. The theorists include Thorndike, Pavlov, Guthrie, Tolman, Hull, Skinner, Ethological Theory, Gestalt Theory, Piaget, and Bandura.

PSYC 340 - Health Psychology (3)

This course surveys research and theories on psychological factors like stress, fear, and anxiety and their impact on mental and physical well-being. Additionally, we will consider the psychological and physical health effects of behaviors like smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, exercise, and nutrition. We will also investigate the psychological impact of STDs, heart disease, diabetes, aging, and other physical conditions.

PSYC 341 - Forensic Psychology (3)

This course involves an extensive examination of the interface between psychology and the legal and criminal justice systems. By taking this course, students will develop an understanding of the roles forensic psychologists perform and the tensions they experience by participating in the legal system. By examining relevant criminal cases, we will examine topics including psychologists' contributions to understanding theories of crime, eyewitness testimony and memory, criminal profiling, repressed and recovered memories, lie detection, competency testing, the insanity defense and the death penalty, pre-trial publicity, false confessions, and jury selection among others. The course will include lectures, discussion, video and guest speakers, and trips to local legal and criminal justice venues.

PSYC 342 - Drugs and Behavior (3)

Drug abuse is our nation's number one health and social problem. In this course, we will examine the use and abuse of drugs from many perspectives: social, legal, medical, pharmacological and psychological. Beginning with a basic coverage of how the brain controls behavior, we will look at how drugs interact with the brain to have such powerful effects on behavior. Topics will include the medical use of drugs (including over the counter and psychotherapeutic drugs), the illegal abuse of drugs like heroin and cocaine, and the use and abuse of non-drugs like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Cross-listed as NEUR 342.

PSYC 343 - Psychology of Violent Crime (3)

In this course, we will first examine significant overarching issues relevant to the psychology of violent crime, including mental illness and violent crime, psychological effects of incarceration, adolescence and violence, psychopathy, and other causes of violent crime. Then students will choose a particular type of crime (gang violence, crimes of the wealthy, human trafficking) or a particular type of violent offender (serial killer, domestic abuser) and conduct a thorough investigation of it. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 391J.

PSYC 345 - Biology of Mental Illness (3)

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the various theories that focus on the biological causes of a number of mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. A major part of the course will be focused on how the current medications work and what we can learn about the possible causes of the illness. Cross-listed as NEUR 345.

PSYC 346 - Psychopharmacology (3)

This course surveys what is currently known about the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and the use of psychoactive drugs to treat them. Starting with the basics of the brain/ behavior relationship and principles of pharmacology, we will cover the symptoms and treatment of the affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and the schizophrenias, among others. Also included will be the psychological aspects and pharmacotherapy of the neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, and Alzheimer's disease. Cross-listed as NEUR 346.

PSYC 348 - Sensation and Perception (3)

This course deals with how we construct a conception of physical reality from sensory experience. While the primary focus will be on vision and hearing, the chemical senses (taste and smell) the somatosenses (touch, temperature, and vibration) will also be addressed. We will cover the anatomy and physiology of the various sensory receptors, the neural mechanisms of sensation, sensory representation in the brain, as well as the phenomenological experience of perception. Topics will include the ways in which illusions can fool our senses and what they tell us about how our sensory systems work. Cross-listed as NEUR 348.

PSYC 349 - Animal Behavior (3)

This course will introduce you to the field of animal behavior. We will examine basic principles derived from evolution, ecology, and ethology. We will use these principles to explain how and why animals behave as they do in particular situations. We will focus on many important behaviors such as foraging, communication, migration, predator-prey interactions, mating, and parental care. Cross-listed as BIOL 349 and NEUR 349.

PSYC 350 - Theories of Personality (3)

Exploration of the structure, dynamics, and development of personality as conceptualized by prominent theorists of different persuasions. Psychoanalytic, behavioristic trait, biological, and humanistic/existential, theoretical orientations will be compared. The course begins with a foundation of the more traditional personality theories and move on to more contemporary, innovative approaches to personality. Research findings associated with this field will also be examined.

PSYC 351 - Psychopathology (3)

The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders from both traditional and contemporary viewpoints. Emphasis is placed upon comparison of alternative models of causation and treatment. Students will be encouraged to explore their own thoughts and feelings about individual differences and deviance.

PSYC 352 - Advanced Topics in Personality (3)

In this course we will examine related literature and ourselves as we explore the psychology of subjective well-being and happiness. We will experiment with various interventions designed to enhance our personal well-being, our strengths, and our positive interactions with others. In the second half of the course, we will conduct original investigations of particular personality topics or an intensive study of an individual. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 391G.

PSYC 353 - Psychological Assessment (3)

Fundamentals of test construction, evaluation, and application. Tests, surveys, and interviews, as well as other methods of psychological assessment used in clinical, business, and counseling settings will be evaluated by class members. Students will be expected to administer and interpret several tests during the semester.

PSYC 354 - Psychological Assessment in the Workplace (3)

This course will apply the principles of psychological assessment to the workplace. The course will address different types of tests/inventories for evaluating job applicants, assessment measures for employee development, test fairness, test construction, and employee opinion surveying. The fundamentals of I/O psychology will be addressed in relation to psychological assessment.

PSYC 355 - Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (3)

Study of significant aspects of human development from conception through adolescence. Topics include influences upon the development of social and emotional growth, personality, intellectual capacity, and the acquisition and usage of language. The relevance of these topics to parent effectiveness will be stressed.

PSYC 356 - Developmental Psychology: Adulthood & Aging (3)

Analysis of human development from young adulthood through old age. Main emphases are upon social and emotional changes associated with various stages of adult life. Crises typically encountered by individuals in their twenties, thirties, forties, etc. are discussed, including shifts in self-concept, sexual desires, attitudes toward life, conceptions of death, etc. Development during the period of old age will be stressed.

PSYC 357 - Social Psychology (3)

The influence of social factors on individual behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Topics include attitude formation and change, altruism, aggression, attraction, conformity, interpersonal relationships, and group processes.

PSYC 358 - The Self Concept (3)

This course will survey the major theoretical and empirical approaches to the self-concept. Topics include the nature of the self, search for self-knowledge, development of the self and identity, self-esteem, and self-presentation. We will also examine how our feelings about ourselves influence our behavior and whether these feelings can be changed to produce greater happiness and life satisfaction. Through a variety of course activities, students will be invited to explore a variety of aspects of the self.

PSYC 359 - Psychology of Gender (3)

Consideration of the development of gender-based psychology theory by addressing both male and female issues. Topics will include gender stereotypes in the media, advertising, and literature; the changing roles of men and women in contemporary society; and personal relationships from both the male and female perspective.

PSYC 360 - Industrial Psychology (3)

A survey of industrial psychology. Topics include worker attitudes and job satisfaction; employee motivation and work efficiency; advertisement strategies and worker attitudes/ behavior; and intervention techniques (e.g., sensitivity training and role playing); and organizational change. Discussions of personnel selection and vocational assessment/ choice will also be undertaken, along with typical roles and responsibilities of industrial psychologists in a variety of organizational settings.

PSYC 361 - Psychology in Film (3)

Filmmakers and television producers have been able to capture important areas of psychological experience through the shows they create. We will analyze important psychological themes as captured on film and television including such topics as characteristics of psychotherapy and mental illness, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction and relationship dissolution, aggression and violence, child development, coping mechanisms, and personality change and cultural reflections of gender. Students may apply this course toward a minor in Latin American Studies by completing a relevant course project that is approved by the instructor.

PSYC 362 - Introduction to Counseling and Therapy (3)

In this class students will explore the major paradigms that drive therapy, learn about therapy techniques from various paradigms, and discuss the ethics related to counseling and therapy. Students are expected to understand multiple therapeutic orientations, analyze the orientations strengths and weaknesses, and apply the theory to a case example. Furthermore, students will learn about the various jobs available related to counseling and therapy. This class is designed for students who are contemplating an occupation in a therapy or counseling-related field.

PSYC 365 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

Introduction to theories and research in cognitive psychology. Topics will include perceptual organization, information processing, cognitive development, relationships between sensory analysis, perception, memory, learning, language, and problem-solving. Students will also learn the application of these topics to multiple career settings including business and therapy.

PSYC 385 - Honors Seminar (3)

This course is designed for students intending to pursue an Honors Thesis (PSYC 485). The seminar will review basic principles and research design and analysis. Students will be introduced to research being conducted in the Department of Psychology, and they will choose their Honors Thesis Faculty Advisor. Students will develop their thesis project to include a literature review of their topic and a method section specifying the design and procedures for conducting the research. Prerequisite: PSYC 221.

PSYC 391 - Topical Seminar (3)

A course offered periodically in an area of expertise by a member of the department. The course will concentrate on a topical area such as the psychology of violent crime, psychobiology, counseling adults, art therapy, child and adolescent psychopathology, etc. Students must take the same topical seminar to replace a previous topical seminar course failing (F) grade.

PSYC 395 - Supervised Readings (3)

A course designed for students who want to review psychological literature in an area of their choice, under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. Generally, this will allow students to either become more familiar with an area covered in existing courses; or explore fields of psychology that are not part of existing curricula. This course is not designed as a substitute for taking existing courses in a regular manner. Pass/fail option may be required at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisites: Junior standing and 12 credits in psychology or permission of the department.

PSYC 420 - Juvenile Diversion (3)

This interdisciplinary team-taught course will examine the issues surrounding juveniles and the juvenile justice system. It will encompass an overview of juvenile diversion programs specifically addressing psychological and sociological developmental issues and how diversion techniques, including mentoring, may influence positive outcomes. Requirements include a service learning or academic component. Cross-listed as CJ 420

PSYC 430 - Independent Research (3)

An opportunity for a student to engage in independent research in a specific phase of psychology. Junior or senior status required, and permission of a supervising department faculty member. Prerequisite: PSYC 221.

PSYC 450 - Senior Seminar (3)

A seminar designed to provide a culminating and integrative understanding of contemporary psychology. Students will choose a contemporary psychological issue and write a major paper synthesizing information from previous coursework with current theories and research. A classroom oral presentation is also required. To be taken in the senior year. Offered spring semester only.

PSYC 470 - Clinical Psychology Practicum (3)

Supervised work in an applied setting. Focuses upon counseling skills (e.g., listening, empathy, feedback) and emphasizes theoretical foundations of therapy. Typically offered in the fall semester and involves experience in interviewing and/or counseling techniques, psychological assessment, behavioral management procedures, etc. May be taken more than once for up to 12 credits, only six of which may count toward the major sequence (i.e., the 33 credits required). Junior/senior standing and permission of the instructor.

PSYC 471 - Research Practicum (3)

This practicum will consist of conducting research. Students will be involved in all steps of the research process, including literature review, study design, IRB submission, data collection, statistical analysis, and professional presentation. Students are expected to present their research at a professional conference or in a professional publication. This class is designed for students planning on attending graduate school. Topics researched in this class vary based on the interests of the students and the instructor. This class may be taken up to three times for a total of nine credits. Permission of the instructor is required.

PSYC 485 - Honors Thesis (3)

If you have a minimum 3.5 G.P.A. in psychology courses and 3.4 G.P.A. overall, and if you have a passion for psychology and want to make an original contribution to the field, you might want to consider conducting an honors thesis in psychology. The thesis will involve an empirical study conducted by the student using a methodology appropriate to the psychological issue under investigation. The study will be based on a proposal submitted and approved in PSYC 385. You may complete this honors thesis without being enrolled in the King's College Honors Program. Prerequisite PSYC 385.

PSYC 499 - Psychology Internship

This internship experience is coordinated with the Office of Experiential Learning and a member of the psychology faculty who agrees to supervise the internship. Normally, student interns will be juniors or seniors at the time of the internship. A minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.50 is required.

Faculty

Michael Church, Ph.D.
michaelchurch@kings.edu
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Michael Church, Professor of Psychology graduated from California State University of Fullerton in 1970 with a BA in Psychology. He graduated from the University of Miami with MS and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology in 1974 and 1975, respectively. After teaching for a year at the University of Rhode Island, he matriculated to King's and has been teaching full-time since 1976. Dr. Church mainly teaches courses in clinical, personality, and industrial psychology. He has co-authored six books on various topics such as: subtle suicide, dysfunctional relationships, stress management, and health psychology. His solo effort was Avoiders: How They Become ad Remain Depressed. He has been in private practice since 1980, with an office in Kingston, PA. He was Director of Clinical Psychology at First Hospital for 35 years, where inpatient psychiatric patients were treated. He performed and supervised psychological testing and group therapy there. Currently, he conducts forensic evaluations in numerous counties w involve criminal, personal injury, and parental fitness cases.

Christopher D. Aults, Ph.D.
christopheraults@kings.edu
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Christopher D. Aults, Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department, earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from Florida Atlantic University and his B.S. from Penn State. He teaches courses in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, statistics, research methods, and senior seminar. His research interests are primarily in the field of social development, specifically investigating physiological, social, and cognitive factors that contribute to externalizing and internalizing behaviors in children and adolescents. Dr. Aults also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Child and Family Studies, an international, peer-reviewed journal for topical issues pertaining to the behavioral health and well-being of children, adolescents, and their families.

Corinne Kiessling, Ph.D.
corinnekiessling@kings.edu
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Corinne Kiessling, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, earned her PhD and MS from Binghamton University, and a BS from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. She teaches introductory and advanced neuroscience courses including Neuroscience Introduction I & II, Drugs and Behavior, Research Methods in Neuroscience, Senior Seminar, and topical seminars. Her research interests focus on the neurobiological underpinnings of Parkinson's disease symptoms and treatment outcomes. Her approach for studying these questions can be described as functional neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology. How does a particular brain structure, neurotransmitter system, or pharmacological target modulate a particular behavior?

Victoria C. Estrada-Reynolds, Ph.D.
victoriaestrada-reynolds@kings.edu
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Victoria C. Estrada-Reynolds, Assistant Professor of Psychology, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming and her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Texas at El Paso. She teaches introductory and upper-level psychology courses such as introduction to psychology, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, social psychology, statistics for the behavioral sciences, research methods, and a topical seminar investigating racial prejudice. Dr. Estrada-Reynolds' research focuses on racial stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, legal psychology, and the intersection of the two. Specifically, she is interested in factors that bias legal decisions, identifying types of racial prejudice, and examining ironic effects in prejudice research.

Jennifer Welgosh, Ph.D.
jenniferwelgosh@kings.edu
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Dr. Jennifer Welgosh, State Certified School Psychologist for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, earned her Ph.D., Ed.S., and M.A. from Marywood University and her B.S. from King’s College. She teaches introductory and upper-level courses including introduction to psychology, school psychology, and health psychology. Dr. Welgosh's research interests include sexual behavior, sexual harassment, discrimination, and diversity efforts. She is also the project manager of the Family And Community Enrichment Services Program (FACES) for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District which focuses on connecting students and families to services they may need.

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