Emporia State University’s Department of Psychology continues to invest in high-impact practices to ensure that graduates succeed in good career paths while making positive changes in the world.
Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology have a variety of career paths available, according to Dr. Jim Persinger, professor and chair in the ESU Department of Psychology.
“Our undergraduate major is one of the most popular on campus, for good reason,” Persinger said. “Data shows that psychology majors have many paths available to them including healthcare, education, research, social services, data analytics, business and government, with competitive salaries. Psychology is about so much more than therapy!”
The path to a bachelor’s degree involves more than classroom study.
“Our students have access to weekly professional development sessions that introduce them to possibilities and inspire them to consider different career paths,” he explained. “All students conduct original experimental research, attend and help host conferences and develop skills in technical writing and statistical analysis.
“All students get to know our animal vivarium and take part in track and field day. With, um, rats! These experiences lead several students, each year, to present and publish their research with faculty mentors.”
Two years ago, Persinger said, the psychology graduate program saw strategic expansions.
“We expanded our Master’s in Psychology offerings with concentrations in school, educational and experimental psychology. Our Master’s in Clinical Psychology continues to train much-needed mental health professionals. And our school psychology program, one of the largest in the country and the first in the nation designed for working professionals, continues to meet the needs of K-12 schools in Kansas and beyond.”
These changes were driven by data about the psychology field.
“The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies these areas as ‘bright outlook,’ providing strong assurance that these professionals will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future.”
All concentrations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels benefit from the experience of ESU’s faculty.
“Our students benefit from being taught by faculty with doctoral degrees and extensive experience in their respective professions, including clinical psychology, educational psychology, legal psychology and forensic science, clinical neuropsychology, therapeutic science, human development, trauma and crisis response, school psychology, positive psychology and more.”
For more information about Emporia State’s investments in education programs, see emporia.edu/future, which includes a video from Dr. Jim Persinger, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology.