The Psychology Program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology & a Master or Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology.
Psychology Program
Information about our Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MACP) is on a spearate page.
The B.S. in Psychology was developed to align with the guidelines set for by the American Psychological Association for the undergraduate curriculum in psychology.
- The curriculum is designed to produce students who have a strong skill set foundation and the professional knowledge for success in the field.
- The psychology program combines a strong theoretical base with a multitude of applied courses.
- The course information is presented as a seamless blend of classic works and the most recent research.
- Students also have many opportunities to work directly with their instructors in a mentoring relationship, to gain additional instruction and clarity, address academic concerns, and participate in ongoing research.
- Students work closely with their academic advisors each semester.
BS in Psychology
The B.S. in Psychology aligns with the guidelines set for by the American Psychological Association for the undergraduate curriculum in psychology.
MA in Psychology
The MA in Clinical Psychology will qualify graduates to pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist in the state of West Virginia with a terminal Masters degree.
West Liberty was the best decision of my life and I appreciate all that the Psychology program has done to prepare me for my up and coming challenges and opportunities!
Beth Post
Psychology, Class of 2015
Program Goals
The 5 program goals are:
- Content Knowledge and Applications
- Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking
- Values in Psychological Science
- Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills
- Personal and Professional Development
All courses offered as part of the psychology program are specifically designed to help students master the knowledge and skills necessary to meet those program goals in order to maximize success in the field. Students have opportunities both in and out of the classroom to progress toward these goals.
The psychology program combines a strong theoretical base with a multitude of applied courses.
The course information is presented as a seamless blend of classic works and the most recent research.
Students have many opportunities to work directly with their instructors in a mentoring relationship, to gain additional instruction, to address academic concerns, to explore their research interests under the supervision of a faculty member, and to participate in professional conferences, philanthropy project, and activities designed to enhance interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
Course Offerings
West Liberty University offers a wide range of courses in the field of psychology to help expose students to the variety which exists within the field.
- Students also have a variety of psychology electives (classes vary each semester) to choose from including but not limited to: Foresic psychology, Human Sexuality, Lifespan psychology, Clinical Interviewing, Psychological Tests and Measurements, Design and Analysis II, Cognitive psychology, Sensation and Perception, Child psychology, Special Topics classes (i.e. Motivation and Emotion, Adverse Childhood Experiences: Trauma Informed care)
- In addition to traditional courses, we also offer opportunities for practicum experiences which provide students with the opportunity to work / research in various settings of their choosing so that they can have a hands-on experience to supplement their coursework.
- These opportunities allow students a practical application of the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom.
- Courses are separated into several focus areas.
- Core I classes are foundational courses and include: Introduction to Professional Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Design and Analysis I, Personality Psychology and Abnormal Psychology
- Psychology majors also complete a course in Cultural Psychology, Advanced Professional Psychology (which includes career exploration) and Junior Seminar.
- Core II classes build upon the knowledge and skill sets learned in the Core I classes and include: History of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Introduction to Learning. We also erquire students complete a practicum (undergraduate internship) course and a Senior Seminar class.
Example Coursework - B.S. in Psychology
Year 1 Fall semester
PSYC 100 Introduction to Professional Psychology (Core I)
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (general studies)
ENG 101 College Composition I (general studies)
COM 101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (general studies)
COLL 101 (first year experience)
Year 1 Spring semester
PSYC 341 Abnormal Psychology (Core I)
MATH 160 Introduction to Statistics (general studies)
ENG 102 College Compositon II (general studies)
Social Science course (general studies)
BIO 105 & 106 Life Science for Non majors with Lab (general studies)
Year 2 Fall semester
PSYC 322 Personality Psychology (Core I)
PSYC 416 Social Psychology (Core I)
PSYC 323 Developmental Psychology (Core I)
PSYC 302 Advanced Professional Psychology (Psyc Major req)
Minor course/elective/general studies
Year 2 Spring semester
PSYC 310 Design and Analysis I (Core I)
History (general studies)
Literature course (general studies)
Minor course/elective/general studies
Minor course/elective/general studies
Complete Core I exam to move onto Core II Psyc major classes
Year 3 Fall semester
PSYC 465 Junior Seminar (Psyc Major req)
PSYC 335 Introduction to Learning (Core II)
PSYC Psychology elective
Fine Art (general studies)
Minor course/elective/general studies
Year 3 Spring semester
PSYC 439 Biological Psychology (Core II)
PSYC 460 Practicum (Core II)
PSYC Psychology elective
Humanity (general studie)
Minor course/elective/general studies
Year 4 Fall semester
PSYC 409 History of Psychology (Core II)
PSYC 446 Clinical Psychology (Core II)
PSYC Psychology elective
Minor course/elective/general studies
Minor course/elective/general studies
Year 4 Spring semester
PSYC 470 Senior Seminar
PSYC 465 Cultural Psychology (Psyc Major req)
PSYC Psychology elective
Minor course/elective/general studies
Minor course/elective/general studies
More Information
Please contact us anytime to discuss your future.
Dr. Tammy McClain
Chair, Department of Psychology
College of Sciences
Office: Main Hall 359 B
CUB137
304.336.8023
tmcclain@westliberty.edu
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