West Liberty University Psychology Program Student Handbook: You have questions; we have answers.

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Contents Welcome to WLU Psychology Program ....................................................................................................... 3

Faculty Member Biographies ........................................................................................................................ 5

Psychology BS Program ............................................................................................................................... 7

Admission Guidelines and Course Requirements Fall 2015 ..................................................................... 7

Portfolio Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 9

Preliminary Portfolio submitted prior to acceptance into the Psychology Program ................................. 9

Final portfolio and exit interview completed prior to graduation ........................................................... 10

PSYCHOLOGY PORTFOLIO RUBRIC ................................................................................................... 12

TIMELINE FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT WEST LIBERTY .................................. 15

FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE YEARS ......................................................................................... 15

JUNIOR YEAR ...................................................................................................................................... 16

SENIOR YEAR ...................................................................................................................................... 18

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BA/BS IN PSYCHOLOGY? ................................................................ 20

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY ....................................................... 20

IS PSYCHOLOGY THE RIGHT MAJOR FOR YOU?......................................................................... 22

WHAT CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS? .......................................... 23

WHERE DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS WORK? .......................................................................... 27

WHERE DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS ATTEND GRADUATE SCHOOL? .............................. 29

WHAT DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES IN THE WLU

PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM? ................................................................................................................... 30

OTHER RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 31

Careers in Psychology ............................................................................................................................. 31

Psychology Resources ............................................................................................................................ 32

Good information for students ................................................................................................................ 33

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Welcome to WLU Psychology Program

Welcome to West Liberty University!

We are happy to have you and hope that you enjoy your time with WLU. We are very

excited about the West Liberty University Psychology Program and would like to tell you more

about it. Currently, we have four full-time psychologists/professors who run our program: Dr.

Michael Marshall, Dr. Tammy McClain, Dr. Tifani Fletcher, and Professor Rebecca Stoffel. In

addition to our full-time faculty, we also have adjunct faculty who teach in our program.

About Our Program

In addition to teaching and service, all four of the professors in our program continue to

work in the field in clinical practice and/or research so that we can bring our students a fresh

understanding of the field of psychology. Our class sizes vary from 50 students in the lower

level classes to 15-30 students in the upper level courses. We have a very good relationship with

our students and our door is always open to help in any way that we can or just to chat. Each

professor provides academic advising to students to help them identify the classes they should

take, to encourage and support them when they need it, and to expose them to the opportunities

that are available.

Psychology Club/ Psi Chi

We have an active Psychology Club which is open to all psychology majors. We meet

monthly to have fun together and to conduct the business of the club. Our activities have

included a movie night, a bonfire, ice skating, chocolate rat making, cupcake making, and a

dinner to celebrate our graduating seniors and our new inductees to Psi Chi, the International

Honor's Society in Psychology, just to name a few. All four professors are active in the club, so

this is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other in a more personal way than is often

possible in class. Psi Chi, the International Honor’s Society in Psychology, is open to all second

semester sophomores who have completed three psychology courses and maintained a GPA of at

least 3.0. Psychology Club and Psi Chi work closely together to enhance our student’s

professional development. JOIN OUR WLU PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM GROUP AT:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/368694419907924/795980510512644/?notif_t=like

Practicum

In addition to the course work available at WLU, we also have opportunities for our

Juniors and Seniors to complete a practicum (work experience) at one of the local agencies or in

the research lab. This provides our student with hands-on experience working within the field of

psychology, and often opens doors for job opportunities after graduation. Our program also

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includes opportunities to attend local psychology conferences to experience the

professional world of psychology as well. We continually seek ways to modify the program to

challenge our students and help them to be fully prepared to either enter the workforce or go on

to graduate school.

http://westliberty.edu/social-and-behavioral-sciences/programs-of-study/psychology/

College of Liberal Arts – Department of Social Behavioral Sciences at West Liberty University

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x9m4-nOr0c&sns=fb

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Faculty Member Biographies

Michael J. Marshall, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at West Liberty

University and a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. He obtained his doctoral

degree in psychology at Claremont Graduate University in California. Dr. Marshall is the author

of three books and a dozen scholarly research articles in psychology. He has considerable

clinical experience working with parolees, substance abusers, and patients with psychotic and

emotional disorders. He has a part-time private practice and does community mental health

contract work. His duties include assessment, forensic evaluations, and psychotherapy. He

regularly testifies in court as an expert witness. In addition to lecturing and seeing patients, he

provides continuing education workshops for mental health professionals and conducts research

on addictions and family issues.

Tammy McClain, Psy.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology at West

Liberty University and serves as the Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral

Sciences. She joined the faculty at West Liberty University in 2006, and has been teaching in

the psychology program and serving in various capacities on campus and in the community. Dr.

McClain published Personality Psychology Case Analysis Workbook in 2014. In addition to her

work at the University, Dr. McClain is a licensed clinical psychologist and provides contractual

psychological services to local agencies. She obtained her Doctor of Psychology degree from

Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in Dayton, Ohio in 1994. Dr.

McClain has worked continuously in the field of clinical psychology since obtaining her doctoral

degree. She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, state and

private hospitals, nursing homes, and in private practice. She has clinical experience in

psychological assessment and psychotherapy, as well as consultation, supervision,

administration, and training. Her specialty areas include psychological assessment for Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and court-requested parental fitness evaluations. She has

periodically testified in court as an expert witness and has been called upon to provide

psychological insights.

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Rebecca Witt Stoffel, M.A. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at West

Liberty University. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Marshall

University in 2002, and she is currently working on a PhD. In Applied Developmental

Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is particularly interested in parenting,

attachment, and developmental transition periods such as adolescence and leaving home.

Professor Stoffel worked as a Crisis Intervention Specialist in a reunification program associated

with Children and Youth Services in Pittsburgh, PA.

Tifani Fletcher, PhD, will be joining the faculty at West Liberty University in

the fall of 2014 as an Assistant Professor of Psychology. She obtained her doctoral degree in

psychology from East Tennessee State University, with a concentration in Experimental

Psychology and specialized training in translational research. Dr. Fletcher is interested in, and

teaches a wide variety of psychology courses. Previously she assisted with a multiyear smoking

cessation program specifically created for pregnant women. She has presented research findings

at both national and regional conferences, and has published in scholarly journals. Several of Dr.

Fletcher’s research interests include intimate partner violence during pregnancy, the connection

between religiosity and health, and insight problem solving.

Adjunct Faculty:

Dana M. Schmidt, M.S. earned her Masters of Science in Clinical Child

Psychology from Southern Illinois University and is teaching courses in the field of

Developmental Psychology.

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Psychology BS Program

Admission Guidelines and Course Requirements Fall 2015

Declared Candidate: Candidates will be considered Declared Candidates if they have

declared psychology as their major in the registrar’s office.

Admitted Candidate: Admitted Candidates are those who completed the following

requirements:

1. Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher or by special permission of the psychology faculty

2. Completion of the following Psychology Courses with a grade of C or higher (21

cr.):

a. Intro to Professional Psychology (PSYC 100)

b. Psychology of Child & Adolescence (PSYC 225)

c. Design & Analysis I (PSYC 310)

d. Psychology of Adult & Old Age (PSYC 320)

e. Personality Psychology (PSYC 322)

f. Psychology of Abnormal Behavior (PSYC 341)

g. Social Psychology (PSYC 416)

3. Completion of the following general studies courses with a grade of C or higher:

a. English 101 & 102

b. COM 101

c. MATH 160

4. Candidates will submit a preliminary portfolio and pass the Psychology Program

2nd year exam.

Successful Candidate: Successful Candidates are those who complete all of the following

course requirements:

1. Completion of the following Required Courses with a grade of C or higher (27 cr.):

a. Psychology of Personal Growth (Psyc 321)

b. Introduction to Learning (Psyc 335)

c. Sensation and Perception (Psyc 336)

d. Cognitive Psychology (Psyc 437)

e. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Psyc 446)

f. Practicum (PSYC 460 – 6 cr)

g. Junior Seminar (PSYC 465)

h. Senior Seminar (PSYC 470)

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2. Completion of 12 Credit Hours of Restricted Electives with a grade of C or higher:

a. Lifespan Development (PSYC 252)

b. Design & Analysis II (PSYC 311)

c. Psychological Tests & Measurements (PSYC 345)

d. Industrial/Organizational (PSYC 415)

e. Forensic Psychology (PSYC 405)

f. History of Psychology (PSYC 409)

g. Applied Psychology (PSYC 419)

h. Physiological Psychology (PSYC 439)

i. Special Topics in Psychology (any PSYC 478)

j. Educational Psychology (EDUC 301)

k. Consumer Behavior (MKT 340)

3. Submission of a Final Portfolio and completion of the Major Field Test in

Psychology

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Portfolio Requirements

Preliminary Portfolio submitted prior to acceptance into the Psychology Program

This portfolio should include, but is not limited to:

a. Introduction

i. Completed Application for Admission into the Psychology Program

ii. Current copy of transcript

iii. A list of classes which will be completed at the end of the semester during which

the application is submitted

b. Evidence of Progression toward obtaining the Program Goals/Student Learning

Outcomes

i. Knowledge Base

1. Summary of 2nd Year Evaluation

ii. Critical Thinking Skills

1. Semester project in Experimental Psychology

iii. Communication Skills (at least one of the following)

1. Major Research Papers in Psychology

2. Other Papers or Projects in Psychology which demonstrate the candidate’s

written work (If the student has no major papers in psychology to present,

the student may submit a paper from another discipline)

3. Video recording of a presentation

iv. Personal Development (at least one of the following)

1. Personal Statement reflecting on the extent to which student has been able

to apply psychological concepts to him/herself

2. Personal Statement reflecting on specific areas that a student is aware the

he/she would like to work to promote personal growth and a basic outline

for how the student plans to address these areas

v. Career Planning (at least two of the following)

1. Description of at least one potential career path and employment outcome

being considered

2. Summary of Job/Volunteer Experiences or Conferences/Workshops

Attended and how this relates to student’s career plans

3. Description of efforts to further career advancement via participation at

job fairs, graduate school visits, preparing/taking the GRE, etc.

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Final portfolio and exit interview completed prior to graduation

The final portfolio should include, but is not limited to:

a. Introduction

i. Application for Successful Completion of the Psychology Program

ii. Copy of current transcript

iii. Signed statement from each professor for any classes which will be completed at

the end of the semester during which the application is submitted

b. Evidence of Obtaining the Program Goals/Student Learning Outcomes

i. Knowledge Base

1. Major Field Test Scores

2. Senior Comprehensive Written Exam Scores

ii. Critical Thinking Skills

1. Semester project in Experimental Psychology

2. Current Issues Presentation

iii. Communication Skills (at least five of the following from )

1. Major Research Papers in Psychology

2. Other Papers or Projects in Psychology which demonstrate the candidate’s

written work

3. Video recording of a presentation

4. Record of a critique of a student’s presentation

5. Letters of reference addressing communication skills from student’s

Practicum, Job, or Volunteer Experiences

iv. Personal Development

1. Personal Statement reflecting on the extent to which student has been able

to apply psychological concepts to him/herself

2. Philosophy of Life Paper from the Psychology of Personal Growth

v. Career Planning

1. Summary of Job, Practicum, and/or Volunteer Experiences, as well as

Conferences/Workshops attended and how this relates to student’s career

plans

2. Description of efforts to further career advancement via participation at

job fairs, graduate school visits, preparing/taking the GRE, etc.

3. Personal Statement of Intentions after college

a. How to Write a Personal Statement for Graduate School

(http://www.essayedge.com/graduate/essayadvice/course/)

b. How to Write a Personal Statement for a Job Application

(http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/application-forms/personal.php)

4. Professional resume

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a. How to Write a Resume for the first time, even with limited job

experience (http://www.ehow.com/how_4879616_time-job-real-

job-experience.html)

b. How to Write a Resume (http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/)

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PSYCHOLOGY PORTFOLIO RUBRIC

ON TARGET DEVELOPING LIMITED UNACCEPTABLE

Introduction

Welcome to My

Portfolio

Student has provided a

professional

introduction and

headshot photo

suitable for job or

graduate school

applications. This

includes a

reflective/self-

evaluative

introduction, realistic

appraisal of strengths

and opportunities for

growth, professional

interests,

accomplishments,

experiences, and

future plans.

Student has provided

some of the

introductory

requirements or

provided all of them at

a level appropriate to

his/her academic

standing, but is not yet

at the level expected of

a graduate.

Student has provided

some of the

introductory

requirements at a

level appropriate to

his/her academic

standing, but has not

included all of the

requirements.

Student has provided few of the

introductory requirements at a

level appropriate to his/her

academic standing, but has not

included all of the requirements.

Application Student has completed

the Application for

Successful

Completion of the

Psychology Program.

Student has:

*Completed the

Application for

Admission to the

Program and

documented progress

toward completion OR

*Documented progress

toward the Completion

of the Core I Course

Requirements

Student has

indicated progress

toward completion

but has not

completed the

application

Student has not completed the

application or shown progress

toward completion

Transcript &

Current

Psychology

Courses

Student has

documented

successful completion

(or near completion)

of all program

requirements.

Student has

documented progress

toward successful

course completion

consistent with his/her

class standing

Student has not

satisfactorily

completed all of the

expected coursework

consistent with

his/her class

standing

Student has not attempted all

coursework expected based on

his/her class standing

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Knowledge

Base

Objective

Evaluations

Student has completed

the Major Field Test

in Psychology with a

score that is ≥16th

percentile

Student has:

*Taken PSYC 301, the

student has completed

the 2nd Year

Psychology Test with at

least a score of 70%

and has documented

steps to prepare for the

Major Field Test OR

*Not taken PSYC 301,

the student has

documented steps to

prepare for the 2nd Year

Psychology Test.

Student has

completed the MFT

with a score that is

<16th percentile OR

completed the 2nd

Year Psychology

Test with less than a

score of 70% but

have identified

reasonable steps to

remediate and/or

ensure successful

completion of the

program goals.

Student has completed the MFT

with a score that is <16th

percentile OR completed the 2nd

Year Psychology Test with less

than a score of 70% and has not

identified reasonable steps to

remediate and/or ensure

successful completion of the

program goals. This includes

students who did not take the

MFT during PSYC 475.

Artifacts Student has scored

100%

adequate/proficient on

Essential Knowledge

section of the Critical

Thinking Rubric & the

Subject Knowledge

section of the Oral

Communications

Rubric on the Senior

Project/Presentation

Student has scored at

least 50%

adequate/proficient on

Essential Knowledge

section of the Critical

Thinking Rubric & the

Subject Knowledge

section of the Oral

Communications

Rubric on the Senior

Project/Presentation

Student has scored

<50%

adequate/proficient

on Essential

Knowledge section

of the Critical

Thinking Rubric &

the Subject

Knowledge section

of the Oral

Communications

Rubric on the Senior

Project/Presentation

No appropriate information

included to support growth in

knowledge base.

Critical

Thinking Skills

Critical

Thinking

Assessment

Student has completed

the Critical Thinking

Skills Assessment

with a score that is

≥25th percentile

Student has completed

the Critical Thinking

Skills Assessment with

a score that is between

the 16th and 25th

percentile

Student has

completed the

Critical Thinking

Skills Assessment

with a score that is

between the 10th and

16th percentile

Student has completed the

Critical Thinking Skills

Assessment with a score that is

≤9th percentile

Artifacts 100%

adequate/proficient on

Critical Thinking

Rubric

50-99%

adequate/proficient on

Critical Thinking

Rubric

25-49%

adequate/proficient

on Critical Thinking

Rubric

≤24% adequate/proficient on

Critical Thinking Rubric

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Communication

Skills

Artifacts 100%

adequate/proficient on

General Writing,

Technical Writing,

Oral Presentation

Rubrics

50-99%

adequate/proficient on

General Writing,

Technical Writing, Oral

Presentation Rubrics

25-49%

adequate/proficient

on General Writing,

Technical Writing,

Oral Presentation

Rubrics

≤24% adequate/proficient on

General Writing, Technical

Writing, Oral Presentation

Rubrics

Personal

Development

Artifacts 100%

adequate/proficient on

Personal Development

Rubric

50-99%

adequate/proficient on

Personal Development

Rubric

25-49%

adequate/proficient

on Personal

Development Rubric

≤24% adequate/proficient on

Personal Development Rubric

Career

Planning

Artifacts 100%

adequate/proficient on

Career Planning

Rubric

50-99%

adequate/proficient on

Career Planning Rubric

24-49%

adequate/proficient

on Career Planning

Rubric

≤24% adequate/proficient on

Career Planning Rubric

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TIMELINE FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT

WEST LIBERTY

FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE YEARS

Take courses that will help you prepare for a career or graduate school

Focus on GPA and meeting general studies and psychology program requirements

Get to know your professors. You will need their references, so behave in a way that will help

them write a good reference:

Come to class on time every time

Participate in class – ask questions, make comments, develop an interest in the topic

Participate in the Psychology Club

Remember that grades are important, but what is more important is learning and

remembering the material.

At the beginning of your 2nd semester sophomore year, apply for Psi Chi, if you meet the

qualifications

At the end or your sophomore year, you will need to submit an application for admission into

the psychology program and turn in a preliminary portfolio of your work to this point.

During the summer after your sophomore year, begin preparing to take the GRE General test

(see www.ets.org/gre)

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JUNIOR YEAR

Continue studying for the GRE throughout your junior year. Seek help from the Center for

Student Success if you are struggling in any subject area. Use library resources

Begin saving money to help pay for the cost of applying and interviewing for graduate school

positions

September – November: Get involved with research or continue your research from

Experimental Psychology. Have a Plan B in case it does not work the way you want it to.

December – February: decide whether to proceed with your research.

If you decide to proceed, work toward being able to submit it for a poster session at a

local, regional, or national conference

If you decide not to proceed, go to Plan B

March – April: finish your research and analyze it

o Do a realistic self-assessment.

Do you have what it takes to reasonably expect to go on to graduate school?

GPA

Likelihood of success on the GRE

Motivation to continue

Ability to learn more complex material

Financial considerations

If so, make plans to take the GRE

If not, begin thinking about what types of jobs you would be qualified to do

and take coursework to support that plan.

o If you meet the criteria (senior standing and permission of the Practicum Selection

Committee), consider doing a practicum to help increase your experience in the

field.

May – June – Take GRE General (see www.ets.org/gre)

July – Get graduate school application materials (Organization is the Key!)

Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to several schools at both the master’s and

doctoral levels.

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Determine whether the GRE Subject test is required and begin preparing for the subject

test.

August – Register to take the GRE Subject Test in the Fall (if required by the schools to which

you are applying)

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SENIOR YEAR

September – begin reviewing for the Major Field Test, which is a test of your cumulative

knowledge in psychology

September – November: Begin putting all applications together

o Consider checking out of the library or purchasing an Insider’s Guide to Graduate

Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.

o Personal Statement – spend a lot of time on this and gear it toward the program to

which you are applying

o Curriculum Vita (like a résumé) – get some help from the Center for Student

Success to make this a good representation of your accomplishments thus far.

Work & Research Experience

o Letters of Recommendation – choose people who know you well both in and out of

class and who can say positive things about your work ethic, dedication, motivation,

participation, and performance in the classroom. Give them an organized list with

information including:

The program you are applying for (name, address, type of program (i.e.

Master’s in Clinical Psychology)

Information about your accomplishments, courses you have taken with that

professor, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership positions, etc.

Instructions as to whether the letter is to be mailed directly to the institution

(provide a stamped/addressed envelope) or whether it is to be returned to you

in a sealed envelope (provide the labeled envelope).

o GPA – Ranks very high on admission decisions; 3.0 should be the minimum GPA

you want to earn, you should have at least a 3.5 to apply for a doctoral program

o Be prepared for interviews. Practice and read up on how to present well at an

interview. Seek help from the Center for Student Success

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o Minimum/Actual Requirements for consideration for admission to:

Doctoral Program

Minimum Requirements to get in a doctoral program

o Verbal – 70th percentile

o Quantitative – 35th Percentile

o GPA – Overall 3.11; Psychology 3.17; Last Two Years 3.16

Average Scores of those entering doctoral programs

o Verbal - 80th percentile

o Quantitative - 55th percentile

o GPA- Overall 3.54; Psychology 3.66; Last Two Years 3.67

Masters’ Program

Minimum Requirements to get in a master’s program

o Verbal – 50th percentile

o Quantitative – 20th Percentile

o GPA – Overall 2.92; Psychology 3.057; Last Two Years 3.03

Average Scores of those entering master’s programs

o Verbal – 63rd percentile

o Quantitative - 38th percentile

o GPA- Overall 3.37; Psychology 3.48; Last Two Years 3.44

December – January: Deadline for Applications (this varies so make sure you know when the

applications are due)

January – March: Interviews (for some programs) This will cost money, so plan ahead.

March – April: Take the Major Field Test ( goal is to be at least at the 50% percentile

nationally)

o Prepare your application to complete the program and your final portfolio

April: Acceptances or activate Plan B

May: GRADUATION!!!

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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BA/BS IN PSYCHOLOGY?

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY

1. You will not be a psychologist when you finish your Bachelor’s Degree (or a

psychiatrist), but you will be able to work in psychology-related areas.

2. You will have a good background for many other fields.

a. Psychology is the science of behavior & mental processes – how humans/animals

think, feel, and act. Most of us will work with people in whatever career we

choose.

b. Employers want people with good problem-solving skills who can write and

speak well. Psychology provides excellent training in those areas

c. Most people go into psychology because they want to help people.

i. There are many ways to help people & many jobs require good people

skills.

ii. You can use the skills you learn even if you are in a non-psychology

related job

3. Psychology does not equal Therapy

a. Psychology covers a WIDE VARIETY of fields:

i. Developmental

ii. Industrial & Organizational

iii. Social

iv. Educational

v. Experimental

vi. Neuroscience

vii. Cognitive

4. Graduate School: To become a psychologist or therapist, you will have to complete a

graduate degree. Graduate programs are competitive, especially doctoral programs, so

start planning now to help you become successful.

5. Psychology is a good major for you if:

a. Want to demonstrate to employers that you are interested in people and have good

interpersonal skills

b. Want to work in human services

c. Want to continue in a psychology-related graduate program

d. Want to double major in another field

e. Find psychology fascinating

f. Plan to work in a career that requires people skills (sales, working with kids)

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6. Psychology is a bad major for you if:

a. You want specific training to prepare for a specific career (ex. Ed, nursing,

accounting…)

7. Most psychology majors are hired in health related activities, administrative/clerical

jobs, or social/professional services

8. While many start out in jobs that are entry-level and related to less job satisfaction,

most report career potential and that their future jobs built on skills acquired in

these entry-level jobs (don’t be unrealistic about where you will start)

22

IS PSYCHOLOGY THE RIGHT MAJOR FOR YOU?

1. Talk to psychology majors about their psych classes (topics, projects, most/least

interesting, career plans). What is your reaction to what they say? Are you interested or

turned-off?

2. Talk to psychology professors about your interests, questions, concerns. Talk to your

advisor. What are your reactions?

3. Take some psychology classes (ex. Intro, developmental, social, abnormal). What is

your reaction?

4. Get involved in the field.

a. Join the Psychology Club and get involved

i. Attend courses with guest speakers who can talk about different careers

b. Get involved in volunteer projects

c. Participate and get involved in research projects

d. Participate in practicum

5. Consider the following questions:

a. Do you like to work with people? (if you are tentative – why?)

b. What about working with people who have problems?

c. Is a psychology degree needed for your goal? Would another work better?

i. Remember that psychology can provide a good foundation for many

careers

d. How do you feel about the fact that psychology grads tend to make less money

initially than many other majors? (b/c they tend to work in social services

settings) – what are your values?

23

WHAT CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS?

Research suggests that employers tend to look for global qualities as well as specific skills

(which psychology provides – if you take advantage of the opportunities)

Good communication skills (written & verbal)

Good interpersonal skills

Teamwork ability

Flexibility

Analytical skills

Technological skills

You aren’t going to graduate and just be offered a job just because of your degree, but you

can develop a set of skills/interests that make you more attractive to employers.

Psychology is also well-suited to “helping people”, but there are many ways to help people:

Community & Social Services

Program Director

Volunteer coordinator

Case manager

Human Resources

Employee development

Training coordinator

Recruiter

Residential Care

For developmentally delayed

For delinquents

For the elderly

Management &Business

Banking

Sales

Public relations

Restaurant & Hotel

Service Jobs

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Student Affairs/Services

Admissions

Career services

Residential Life

Student Activities

Alumni/development

Probation/Parole/Law Enforcement

Parole/Probation officer

Correction officer

Juvenile intake worker

Education

Child care worker

Peace Corps

Teacher’s aide

Scientific Research

Opinion survey researcher

Marketing researcher

Many end up working in one-to-one situations:

Group homes

Halfway houses

Nursing homes

Mental Health Clinics

Hospitals

Public welfare agencies

Private agencies service specific populations (ex. autism)

Correctional facilities

Juvenile detention facilities

Preschools

Shelters

Local, state, national human services…

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Job vs. career

Jobs – set of responsibilities done to make money

Career – potential for advancement, progression (tend to be more satisfying); good fit

between your talents/interests and the responsibilities of your work

Graduate degrees open a whole set of career choices

Exploring careers

WLU Psychology website (https://sites.google.com/a/westliberty.edu/west-liberty-

university-psychology-club/)

WLU Center for Student Success

Library

Eye on Psi Chi

www.apa.org

www.psichi.org

www.psychologicalscience.org American Ψ Society

Enhancing Employability

Past performance predicts future behavior (track record)

Behavior-based interviewing

How have you solved specific problem working with a group of people?

How have you helped someone in need?

When have you demonstrated leadership in a work situation?

So… to be prepared, you need to build a history

How do you do this?

Get to know faculty

Drop by and talk to them about questions, concerns, comments, their own

careers or just to chat

Get involved with faculty research

Listen to them

You want them to know you well & be aware of your skills/abilities so that

they can speak with enthusiasm about you when you apply for work/grad

school

Know and use resources

There are many resources available to help you. Start by looking at those

provided at the back of this handbook.

26

To identify interests & find your passion

Decide on special courses you could take to explore these areas and enhance

marketability

Gather information about jobs, internships, contacts…

Volunteer some of your time/talent to campus or community organizations

a. Sends a message about your character and values

b. Enables you to help others

Networking & Skill building are important

Practice in a variety of settings

Speak up in class

Participate in at least one practicum/internship

Helps you find out what you like or don’t like

Signals to employers that you have experience and initiative

Practicum earns you credit hours

Gives you hands-on application of classroom knowledge

Establishes contacts for potential future employment

Develops professional skills

Take coursework that supports your plans

Put effort into your studies

Don’t just memorize for the test, learn for the future

Criminal justice (delinquency, law/legal processes), business (marketing,

management, sales, insurance, compensation/benefits, personnel issues, accounting,

economics), education, computer courses, sociology, social work, foreign language…

Other considerations:

Make learning a priority (GPA is important but not the only important thing)

Build your communication skills (oral and written)

Participate in extracurricular activities

Keep an open mind about your possibilities (type of job, location…)

Develop a positive attitude

What can I do for you, vs. what can you do for me

Conduct a thorough job search

Take personal responsibility for yourself in all areas of your life

TO A LARGE EXTENT, YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON THE

CHOICES YOU MAKE NOW

START NOW

27

WHERE DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI WORK?

Adult Protective Services worker for DHHR

Advocate for Bread of Life Ministries in Augusta, Maine

Behavioral Management Specialist at Wellspring

Behavioral Support Specialist in mental health

Budtender at a medical marijuana dispensary

Case Manager for juvenile drug Court

Case Manager for REM

Child Protective Services Case Manager at Southeast Inc.

Clinical Services Manager for Russell Nesbitt Services

Coordinator for CASA

Dog groomer and trainer

Elementary School Counselor in Marshall County Schools

Employee Assistance Program

Juvenile Hall Counselor for Butte County, CA

Harrison County Help Me Grow

High School Guidance Counselor in Brooke County Schools

HR Assistant

Human Resource Management at City National Bank in Cross Lanes, WV

Medical Social Worker at Weirton Medical Center

Mental Health Case Manager

Mental Health Technician at Hillcrest (OVMC)

Mental Health Technician at Belmont Community Hospital

Mental health unit at SCI Pittsburgh (a prison)

Mobile Therapist and Behavioral Specialist Consultant for Youth Advocacy Program,

Pittsburgh, PA

Occupational Therapist at a rehab center

Outreach Coordinator at Home Base Inc.

Outreach Specialist with Helping Heroes

Program Coordinator for the Hancock, Brooke, Ohio County Victim Assistance

program

Project Specialist at UPMC, Shadyside

Resource Coordinator at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center in

Lakewood, CO

RN at OVMC

School Psychologist in Wood County

Stable manager

28

St. Johns Children’s Home in Wheeling

Substance Abuse Prevention

Therapist at Westbrook Health Services

WV DHHR

Member of the WV School Psychological Association Board

Veterans Counselor

29

WHERE DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI ATTEND

GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Alliant International University, Masters in Clinical Forensic Psychology and

Organizational Psychology

Argosy University, MA in Forensic

Arizona State University, Masters in Criminal Justice

Asbury Theological Seminary

California University of Pennsylvania, Master of Education in School Counseling

Chatham University, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Chatham University, MS in Infant Mental Health

Chatham University, Master of Occupational Therapy

Duquesne University, Masters in School Counseling and Mental Health

Counseling

Geneva College, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Kent State University, Master of Education in School Psychology

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

Marietta College, Masters degree

Marshall University, Masters in Human Resource Management

Marshall University, Ed.D. in School Psychology

Ohio State University, Masters in Human Resources

Shippensburg University, Mater of Psychological Science

Shippensburg University, Masters in Mental Health Counseling

Waynesburg University, Masters in Counseling

WVU -Master of Social Work

Xavier University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

30

WHAT DO WLU PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI SAY ABOUT THEIR

EXPERIENCES IN THE WLU PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM?

“I chose West Liberty because it was a beautiful campus that wasn't big but wasn't small either.

It had many great programs to choose from electives to main courses that interested students. I

don't regret a single moment on the hilltop! If I could do it all again, I would chose West Liberty

in a heartbeat.”

Cassy Cottrell, Psychology Class of 2012

“I appreciated the one on one time with the professors and that class discussions were

welcomed. I had transferred in from WVU and Northern, and I found that West Liberty's

program was the most comprehensive and hands on. I really enjoyed my time in the Psychology

program at WLU.”

Jaimie Allemond Psychology Class of 2013

“You walk in as a student and graduate as a family.”

Remington Conaway Psychology Class of Dec 2013

"The relationship that I built with my professors is something that I can't put a price on. They

were so supportive and really valued my education. I knew they wanted me to succeed."

Rachel Mazzella, Psychology Class of Dec 2012

“There were so many things I appreciated about West Liberty. One of the biggest thing was how

motivational all the professors were. They never gave up on you and got to know you on a

personal level throughout the time you studied at West Liberty and many continue after

graduating.”

Courtney Bolton, Psychology Class of 2012

“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, Class of 2015

31

OTHER RESOURCES

Careers in Psychology

Guide to psychology careers http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.pdf

Careers in psychology http://careersinpsychology.org/

Career guide in psychology http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

Psychology as a career http://www.apa.org/education/undergrad/psych-career.aspx

Career options with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/a/careersbach.htm

32

Psychology Resources

Major Field Tests: Psychology http://www.ets.org/mft/about/content/psychology

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOPRKzVLY0jJY-uHOH9KVU6&app=desktop

Psychology Study Guides- SparkNotes http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/

Kisses of death in the graduate school application process.

http://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Graduate_School_Application_Kisses_of_Death.pdf

Descriptions of Occupations of Interest to Psychology Majors

http://www.uni.edu/walsh/DOTdescrips.htm

10 Great Reasons to Earn a Psychology Degree

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology101/tp/reasons-to-earn-a-psychology-degree.htm

Which psychology career is right for you? http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl-

psychologycareerquiz.htm

The search for psychology’s lost boy http://chronicle.com/interactives/littlealbert

Industrial/Organization Psychology applied http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeotoole/2015/03/31/from-

brain-science-to-blue-stickers-prudential-reframes-the-retirement-conversation/

Psychology in the criminal justice system: Flawed Humans, Flawed Justice

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/opinion/flawed-humans-flawed-justice.html?smid=fb-share

Why does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work? https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-

missing-link/201503/why-does-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy-work-0

33

Good information for students

Is someone you love going to college? Their success depends on three words (responsibility, authority,

accountability) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140815154134-10765298-is-someone-you-

love-going-to-college-their-success-depends-on-three-words

Kids of Helicopter Parents are Sputtering Out.

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2015/07/helicopter_parenting_is_increasingly_c

orrelated_with_college_age_depression.html

The mouth is mightier than the pen. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/business/the-mouth-is-

mightier-than-the-pen.html?ref=technology&_r=1

Grammarly Better Writing Made Easy

https://www.grammarly.com/?utm_campaign=Chrome_try_free_blog_link&utm_medium=footer

_link&utm_source=blog&utm_content=its-a-barnyard-full-of-animal-idioms

30 Day GRE Study Guide http://magoosh.com/gre/2011/30-day-gre-study-guide/

SparkNotes Test Prep: GRE Information Center http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/gre/

How should colleges prepare students to succeed in today’s global economy?

http://www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/LEAP/2007_full_report_leap.pdf

The real reason new college grads can’t get hired. http://business.time.com/2013/11/10/the-real-reason-

new-college-grads-cant-get-hired/

Essay on how liberal arts colleges promote leadership.

http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2012/05/14/essay-how-liberal-arts-colleges-promote-

leadership

Giving employers what they don’t really want. http://chronicle.com/article/Giving-Employers-What-

They/139877/

34

Workforce needs employees with liberal arts background.

http://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2015/07/25/workforce-needs-employees-liberal-arts-

background/30673973/?utm_campaign=%5B%27weeklyle_july31%27%5D&utm_medium=%5

B%27email%27%5D&utm_source=%5B%27weeklyle_july31%27%5D

What ‘Learning How to Think’ Really Means http://chronicle.com/article/What-Learning-How-to-

Think/230965/?key=Hmx0IgVubnQQbS5nYW5DPjlTbnBsZh5zYHEYOH1zblxdEg%253D%25

3D

Why we need philosophers engaged in public life.

http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2015/06/22/416368227/why-we-need-philosophers-engaged-in-

public-life?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social

Customized Textbook List – West Liberty University Bookstore

http://westliberty.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TBWizardView?catalogId=10001&la

ngId=-1&storeId=51055

What nobody is going to tell you about freshman year. http://theodysseyonline.com/virginia-tech/what-

nobody-is-going-to-tell-you-about-freshman-year/133258

College shouldn’t prepare you for your first job. It should prepare you for your life.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/120405/wesleyan-president-money-anxiety-corrupting-

higher-ed

2 College Presidents, on Higher Education http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/07/29/opinion/2-college-

presidents-on-higher-

education.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150729&nlid=18744417&tntemail0=y&_r=3&referrer&utm_me

dium=email&utm_source=weeklyle_july31&utm_campaign=weeklyle_july31

For the liberal arts, all is not lost in the digital future.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article29241376.html?utm_medium=email&u

tm_source=weeklyle_july31&utm_campaign=weeklyle_july31

10 CEOs who prove your liberal arts degree isn’t worthless. http://time.com/3964415/ceo-degree-liberal-

arts/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=weeklyle_july31&utm_campaign=weeklyle_july31