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Psychology

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Charles A. Cannon College of Arts and Sciences


ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is one of the most popular majors at Wingate. Through our curriculum students are exposed to a variety of topics and fields, preparing students for careers or graduate school. Students have required research methods and statistics courses to ensure they are critical consumers of psychological research and well-prepared should they choose to pursue graduate education. Students looking to gain additional preparation for graduate school often take the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on independent research studies, putting theories into practice. Internships also allow students to try out a psychology-related career, while earning course credit along the way.

With a major in psychology, you’ll be exposed to fields common in graduate schools including:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Counseling psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Health and Performance psychology
  • Personality Psychology
  • Physiological psychology
  • Social psychology

Psychology Major Map

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

If you declare a major in psychology, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. Through internship opportunities, independent and collaborative research opportunities, and W’International study abroad opportunities, students have ample opportunity to incorporate concepts discussed in the classroom with real world experiences. 

Recent Wingate students have independently researched such topics as body image and self-esteem, help-seeking behaviors, false memories, parental modeling, and growth mindsets, among many others. Students have also worked closely with faculty on projects such as purpose formation in adolescent females, food choice and cognitive biases, social comparison in children, and the efficacy of academic interventions. Multiple psychology majors have had their research funded by Reeves Summer Research grants. This program provides students with a stipend and funding to cover research costs and presenting at a national conference.

Psychology faculty and students have also recently traveled to Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands through the W’International program to further immerse students in psychological concepts while cultivating their global citizenship. Majors are also encouraged to get involved in Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

While a graduate degree and professional license are required for many fields of psychology, you can still earn up to three additional academic credit hours by completing an internship. Wingate students gain valuable hands-on experience by interning in settings such as:

  • Daycare centers
  • Children’s hospitals 
  • Local nursing homes
  • Local schools
  • Shelters for victims of domestic violence 

Psychology Overview

Most Psychology majors at Wingate pursue a Bachelor of Science degree over the Bachelor of Arts, but what's the difference?

The Bachelor of Science degree requires additional credit hours in math or lab science courses. This option prepares students to pursue scientific research and its the predominant option for those Psychology majors interested in graduate school.

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires additional credit hours in intermediate-level foreign language courses. Students who plan to work with diverse populations and might utilize foreign language skills might prefer this option.


 

Psychology Snapshot


 

Take your degree further...

A Psychology degree can be a perfect springboard to these graduate programs:

An artistic drawing of a brain in bright color.

Check out the Psi Chi & Psychology Club!

Ferren Parks

Being a Psychology major and Addiction Counseling minor at Wingate has connected me to many knowledgeable people in the field of psychology. Wingate provided me with the opportunity to jump headfirst into research with the P.U.P.P.Y. Lab. As a member of the Honors College, I have met so many devoted and like-minded students who share a passion for helping others. I’m proud to be a Bulldog!

Ferran Parks
Class of 2028

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Questions?


Dr. Matt Davis
(704) 233-8158
m.davis@wingate.edu

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