Snakes, eating disorders, stutterers, iguanas, and preschoolers.

What do they have in common, along with light therapy, Seasonal Affective Disorder, family relationships, romantic relationships, and body image? They have all been topics of student research in the psychology department at Hollins University.

Working hand-in-hand with professors and using sophisticated equipment, psychology majors learn research skills, study theory, and apply knowledge through internships.

By the time you leave Hollins, you'll have gained a greater understanding of the human mind. You'll be able to think critically, be organized, solve problems, design experiments, use statistics, and write effectively.

Core program and areas of emphasis

As a major, you'll take a series of core courses designed to acquaint you with the areas that constitute modern psychology, with particular emphasis on research methods and the scientific roots of psychology. You'll choose one of the following areas:

• biological
• child
• clinical
• cognitive
• general
• social/personality

Independent study and research

In addition, we sponsor independent studies that allow a student to pursue an in-depth study of an area of interest. The department has several lines of ongoing research, and students are encouraged to participate in these projects. Housing and travel support are available for those students who would like to travel to the professional convention at which their project is presented. Students who choose to do honors theses are required to conduct original research projects, and present their findings at the Hollins University Science Seminar and at the Virginia Psychological Association meeting held in the spring.

Internships are a practical extension of the classroom

The department sponsors many internships each year which allow students to work in organizations relating to their area of interest. These internships can be completed during the regular semesters or during January Short Term. Some recent psychology internships have included:

• Bowman Gray Medical Clinic
• American Psychological Association, Women's Program Office
• University of Maryland Medical School, Pediatrics Department
• Planned Parenthood
• Veterans Administration Hospital, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Unit
• Bedford County School System, school psychologist
• Psychology Associates of Tallahassee
• Mental Health Services of Roanoke Valley

Careers in psychology

As a psychology major, you can work in almost any field after you graduate, according to Hollins' Center for Career Services, even if graduate study is not your choice. Hollins psychology graduates have gone on to careers in:

• human services (counseling, advocacy, mental health)
• administration
• teaching
• community relations
• program development
• research
• human resources
• public relations
• marketing
• education
• sales