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

What do they have in common, along with light therapy, Seasonal Affective Disorder, parental investment, jealousy, and body image? They have all been either topics of study or populations studied by students in the psychology department at Hollins University.

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

By the time students graduate, they will have gained a greater understanding of the human mind, be able to think critically, be organized, solve problems, design experiments, use statistics, and write effectively.

Core program and areas of emphasis

Psychology majors take a series of core courses designed to expose them to 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

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 which allow students to work in organizations relating to their area of interest. 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

Although some psychology majors choose graduate school after Hollins, others are eager to immediately start their careers. According to career research statistics, psychology majors can work in many fields after graduation, and 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