Psychology

Preschoolers, light therapy, Seasonal Affective Disorder, stutterers, snakes, iguanas, family relationships, romantic relationships, eating disorders, and body image: what do they have in common?
    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 will 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.


(above) Professor Randy Flory conducts his research on treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. To read more about his research, click here.

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: child, clinical, cognitive, biological or general psychology.
    The department sponsors many internships each year which allow students to work in organizations that relate to their area of interest. These internships can be completed during the regular semesters or during January Short Term. 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: Practical Extension of the Classroom

Internships, an important part of the Hollins experience, will give you experience and an advantage in job searching. 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

Get a Jump on Graduate School Admission Through Research and Experiential Learning

Modern psychology is based on the scientist/practitioner model, and graduate programs are looking for students with research skills, professional presentations, and publication opportunities already in place. At Hollins, psychology majors have a number of computers and laboratories dedicated to student research use. Faculty laboratories are available for training, lab classes, and collaborative research.
    Facilities include radio-shielded rooms with state-of-the art EEG, neurotherapy, biofeedback, and cognitive science equipment, plus several animal labs. A library of behavioral, cognitive, and neuropsychology assessment instruments is also available to students.
    Hollins psychology majors have the opportunity to present their research at the Hollins University Science Seminar, Virginia Psychological Association convention, and other national and regional professional conferences. They may also participate in colloquia series presented by other regional colleges and universities.
    Hollins students have continued with graduate school studies in medicine; psychiatry; experimental, school, social, and clinical psychology; social work; and physical therapy. They attend outstanding graduate programs such as the University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, University of Connecticut, George Mason University, Nova Southeastern University, and University of Southern California.

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, and sales.

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