Students observing behaviors of Green Tree Monkeys in Barbados

Psychology

The Psychology major explores the complexities of human behavior through hands-on experience, extensive course options, and a capstone seminar or advanced research collaboration.

Overview

Explore how people think, feel, and behave in Centre’s Psychology Program. Through engaging coursework and hands-on learning, you’ll explore key psychological concepts while applying scientific methods to real-world questions. Research opportunities in labs and independent studies allow you to analyze data, conduct experiments, and apply psychological theories.

Internships and fieldwork further connect classroom learning to practical experience, helping you develop strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. With a solid foundation in psychology, you’ll be prepared for careers in mental health, healthcare, business, education, or research, as well as for graduate study.

Your Major Took You Where?

Psychology majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

Boston Medical Center, MA
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, OH
Ephraim McDowell, KY
Hopebridge, Lexington, KY
The McNabb Center, TN
On The Move Pediatric Therapy, KY

Postgraduate Study

Florida State University
George Washington University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University

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Curriculum

The Psychology Program at Centre provides a strong foundation in human behavior, thought, and emotions. You’ll begin with core courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods before exploring topics that include developmental, social, and abnormal psychology, cognition, and neuroscience. Upper-level classes examine areas such as personality, motivation, cultural psychology, and health psychology. During your senior year, you will complete a capstone experience through a seminar or an advanced research project with faculty mentorship.

Major Requirements

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Many psychology students conduct original research, with some publishing in professional journals and earning undergraduate research awards. Through study abroad, they have studied primates in Barbados, communities in Bhutan, and mindfulness in Japan, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for graduate study and careers in psychology and related fields.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Centre’s Psychology program connects students with internships for psychology majors both locally and globally, providing real-world experience in mental health, therapy, and behavioral sciences. Students have gained hands-on experience at the Boyle County Schools System, UK Markey Cancer Center, the Medical & Health Humanities Institute, Pro PT Physical Therapy, Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, among others.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Psychology degree pursue careers in clinical psychology, sports psychology, school psychology, counseling, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and user experience (UX) design. They work in mental health, medicine, law, and as specialists. Centre grads have gone on to work at organizations such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, The McNabb Center, Boston Medical Center, and a variety of law firms.