Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology

The $66 million dollar Dolan Science Center was built in 2003 and is home to the psychology department. Perform research in one of 20 individual testing rooms in the department or three observation rooms with video recording facilities and a state-of-the-art neuroscience lab. You will have access to each of these facilities as you conduct your own research and collaborate with faculty.

Whether you want to work in a mental health setting, in child and family studies, or for a large company, John Carroll has helped students secure internships to gain real-world experiences in any specialized field. CFS internships allow you to learn about human service agencies and/or client populations first hand. These include working with autistic populations in homes or schools, planning adoption network events, patient assistance for Child Life Specialists, and observing students in classrooms. Industrial/Organization internships are available in both the private and public sector, including work to research and develop training curricula or helping human resources with recruiting. Mental health internships include sitting in on individual or group therapy sessions, planning programs for seniors with cognitive issues, working with children with disabilities, and more. Additionally, as a Psychology major, you are required to take PS 190, a hybrid course with comprehensive information and guidance on professional development topics in psychology, helping you dive into just how many career options are available for you in the field, and how to find success in each one.

Psychology graduate programs are very competitive and are necessary for many careers. Common areas for Master's degrees include: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Social Work; School Psychology; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Experimental Psychology; and Human Resources (Masters in Business Administration). A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is necessary for: Clinical Psychologists; Research Psychologists. JCU Psychology majors have pursued graduate studies in a variety of fields at institutions across the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, many take advantage of hybrid graduate program options offered right here on campus, including: the I/O Psychology-Boler School of Business Fifth Year MBA Program; 3-2 Psychology B.S. + Master of Science in Social Administration with Case Western Reserve University; the 3+3 Dual Admission in CWRU Law School; A Fifth-Year Master of Arts in Non Profit Administration; Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certification

Dr. Tracy Masterson, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology teaches courses in Psychology of Autism, Adolescent Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. Her areas of specialization are the examination of adherence with infection control (IC) guidelines in individuals with cystic fibrosis, autism spectrum disorders, and adolescent development, culture, and perspectives. After winning the 2019 Lucrezia Culicchia Award for Teaching Excellence, one student explained Dr. Masterson’s teaching style: “Her energy transfers to the students when she is teaching. She engages all students at the same time with games, music, readings, assignments, and videos that all contribute to learning,” the student said. “As a well-known and successful professor in her field of study, she is able to bring in amazing guest speakers and professionals to her classroom for us to further learn what we are discussing in class.”