Academics

    Psychology

    OBJECTIVES

    Psychology is the study of human behavior and thought processes. The psychology program at York College provides various opportunities for students to learn about the theories and applications of this discipline, to develop their written and oral communication skills, and to gain an identity as a member of the profession of psychology.

    Coursework is broad, allowing students to choose courses that match their interests and career goals. Students conduct their own research projects with the direct supervision of faculty and the use of our state-of-the-art laboratory. Experiential learning is provided by offering students internships that give them 'real world' exposure to such fields as clinical and counseling psychology and school psychology.

    Regular individual advising with a full-time faculty member, workshops on graduate school and careers, and structured course assignments allow students to explore their career options. Upon the completion of their requirements for a major or minor in psychology, students are prepared to either enter graduate school or the workforce in psychology or psychology-related occupations.

    The program sponsors many extracurricular enrichment activities that encourage student leadership and fellowship and support students' growth as professionals and contributing community members. Through publication of a student-edited journal, monthly research discussion group, participation in program decision-making, student mentoring, and attendance at local and national conferences, students are active in creating their own learning environments.

    In summary, York College psychology students have an exceptional experience through the program's strengths in giving individual attention, offering diversity within the curriculum, providing innovative instruction, and supporting a range of opportunities outside the classroom.

    Required Courses
    Department of Behavioral Sciences

    FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

    Pengkwei (Paul) Chang, Ph.D., McMasters University, received his degree in physiological psychology. His research interests include brain lateralization of functions, emotional intelligence, and evolution psychology.

    Perry Druen, Ph.D., University of Louisville, received her degree in social and personality psychology. Her research interests include the study of identity processes, deception, and close relationships.

    Jennifer Engler, Ph.D., University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in child psychopathology.

    Joshua Landau, Ph.D., University of Georgia, is a cognitive psychologist whose interests include mechanisms of inadvertent plagiarism, how imagery distorts memory, and models of recognition memory.

    Mary Kay Reed, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is a development psychologist.

    Carla Strassle, Ph.D., University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research interests include factors related to psychotherapy outcome and personality assessment.

    STUDENT WORK

    Conference Presentations

    Association for Psychological Science
    Human Evolution and Behavior Society
    Eastern Psychological Association
    Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Social Research Conference
    Lehigh Valley Research Conference
    York College of Pennsylvania Student Scholars Day

    Publications

    American Journal of Psychology
    Teaching of Psychology
    Memory
    Memory & Cognition
    New Perspectives: A Social Sciences Journal (YCP)

    ALUMNI RECORD

    Graduate School Acceptances

    Clinical Psychology Programs

    Ph.D. Michigan State
    Psy.D. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Hartford
    Master's, West Chester University, Loyola University, University of Hartford, Millersville University, Temple University, Villanova University

    Counseling/Social Work Programs

    M.S.W. Columbia University
    Master's Shippensburg University, Villanova University, Temple University, McDaniel College

    Industrial/Organizational; Business-Related Programs

    M.B.A., York College of PA, The Pennsylvania State University
    Cognitive/Perception Programs
    Ph.D. University of Toledo, Miami University of Ohio, University of Louisville, University of Pittsburgh, University of Maryland @ College Park, University of Houston

    Psychobiology, Neuroscience/Evolution Programs

    Ph.D. Northern Illinois University, Florida State
    Master's Florida Atlantic

    Health Psychology Programs

    Ph.D. Kansas University

    Seminar/Theology Programs

    Lutheran Theological Seminary

    Sport Psychology Program

    Ph.D. Unviersity of North Texas

    Forensic Psychology Program

    Master's John Jay, Marymount

    School Psychology/Educational Psychology

    Master's Queens College, University of Delaware, Arizona State, Lehigh University

    EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

    College Teaching: York College of PA, Miami University of Ohio, University of Maryland @ College Park, University of Houston, University of Louisville
    Elementary School Teaching - Appalachian State University
    Therapeutic Support Specialist
    Outreach Representative, Baltimore County Health Department
    Assistant Director, Housing Council of York County
    Office of Personnel Management - Federal Government
    Hoffman Homes
    York Hospital
    Family Child Resources
    Youth Advocate Program

    SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

    A wide variety of internship opportunities exist in the York area (see list below). Students may also arrange their own intern sites outside the York area.

    Adams Hanover Counseling Services, Inc.
    Children's Home of York
    Children & Youth Services
    Family-Child Resources
    Hoffman Homes
    Penn-Mar Organization
    Sheppard-Pratt Health System
    Olivia's House (Grief & Loss Program)
    Victim Assistance Center
    Various Traditional and Alternative Schools
    Youth Advocate Program 

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