Psychology
OBJECTIVESPsychology 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.
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
