Operating within the strong liberal arts structure at Franklin College, the psychology program is intended to communicate to students that scientific psychology offers unique ways of thinking and knowing that have great potential for helping people identify and cope with the world’s problems; and, to develop in students the compassion, command, and comprehension they will need to work toward making the world a better place for all individuals to lead satisfying and productive lives.

The psychology program strives to provide students with a broad and deep knowledge base in psychology, to engage students in practical applications of that knowledge base, to enable students to develop methodological competence and ethical sensitivity, and to encourage students to play an active role in their education both inside and outside of the classroom.

Students completing the psychology program curriculum at Franklin College can be expected to attend to and appreciate the many factors that contribute to human diversity, think scientifically about behavior, recognizing the distinction between facts and interpretations of factual information, be knowledgeable and independent decision makers on problems that involve behavior, demonstrate effective communication skills, and be well-prepared to pursue diverse post-baccalaureate goals.

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Departmental Highlights

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. Even the most introverted, isolated individuals must interact with others at some point and as such, nobody is exempt from the findings of the field of psychology. Because most people interact with others regularly, most people use psychology on a daily basis whether they are aware of it or not. Findings from the field of psychology can be applicable to a broad range of occupations and roles, from managers to teachers to parents. Thus, psychology offers us the insight to better understand ourselves and our wide network of relationships.

Psychologists are interested in studying the individual experience of being human. In addition to understanding the individual, psychologists also try to extrapolate findings to specific groups of people to form general theories of human behavior. Areas of emphasis include learning, thinking, motivation, emotion, and personality, to name a few. By conducting basic research to understand how we acquire and develop such capacities, researchers can propose interventions and programs to improve quality of life in these realms.

While everybody benefits from the findings of psychology at some point in their life, certain careers focus on the science and practice of the field. These career options include conducting social scientific research, counseling, marketing, teaching, child development, conducting psychological testing and assessment, and specific duties in the legal field.

Psychology at Franklin College

The psychology major is designed to give students a broad understanding of the field of psychology so that upon graduation they are well prepared to pursue post-graduate education in counseling, experimental, or clinical psychology or to obtain employment in the social services field.

Students are required to take several courses emphasizing the fundamentals of psychology from the major perspectives in the field. They have a choice of several additional courses to compliment their specific interest within the discipline. A unique facet to the psychology major at Franklin College is that each major will have completed an individualized research project and presented his/her findings at a regional research conference prior to graduation.

There is also the opportunity to take advantage of Winter Term and summer internships, which allow students first-hand experience in job situations in their field, as well as an opportunity to develop and practice learned skills. Students may also enroll in internships for credit during regular semesters. Internship options reflect the specific area of interest of the student; students work with the Director of Career Services and the psychology faculty to secure an internship. If students are interested in pursuing a research project, they may enroll in an individualized study with a faculty member.

Students studying psychology at Franklin College will be exposed to the breadth of the field, as all three faculty members have different areas of expertise. The faculty is committed to teaching and encourages students to be active participants in their education by pursuing projects of personal interest. Small class sizes help foster this active learning environment. Psychology majors can also benefit from other programs such as business and the natural sciences.

A strong curriculum, small class sizes, experienced and accessible professors, and a rich tradition of a quality liberal arts education make Franklin College an excellent place to study psychology.

Special Programs

Students have the opportunity to participate in Psychology Club, which serves as an informal venue to learn more about human behavior by engaging in service learning, viewing movies and discussing implications of current mental health issues.