Psychology

What makes us tick? After a century of psychological science, we have some answers. But each answer creates new questions. How do children form attachments to their parents and how does it influence lifelong behavior? Can personality type contribute to the development of heart disease or cancer? How can managers best motivate employees?

Psychology seeks to answer basic questions about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while exploring connections to other areas of study such as the law, medicine, chemistry, biology, and the social sciences. Psychology reaches into multiple areas of human activity, from the courtroom, to the workplace, to forensic investigation, as those trained in the field strive to understand and serve human needs.

Kutztown University's Department of Psychology offers two tracks or concentrations:

General - This is the basic undergraduate psychology program. The general track is flexible and appropriate for students going into any field in psychology. You can gain practical experience by completing supervised internships at a variety of local facilities. Psychology majors learn knowledge and skills that are vital in some careers and helpful in all, and many students go directly into the job market after graduation. This is especially appropriate for students transferring in with 48 credits or more or who wish to complete a minor or double major.

Paralegal Studies - This American Bar Association-approved program is offered in conjunction between Kutztown University and Lehigh Carbon Community College. Faculty teach Paralegal courses at Kutztown's campus. Paralegals work in private law firms, government agencies or corporate legal offices. They handle a broad range of administrative and research duties under the supervision of attorneys. Paralegals also investigate the background facts of cases, organize evidence and documents for attorneys to review, accompany lawyers to court, and manage schedules with witnesses and experts. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to public except as permitted by law.

Courses are very practical and applied. The program entails the study of the paralegal profession as well as the limitations imposed by the unauthorized practice of law.

Sample Psychology Track Career Options

• Career Counselor
• Case Manager
• Child Care Worker
• Laboratory Assistant
• Market Researcher
• Marketing/Advertising
• Psychiatric Technician
• Probation and Parole Officer
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Sales Representative
• Social Service Specialist
• Teacher
• Writer

Sample Paralegal Track Career Options

• Corporate paralegal
• Litigation paralegal
• Estate planning and probate paralegal
• Family law paralegal
• Immigration paralegal
• Intellectual property paralegal
• Real estate paralegal
• Debt and bankruptcy paralegal
• Freelance paralegal

Student Learning Outcomes