Psychology
Program
Overview
The University of St. Francis Psychology program
is designed to build a well-balanced general
foundation of psychological knowledge. It emphasizes
basic theoretical and practical understanding
of major aspects of the discipline. Research
methodology, professional ethics, awareness
and understanding of human diversity, oral and
written communication, and critical thinking
skills are emphasized across the curriculum.
Students' personal interests can be further
explored and developed through elective courses
and internship experiences. Psychology students
are actively engaged in a variety of learning
activities. Students typically learn through
classroom lectures and demonstrations, group
projects, individual and group research, internship
experiences, and cooperative work with the faculty.
Additionally, the Psychology program emphasizes
the basic understanding of how biological, environmental,
and psychological factors influence individual
development, cognition and learning, motivation
and emotion, personality, social interactions,
and normal and abnormal psychological states.
The program serves students with a variety of
aspirations in the field, from those who wish
to pursue an in-depth study of the discipline
in graduate schools or begin work through entry-level
positions in many areas.
Internships
What better way to learn about a career in psychology
than to experience it first hand? Supervised
internships are highly recommended by the department
faculty. USF students have interned at the Joliet
Township High School’s Alternative School,
Harrah’s Casino’s Human Resource Department,
Provena St. Joseph Medical Center’s Psychiatric
Unit, Guardian Angel Home, Stepping Stones Addiction
Treatment Center, Trinity Services, Cornerstone,
and the Will County Mental Health Department’s
outpatient program, and other sites. The internship
experience, combined with many opportunities
for faculty-student collaboration, build strong
foundations for careers in psychology and related
fields.
Faculty
Psychology faculty pride themselves in actively
contributing to their fields of specialty. Faculty
members are pleased to mentor students in developing
their own interests. USF Psychology faculty
members are approachable, accessible and enthusiastic.
This fosters an intensive, stimulating and interactive
environment for students.
Career
Outlook
About 90 percent of USF Psychology graduates
are employed or have pursued graduate study.
Graduates
have found jobs at area hospitals, with the
Illinois Department of Public Health and other
agencies and
companies. USF students have pursued graduate
study at the Adler School of Professional Psychology,
the
Illinois School of Professional Psychology,
Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the
University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University,
Loyola University, and DePaul University, and
others.
General Psychology Major Program