Psychology

Learning about how drugs affect the brain, and how best to treat depression. Designing a research study to determine how people with tattoos are perceived, or how people are affected by social rejection. Helping victims of domestic violence, homeless women, or children with autism. Studying sports psychology in London or environmental psychology in Australia. Spending the summer working with a faculty member as part of the Summer Research Fellowship Program. These are just some of the many experiences you can have as a Psychology major at Misericordia University.

The Psychology Department offers both a major and minor in psychology. Students who complete all major requirements receive a Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Psychology. Since our department and class sizes are small, faculty will get to know you and provide you with individualized attention and mentoring.

The psychology department also offers a mental health interventions specialization (21 credits) for students interested in pursuing mental health careers. Students can choose either a child or adult track, depending on the population with which they are interested in working.

Dr. Alicia Nordstrom Podcast on The Academic Minute

Reducing Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Stigma through Real-Life Stories

Why do we hate and fear people that we have never even met?

This is the question that Dr. Alicia Nordstrom, professor and chair of Psychology, explored during her recent 2 1/2 minute podcast on The Academic Minute. It was entitled "Reducing Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Stigma through Real-Life Stories".

Click here to listen

Dr. Nordstrom was one of five Misericordia professors from the College of Arts & Sciences that were featured during Misericordia University Week on The Academic Minute, a WAMC National Production.

The Academic Minute features researchers from colleges and universities around the world, keeping listeners abreast of what's new and exciting in the academy and of all the ways academic research contributes to solving the world's toughest problems and to serving the public good.

Zippia Interview with Dr. Alicia Nordstrom

Dr. Alicia Nordstrom was one of several professors and experts interviewed by Zippia, The Career Expert.

Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends - Q & A

In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?

Alicia Nordstrom Ph.D.: Mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse counseling is always in demand, but now more than ever. These jobs are expected to grow by 25% between 2019-2029 (Bls).

COVID has had a direct impact on both increasing the need for mental health services as well as changing the landscape of availability through telehealth. (see Who). The increased demand for therapy is going to promote mental health counseling for individuals with masters and doctoral degrees.

What skills stand out on resumes?

Alicia Nordstrom Ph.D.: Mental health counselors need graduate training by obtaining a minimum of a Masters degree in the counseling or social work field. Counselors need to have strong interpersonal communication skills in order to build rapport and trusting relationships with their clients. They also need knowledge of a variety of empirically supported therapy approaches as well as comprehensive assessment strategies and treatment planning.

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?

Alicia Nordstrom Ph.D.: Mental health counselors work to put themselves out of a job, so the need for services is readily available in all parts of the USA (unfortunately). Graduates will often get front-line positions working as behavior technicians in psychiatric hospitals, group homes, substance use rehab programs, partial programs for adults as well as schools for children with developmental or behavioral conditions.

Click here to read more on zippia.com

Male Students in Classroom — Since the field of psychology is exceedingly diverse and career options within the field are numerous, we provide students with a solid background in the methods, theories, and content of the discipline of psychology, while also allowing them the flexibility to tailor a program of study that best meets their individual interests and career goals. All students are expected to develop essential skills in: critical thinking, writing, oral communication, research, and cultural competency.

B.S. in Psychology

Female student in classroom — Students completing the BS in Psychology prior to entering the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program will complete the requirements as stated in the University catalog.

Psychology Pre-DPT

Psychology students — Psychology majors can elect to complete a 21-credit specialization in Mental Health Interventions (with a Child or Adult focus or both). This program reflects students' mastery of normal and abnormal processes surrounding mental health disorders and their treatment. Both the adult and child tracks include coursework on normal development, psychopathology and interventions for psychological disorders.

Mental Health Interventions Specialization

Program Options

This is for the first "slide" and will be hidden. DO NOT DELETE
B.S. in Psychology
Pre-DPT Specialization
Mental Health Interventions Specialization
Minor in Psychology

Overview and Highlights

Our Curriculum, based on *American Psychological Association guidelines, provides a basic foundation in the content and methods of psychology while allowing the flexibility to pursue your unique interest, including minors, specializations, and study abroad.
Career preparation courses help you identify career goals and plan for graduate study or diverse employment opportunities.
"Real word" experience is required - you will complete a practicum (internship) as part of your major.
Research opportunities are available- you can participate in a group, independent, and/or faculty-led project.
A Mental Health Interventions Specialization (Child or Adult focus) provides integrated coursework that prepares you or human services positions or clinically-focused graduate programs.
Experienced faculty are experts in their field of study.
Small interactive classes focus not only on content but on writing skills, speaking skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, research skills, and cultural competency.

*The American Psychological Association (APA) is the world's largest association of psychologists, with more than 117,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.

Research Opportunities

"Real World" Experience

Flexible Curriculum

Student Testimonials

It Starts At The Arch

Emily Connell

I am confident that I made the right decision to be a psychology major at Misericordia. I always felt supported by my professors and know that they were truly invested in helping me to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

Gabrielle Belles '18

The psychology program at Misericordia provides each student with endless opportunities. The professors want you to succeed in every aspect of life and will help guide you towards the right decisions.

Zachary Davis

The Psychology department at Misericordia University has helped me realize a deeper potential. The one-on-one experience I had with my psychology professors has helped me feel more welcomed and comfortable, and is an experience that I feel cannot be matched.

Testimonial Slideshow

Meet our Students

Mission

The Psychology Department at Misericordia is committed to excellence in undergraduate education in psychology. We seek to develop students that have the knowledge and skills essential for graduate study and/or post-graduate employment. Affirming the importance of experiential learning, we offer opportunities for student research, service learning, practica (internships), and extracurricular activities related to psychology. Our faculty are dedicated teachers and mentors, and we develop close relationships with students, both in and out of the classroom.

Dr. Kelly Filipkowski with a group of psychology students

Fast Facts

The Psychology program is committed to excellence in undergraduate education for students interested in a variety of careers and graduate study. Our curriculum allows students flexibility to pursue coursework that develops their unique interests including minors, specializations, internships, research, service learning and study abroad. Small interactive classes focus not only on knowledge of psychology but also strengthening skills in writing, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, research, and cultural competency.

What makes Misericordia’s Psychology program stand out from all the rest:

Our Psychology program is unique because our students can tailor their coursework to best prepare for their future careers. We take a multistep approach to career preparation, which involves: career planning courses for graduate study and future jobs, personal academic advising, internships and hands-on research projects.

Program degree options:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, (Pre-DPT Specialization)
Mental Health Interventions Specialization, (Child or Adult focus)

Job opportunities in the Psychology field include:

Job Opportunities
Clinical Psychologist Mental Health Psych Aide Substance Abuse Counselor Preschool Teacher Child Life Specialist Human Resources Recreational Therapist Counselor	Health Care Administration Health Psychologist Forensics and Law Lawyer Probation Officer Guidance Counselor Social Services School Counselor Office for Students with Disabilities Professor Management	Daycare Center Business Caseworker School Psychologist Nursing Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

Research/internship and other opportunities available:

Summer Research Fellowship Program (SURF)
Student Research Grants
100-hour internships provide valuable “real world” experience
Group research projects presented on campus at a Research Fair
Student research presented at International, National, and Regional conferences
Student clubs available: Psychology Club and Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

Psychology alumna have attended graduate programs at:

Pace University for a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.)
NYU for a Masters in General Psychology
University of Florida for a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling
Temple University for a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling
Villanova University for a Masters in Mental Health Counseling
Rochester Institute of Technology for a Masters in Experimental Psychology
Syracuse University for Masters in School Counseling

Careers in Psychology

The undergraduate degree in Psychology is excellent preparation for a variety of different careers. The following post-graduation career choices are common among our students:

Entry-level mental health/human services position (i.e., mental health worker, substance abuse counselor, preschool teacher, victims advocate; many students in these positions eventually seek a graduate degree)

Entry-level positions outside of mental health/human services for which psychology is a good background (i.e., management trainee, market researcher, human resources professional, law enforcement officer, college admissions counselor, coach)

Opportunities for students with a BS in Psychology

Opportunities for students with a BS in Psychology
Psychiatric Aide	Probation/parole Officer
Residential Youth Counselor	Group Home Director
Day Care Center Supervisor	Therapeutic Staff Support Worker
Activities/recreation Director	Vocational/employment Counselor
Volunteer Services Director	Substance Abuse Counselor
Child Protection Worker	Corrections Officer
Research Assistant	Preschool Teacher
Admissions Officer	Military Mental Health Specialist
Human Resources Specialist	Caseworker
Child Development Specialist	Community Outreach Worker
Market Research Analyst	Social Services Aide
Victim's Advocate	Veterans Counselor

Graduate study in psychology (prepares students for careers as counselors, psychologists, or professors)

Graduate study in other fields (prepares students for careers in law, medicine, or business)

Opportunities for students with an Advance Psychology Degree

Opportunities for students with an Advance Psychology Degree
Mental Health Counselor	Marriage and Family Counselor
Community Counselor	Clinical Psychologist
Health Psychologist	Guidance Counselor
School Psychologist	Child Psychologist
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist	Clinical Social Worker
Neuroscientist	College/University Professor
Forensic Psychologist	Psychiatrist
Psychotherapist	Rehabilitation Psychologist
Neuropsychologist

Videos

Alicia Nordstrom, Professor and Chair, Ph.D. Psychology, talks about Psychology at Misericordia University. She highlights why she works in psychology, what it entails, and how the Misericordia University Psychology Department can be a great decision for now and for your future.

Dr. Alicia Nordstrom, Professor and Chair, Ph.D. Psychology, discusses the advising roles professors play in the academic careers of psychology majors at Misericordia University, and how they can help you succeed in and out of the classroom.

Alicia Nordstrom, Professor and Chair, Ph.D. Psychology, covers one of the first questions on most students' minds; what do I do with my degree? Dr. Nordstrom highlights the careers a degree in psychology could lead to.

Career Preparation

Career Courses

In their first year, students take a required 1-credit course introducing them to the discipline of psychology and career options within psychology. During their sophomore year, students take a required 2-credit course which focuses more explicitly on individual career selection, culminating in a written academic plan that addresses career goals.

Graduate School Prep Courses

Students planning to pursue graduate study can take a 2-course sequence of graduate school preparation courses during their junior and senior years (1 credit). These courses assist students in: choosing appropriate graduate programs to which to apply; preparing for GRE examinations and admissions interviews; and developing a portfolio of graduate admissions materials, including personal statements, curriculum vitae, and requests for recommendations.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is another critical part of career planning and preparation. Students meet with their advisors at least once per semester to discuss academic and career planning. Close relationships are built between students and advisors, and students are encouraged to meet with their advisors whenever they need assistance or advice.

Student Opportunities

Practicum/Internships

For students desiring to enter the mental health field, gaining practical experience is invaluable. Most of our students complete at least one "Practicum" course (PSY 475) during their junior or senior year, and some complete two or three. Students choose a Practicum placement that is relevant to their career interests, complete 100 hours on site, and process their experiences in a small group setting with a faculty member. Recent practicum placements have included mental health agencies, children's mental health centers, addictions counseling centers, domestic violence shelters, preschools, guidance or school counseling departments in local school districts, and agencies serving the elderly.

Practicum Handbook Link

Research

It is essential for students of Psychology to understand the scientific basis of their discipline and to gain experience in evaluating and conducting scientific research studies.

All psychology majors at MU are required to take a two-semester 6-credit research sequence, which culminates in presentation of their empirical research at Misericordia's annual Student Research Day. Students desiring additional research experience can also take two elective courses: Research Group (PSY 300), which involves working on a faculty member's research team, and Independent Research (PSY 490), which requires students to conduct an original research study under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students can also apply to participate in the Summer Student Research Fellowship Program and work with a faculty member on his/her research. Student Research Grants (up to $1000) are available to students to help fund their research and/or support conference attendance. There are also occasional opportunities for students to apply for paid positions as Research Assistants, who help faculty with grant-supported research.

Independent research projects conducted by students have been presented at prestigious regional and national conferences (see list below).

Independent research projects conducted by students have been presented at prestigious regional and national conferences:

Hiester, M. and Stuffick, J. (2019, March). Using Adolescent Cases/Memoirs to Address Diversity Learning Outcomes. Poster presented at the Society for Research in Child Development Developmental Science Teaching Institute, Baltimore, MD.

Naylon, K., Nordstrom, A., & Massey, S. (2017, May). The effect of fear of failure, psychological distress, and quality of life on procrastination and perfectionism in graduate students. Poster presented at the 29^th Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science, Boston, MA.

Cordasco, R., Swanson, K., Nordstrom A.H., & Massey, S. (2015, March). Can you handle it?: Coping and satisfaction among health science graduate students. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA. [Winner of the Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Poster Award]

Lieberman, A., Gough, K., Nordstrom, A.H., & Masey, S. (2015, March). I have no idea what I am doing!: Study strategies, copy styles, and GPA among graduate students in health sciences. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Slack, K., Huxta, T., Nordstrom A.H., & Massey, S. (2015, March). A cross-gender examination of family stress, physical and mental health in graduate students. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Nowalis, S., & Nordstrom A.H. (2014, March). Parenting styles as predictors of mental health, substance use and adjustment in emerging adults. Poster presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

LaJeuness, C., Cusatis, M., Deccico, A. (2012, March). Psychology on My Campus: How it Prepares Students in Several Career Paths. Presented at the 26th Annual Teaching of Psychology Conference, Tarrytown, NY.

Gioviono, R., & Demuysere, M. (2011, May). It pays to be friendly: Perceptions of physical attractiveness and positive and negative attributes in relation to gender and friendly or rude behavior. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, Washington, D.C. (Research Advisors: LaJeunesse & Hiester)

Bobrowski, M., Nordstrom, A.H., Hiester, M., & Swenson, L.M. (2010, May). Self-efficacy and locus of control as predictors of academic adjustment across genders. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science 22nd Annual Conference in Boston, MA.

Nitowski, A., Nordstrom, A.H., Swenson, L.M., & Hiester, M. (2009, March). Examining the role of parental control and attachment in relationships with college peers. Poster presented at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

Psychology Club

The Psychology Club was developed to unite those who are interested in the study of psychology and to provide a forum where members can learn more about psychology, exchange information and ideas, and provide services to the community. Club involvement also allows students to get to know one another better on a social level. Participation is open to both majors and non-majors with an interest in psychology.

Club activities include movie nights, bake sales, food drives and donations, guest speakers, graduate school workshops, visits from MU alumni, and mental health support programs. Student officers are elected each year. If you would like more information about the Psychology Club contact Dr. Filipkowski at (570) 674-1486 or kfilipkowski@misericordia.edu.

Psi Chi International Honors Society

Psi Chi promotes activities that enhance scholarship related to the field of Psychology. Psi Chi has monthly meetings open to all members and conducts fundraisers, social activities, and service projects each semester. Induction into Psi Chi is open to students majoring in Psychology who:

have completed at least 9 credits in Psychology
have a 3.0 G.P.A. in Psychology
are in the top 35% of their class overall.

Psi Chi brochures and application forms are available in the literature organizer next to Dr. Chuck's office.

If you would like more information about Psi Chi contact Dr. Jennifer Yarnell at jyarnell@misericordia.edu or go to the Psi Chi website.

Contact

For more information about the Psychology program, please contact Dr. Alicia Nordstrom, Psychology Department Chair, at anordstrom@misericordia.edu or (570) 674-8008.