Students at Sterling College will now choose between two concentrations within the psychology major: social services or research and clinical psychology. Social services will focus on careers in human services, while research and clinical psychology will prepare students for occupations that require graduate school.

“The two-track option provides an added dimension that will make our graduates more competitive, whether they choose to enter the job market directly or apply to master’s or doctoral programs. Because of the added rigor and higher level of competition for places in graduate schools, our new program allows students who see a higher degree and/or licensure in their future as an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and present a superior application to the school of their choice,” said Dr. Brian Mills, associate professor of psychology.

Both concentrations center on a core group of classes that includes much of the previous major, but adds new classes in counseling for grief and loss and addictions. There are also new electives such as child psychology. Students who complete the social services concentration will be prepared for jobs such as case management, social work, court-ordered supervision, and work with children and teens in residential placement. These jobs often allow for recent graduates to start without graduate work or licensure requirements.

Students who complete the research and clinical psychology concentration will be prepared to enter graduate school, having covered many, if not all, of the prerequisite classes for admission. They will also be qualified for entry-level positions in human services, but many will transition into programs for licensure as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, clinical psychologist or school psychologist.

Both concentrations include the new senior capstone class Career Theory and Exploration. In this class, students fully research career options, understand the necessary steps to obtaining that career, and talk about integrating their faith and servant leadership into their future profession.

“The Career Theory and Exploration class will provide students with an in-depth understanding of a variety of careers within the field of psychology. The class will have several guest speakers who represent various careers in psychology. Therefore, students will have the chance to network with various professionals. In addition, the class will focus on incorporating servant leadership principles in the workplace. Students will be required to think critically about ways they can be a servant leader in their chosen profession,” said Dr. Jennifer Dyson, assistant professor of psychology.   

Prospective students interested in more information can contact the Office of Admissions at 620-278-4275 or email admissions@sterling.edu.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.