B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Psychology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Psychology at Lycoming College offers a broad exploration of psychological theories and concepts, focusing on understanding the complexities of human experience. It balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to explore how psychology intersects with other disciplines. The program provides an empirically-based foundation, exposing students to research methodologies from their introductory courses. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention, discussion-based learning, and close mentorship with faculty, fostering a supportive environment for intellectual growth and professional development.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Psychology curriculum is structured to provide a foundational understanding of the discipline. Core requirements typically include "Foundations of Psychology" (PSY 110), "Research Methods" (PSY 212), and "Statistics" (PSY 312). Students must also complete one laboratory course (from PSY 424, 432, or 433) and four additional psychology elective courses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and effective communication, with some courses designated as "W" courses to fulfill writing requirements. Elective courses allow students to explore diverse areas within psychology, such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology, tailoring their education to their specific interests. A unique aspect is the provision of a lab section with the Introductory Psychology course, allowing early hands-on research exposure.
Research Focus: Research is an integral and highly valued component of the B.A. in Psychology program at Lycoming College. Students are provided with continuous opportunities to engage in empirical research, starting from their introductory courses. They are encouraged to design and submit their independent research projects for presentation at local and regional conferences. Students can also compete for summer research grants, such as the Haberberger Fellowship, to collaborate with faculty members on ongoing research, which can potentially lead to co-authorship on scholarly publications. The program fosters a deep understanding of ethical considerations in psychological research, ensuring responsible scientific practice.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College places a strong emphasis on practical industry engagement for its Psychology students. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) provides comprehensive support for securing internships, offering career counseling, and assisting with graduate school applications. Students are encouraged to pursue various internship placements in the Williamsport community and beyond, including opportunities at organizations like Crossroads Counseling, Lycoming Therapeutic Services, state and federal prisons, and Ashler Manor. These experiences provide invaluable real-world application of psychological principles in diverse settings, from clinical and community services to forensic environments. Active participation in the Psychology Club and Psi Chi (the national psychology honors society) also offers networking opportunities and fosters professional development.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Lycoming College's B.A. in Psychology through the examination of human behavior and mental processes across diverse cultures and contexts. The curriculum often includes discussions on cross-cultural psychology, global mental health challenges, and how societal and cultural factors influence psychological well-being worldwide. Lycoming College actively encourages and facilitates study abroad opportunities in over 100 locations, including specific May Term travel courses to countries like Ireland or Italy. These immersive experiences allow students to gain firsthand insights into different cultures, educational systems, and approaches to psychological understanding, preparing them to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected and diverse global society.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Lycoming College provides graduates with a highly sought-after blend of scientific knowledge, quantitative analytical skills, and hands-on laboratory experience.
Social Services Worker/Case Manager: Graduates are well-suited to assist individuals and families in need. They help clients access resources, navigate complex systems, and provide support in various settings like community centers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Alumni have found employment in places like the Abuse & Rape Crisis Center and Youth Advocacy Programs.
Human Resources Specialist: With their understanding of human behavior, motivation, and interpersonal dynamics, psychology graduates are excellent candidates for HR roles. They can assist with recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and fostering a positive work environment within corporate settings. Lycoming alumni have entered roles as Human Resources Specialists.
Behavioral Health Technician/Psychiatric Technician: Graduates can work directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges or developmental disorders. They implement therapeutic interventions, monitor progress, and provide support in settings such as residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Lycoming alumni have worked as ABA Counselors and Behavioral Technicians.
Market Research Analyst: Combining an understanding of consumer psychology with research methodology, graduates can help companies understand consumer preferences, market trends, and product appeal, contributing to marketing and business strategy. Alumni have become Operations Analysts, leveraging their data interpretation skills.
Probation/Parole Officer: Lycoming's psychology program, with its focus on the psychology of crime, can prepare graduates for roles in the criminal justice system. They supervise individuals on probation or parole, helping them reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.
Research Assistant: Graduates can support ongoing research in academic labs, government agencies, or private companies (e.g., pharmaceutical, consumer insights firms). They assist with experiment design, data collection, analysis, and contributing to studies on human behavior and mental processes.
Admissions Counselor/Student Affairs Professional (Higher Education): Graduates can apply their knowledge of developmental psychology and strong communication skills to work in college admissions, student support services, or residence life, guiding students through their academic and personal journeys.
Child Care Worker/Early Childhood Educator: For those interested in working with children, a psychology degree provides valuable insights into child development and learning. Graduates can work in preschools, daycare centers, or as paraeducators supporting teachers in K-12 settings. Lycoming graduates have found roles as Preschool Teachers and Assistant Teachers.
Public Relations/Advertising Professional: The ability to understand target audiences, influence perceptions, and craft compelling messages makes psychology graduates valuable in public relations and advertising. Their knowledge of social psychology and consumer behavior is a strong asset.
Further Graduate Studies: A B.A. in Psychology from Lycoming College provides a solid foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, which are often necessary for licensure in direct practice or for research careers. Alumni have pursued Master's or Ph.D. programs in Psychology (e.g., Clinical, Counseling, Developmental, Social, Experimental), Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or even pursued medical degrees, at prestigious institutions like Duke University and Johns Hopkins.
