PSYCHOLOGY

A major in psychology will prepare you for positions in human services, research, and education-related fields. The program approaches psychology as an academic discipline, a profession, and a science.

The psychology major is available through the Social Sciences Department. Social science courses offer experience in project-based course work and opportunities for original scholarly research, incorporating field trips and off-campus study throughout the United States and abroad. In recent years, psychology faculty members and students researched topics such as parenting and personality, memory processes, and stress and adjustment. In addition, students assisted faculty in researching human rights, democratization studies, civil discourse, and service learning.

Program Goals

The psychology program, part of the Social Sciences Department, approaches psychology as an academic discipline, a profession, and a science. Faculty present the field of psychology as one that is diverse and exciting. All faculty members hold a Ph.D. degree in a specialized area of psychology and actively pursue professional and research interests. Students can collaborate with faculty members on a variety of projects and programs. Students may work with professional service providers in an off-campus field experience, gaining job-relevant skills and knowledge in a clinical, educational, or human services setting.

Demonstrate command of theory, concepts, and methods in the core content areas of psychology (learning/memory, developmental, abnormal, clinical/counseling, and social/organizational).

Use critical thinking skills in evaluating psychological theory, research, and practice and apply accepted methods and principles of research in developing, conducting, and reporting an original psychology research project.

Appreciate the role of psychology as a science and practice aimed at improving human welfare and understand the professional/ethical responsibilities that accompany this role.

Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationship skills and a sense of professionalism in interactions with others (such as peers, clients, research participants, professionals, administrators).

Communicate written and oral information in accordance with professional and scholarly standards.

Alumni Outcomes

Wartburg graduates find satisfying jobs and are admitted into top graduate and professional schools. Wartburg alumni can be found in all 50 U.S. states and over 70 foreign countries. Below is only a sample of the types of positions Wartburg graduates from the Social Science Department have had in the past.

Sample of Alumni Positions from the Past Five Years:

  • Admissions Representative, Ashford University, Clinton
  • Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service Coordinator, Fairview Nursing Plaza, Rockford, Ill.
  • Graduate Student-Law, University of Iowa, Iowa City
  • Government Affairs Analyst, Pioneer Hi-Bred International/Dupont, Johnston
  • Attorney, Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, Des Moines

Sample Stand-out Alumni Positions:

  • Attorney/Partner, Best & Flanagan, LLP, Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Attorney/Partner, Merlo Kanofsky & Gregg, Ltd., Chicago, Ill.
  • Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tenn.
  • Higher Executive Officer/ Deputy Majority Leader, Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board, Oslo, Norway
  • Associate Professor of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio

Sample of Alumni Positions from the Past 10 Years:

  • Police Officer, Longmont, Colo.
  • Benefits Assistant, Go Wireless, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • Attorney, Sheridan & Murray, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • Human Resources Representative, Iowa Department of Human Services, Des Moines
  • Behavior Therapist, Behavior Dimensions, Inc. Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Counterterrorism/Acquisition, Air Force, Boston, Mass.
  • Director, Kessel Kids Childcare & Learning Center, Cresco

FACILITIES

The Classroom Technology Center houses the Social Science Department and allows for personal interaction with faculty members and students.

Conduct research with a faculty mentor. Experience more.

LEARN MORE

FACULTY+STAFF

Kathy Dreesman

Office Coordinator, Religion, Social Science, and Leadership

Andrea Eslick

Associate Professor of Psychology

Ashley Heck

Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology

Shaheen Munir

Professor of Psychology

Todd Reiher

Professor of Psychology