Psychology Major & Minor
“I am thrilled with my decision to double major in psychology and neuroscience at Carthage; it has been an excellent preparation for graduate programs, and I feel like I have grown so much as a student and a person.”
“I wholeheartedly believe I would not be where I am today without the professors I’ve had here at Carthage. The psychology and studio art professors showed me that I am in the right place. The relationships I’ve built have led to so many opportunities for me. The faculty here at Carthage is unmatched.”
“The Carthage faculty are amazing. My professors taught me so much and inspired me to enjoy the work I do in the classroom. The encouragement I’ve received from them has been one of my greatest helpers at college.”
“Joining clubs has pushed me outside my comfort zone and led me to meet students around campus with shared interests who I wouldn’t interact with otherwise. It has also introduced me to a large number of upperclassmen that serve as mentors to me.”
“Other students should consider elementary education because it is arguably one of the most influential majors. Teachers are the ones who inspire students to take their desired life path and are their number one cheerleaders throughout that entire process.”
“With the professors being so open and willing to help, I was able to be involved and conduct research as a sophomore. I wouldn’t be able to do that at most other colleges.”
“I chose Carthage because I felt a lot more confident in knowing I’d make a connection with my professors because of how much smaller the classes are. It doesn’t hurt that the lake is beautiful too.”
“I chose Carthage because of its exceptional academic programs, supportive community, and commitment to fostering growth. The College’s reputation for personalized education aligns perfectly with my aspiration to excel as a double major/minor student.”
Major in psychology at Carthage
Carthage psychology majors are trained not only in the content of psychology (theories of behavior and mental processes), but also in the scientific process that has informed our understanding of the mind. As they learn about the modes of scientific inquiry within psychology, they gain practice applying those within the five pillars of psychological science:
- Biological — studying the brain and behavior, often in non-humans
- Cognitive — studying mental processes, typically in humans
- Developmental — studying behavior across the lifespan
- Social and Personality — studying individual differences and interactions between people
- Mental and Physical Health — studying techniques for enhancing and promoting wellbeing
Students focus their research efforts on the areas that most interest them, gaining first-hand experience working in one of the departmental laboratories. Students who plan to work in health or social services can participate in Carthage’s fieldwork program. A third of psychology majors have a second major, many in allied areas like neuroscience or criminal justice. More than half go on to graduate school.
original research for Psychology Majors
Research is built into the Carthage experience through the required senior thesis and options such as the paid Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Ongoing focuses include the psychological basis of magic, handwritten word perception, odor memory and perception in pregnancy, physiological responses to stress, and selection of college majors. Many students present their work at professional gatherings.
Current research topics include:
- Odor memory and odor perception in pregnancy
- The psychological basis of magic and illusion
- Prosocial behavior in peer relationships
- The psychological and physiological consequences of stress
- Understanding of death and the afterlife
- Development of humor over the lifespan
Psychology Degree special academic options
Pre-Health: Aspiring health care professionals consult frequently with a pre-health coordinator to select courses that match their abilities and goals.
Occupational Therapy: In this dual degree program, students spend three years at Carthage and then complete a master’s or clinical doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis.
Occupational Therapy at Carthage
Where Carthage psychology majors go
A large percentage of alumni enter graduate school to specialize in one of the subfields of psychology or to pursue law, public health, social work, or occupational therapy. Ultimately, graduates have found positions with employers such as:
- Early Childhood Education Institute
- Sensient Technologies
- KGH Autism Services
- Quarles & Brady LLP
- Allstate
- YWCA of Lake County (Ill.)
- CareerBuilder Employment Screening
- SC Johnson