Students in the psychology program at SMSU develop an understanding of the major approaches, theories, and methods of psychological science. The faculty are broadly trained in the areas of personality, counseling, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. The coursework emphasizes both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the field, as well as the practical and applied aspects. One of the most distinctive features of the program is that all majors complete an internship that is related to their area of interest or future career plans. Students are prepared for whatever future they would like to pursue, whether that is a getting job right out of college, or going on to graduate school for a masters or doctoral degree.

A bachelor?s degree in Psychology can lead to employment in a number of different areas, such as work in group home, educational, human resource, non-profit, criminal justice, and social service settings, as well as careers in other fields for which a liberal arts degree is appropriate. In addition, the degree can lead to graduate school and subsequent professional employment as a psychologist in areas such as counseling, clinical, experimental, physiological, industrial/organizational, developmental, health, forensic, or school psychology.