College of Letters and Science
Psychology: Concentration in Human Services Degree
Major
STUDY HUMAN BEHAVIOR WITH A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY: HUMAN SERVICES
The Psychology: Human Services major is designed for students with an interest in psychology who may pursue bachelor’s-level or advanced degree careers in human services-oriented field (e.g., counseling, clinical psychology, school psychology). The human services concentration focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for counseling and behavioral modification.
Diverse training and interest areas in psychology prepare UW-Stevens Point students for a variety of post-graduate pursuits. Psychology graduates possess research and writing skills, problem-solving skills and well-developed, higher-level thinking ability for analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information.
Why Study Human Services at UW-Stevens Point?
Psychology students find jobs in clinical/counseling psychology, human services, education, service industries, health, and community organizations. About 30 percent go on to advanced training, normally seeking a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology.
Research Opportunities
A student can work with a professor on directed readings, original experimental or survey research, applied internships, or pursue some other project of special interest. Students interested in graduate school or pursuing a career in psychology are strongly encouraged to take part in one or more of these activities. The Department of Psychology supports nine laboratories and research facilities that are used by faculty and students for their research projects. They are also used for instructional purposes, particularly in the experimental and clinical courses.
Department Scholarships
High-achieving students are eligible for many significant awards and scholarships thanks to generous support from our alumni, friends, and corporate partners. The Department of Psychology offers six major individual monetary awards and one major scholarship award each spring.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Psychology students are strongly encouraged to work with a professor on directed readings, original experimental or survey research, applied internships or special-interest projects. Senior psychology majors who have taken Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 351) and Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy (PSYC 401) can apply for an internship. Interns receive credit for working at an unpaid placement for six hours a week at various community agencies including school psychology and guidance departments, shelters for abused women, counseling centers, group homes for delinquents or halfway houses for parolees.
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Psychology:
- Internships – Students report that participating in an internship program is invaluable experience when searching for employment in the field after graduation or applying to graduate school. Interns receive PSYC 494 Human Services Internship credit for working at an unpaid placement for 6 hours a week.
- Practicum – Our PSY 402 class is a practicum course in which students practice clinical interviewing skills, learn about in-depth counseling techniques, and work with licensed psychologists to prepare for a career in clinical or counseling psychology.
- Research and Independent Study – Students can become involved in the research lab with faculty or complete an independent study course or project. Volunteer with a faculty member or become an integral part of the research study design and implementation, gaining course credit in the process.
- Study Abroad – Join our travel experience in Europe to broaden your understanding of the roots of psychology, as it truly began. Students will gain a global historical perspective and knowledge of how different psychological cultures greatly impacted our study of psychology, in this rewarding study abroad program.
Our graduates become guidance counselors, substance use counselors, clinical psychologists, and crisis intervention coordinators. About 30 percent of our graduates go on to advanced training, normally seeking a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology. Others obtain law or medical degrees.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
The Psychology Club is a recognized student organization open to all students. The social club meets at least monthly, and organizes speakers, programs, field trips and other activities of interest to psychology students. Outstanding psychology students are eligible for membership in the UW-Stevens Point Chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is a recognized student organization whose membership is open to psychology majors and minors. Our students can also join NAMI, offering program resources for students on campus and working on community outreach efforts on behalf of those who are experiencing mental health issues.
More opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).
Facilities in Our Program
Our biological and cognitive psychology labs include the Animal Lab, Cognition and Attention Laboratory, and the Spindler Memory and Applied Cognition Lab. For clinical and counseling, we utilize the Beck Videotaping Facility, and the Counseling Psychology Laboratory. Finally, for developmental and social psychology labs our students work in the Aging and Development Lab, Social and Environmental Psychology Laboratory, and Gender Development Laboratory. We invite you to contact one of our department faculty to learn more.
MEET OUR FACULTY
The Department of Psychology has 14 full-time faculty members representing the major sub-disciplines of psychology: biological, clinical/counseling, cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational and social psychology.
Jeana Council
- Professor
- Psychology Human Services Internship Director
715-346-2883
Heather Molenda-Figueira
- Associate Professor
- Coordinator, Neuroscience and Behavior Minor
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences