Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at Bellarmine emphasizes a scientific approach to the study of behavior and mental processes supported by research and internships. The Psychology major prepares students for graduate work in psychology and related disciplines, and it provides the foundation for numerous careers in psychology, clinically related fields, and human resources.
Bellarmine's Psychology program is designed to develop each student’s individual interests, building on their unique strengths to prepare them for a variety of opportunities after graduation from Bellarmine. The faculty work closely with students to provide the support and assistance needed to help them identify and meet their career goals.
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Program
Bellarmine's Master of Science in Clinical Psychology provides training that prepares students to work in areas seeing substantial growth within the profession of psychology, including integrative health care and sport and performance psychology. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to begin practicing or continue their training in a doctoral psychology program.
Three Options to Match Your Goals
Choose from the standard Psychology major, the Clinical and Counseling concentration, or the Human Resources concentration. Each option builds a strong foundation in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes while allowing you to tailor your path.
Research and Internship Support
Our program emphasizes a scientific approach supported by research and internships. Faculty work closely with students to help identify interests and meet career goals in psychology, clinically related fields, and human resources.
"Bellarmine is great because of the academic program and especially the support system that it has where you can engage with anybody on campus. The professors in the Psych program, they're amazing. The classes are small and it helps that one-on-one engagement with the professor. Your professors can be a mentor to you."
Edwin White '26, Psychology
“Ten years ago, I stepped onto Bellarmine’s campus a 17-year-old soccer player from St. Louis, eager to earn a degree in Psychology to help kids with disabilities. Today, I step onto campus to teach those same lessons to my very own psychology class. I leave campus to go run my own company as a therapist for children with autism and as the president of Wicked Sheets. How did I get here? One word: Bellarmine.”
Alli Truttmann, MA, President and Founder, Wicked Sheets
3
Program Options
10
Psych Bowl Wins in 12 Years
50+
Study Abroad Opportunities
Program Highlights
We offer three program options:
- The Psychology Major prepares the student for graduate school and professional work with numerous electives to broaden, enrich, and stimulate the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of the student.
- The Psychology Major: Clinical and Counseling Concentration prepares the student for graduate school and work in the helping profession. This concentration is more structured and training oriented. An internship relevant to the field of clinical or counseling psychology is required.
- The Psychology Major: Human Resources Concentration prepares the student for a career in organizational and business settings. The program is designed toward developing practical skills and is training oriented. An internship working in a human resources position is required.
Graduates can also continue on to earn their Master's of Science in Psychology from Bellarmine.
Career Opportunities
Psychology majors have gone on to a broad range of graduate programs in various areas of psychology, medical school, allied health, law school, business administration, and social work. Some recent graduates have pursued graduate degrees at the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Spalding University, and Indiana University. Many have started careers in human services and human resources immediately after graduation at such places as Maryhurst, Lantech, Home of the Innocents, Kindred, Mercer, Humana, and YUM! Brands.
Graduates can also continue on to earn their Master's of Science in Psychology from Bellarmine.
Student Activities
We encourage students to join the Psychology Club. The purpose of the Psychology Club is to gather students with an interest in psychology by providing networking opportunities to discuss topics of interest. The Psychology Club also increases student awareness of careers in psychology. In addition, members participate in at least one volunteer opportunity to serve the Bellarmine and Louisville communities. We also have events such as movie nights, guest speakers, bake sales, and public awareness booths. Membership is open to all interested students. Our chapter of Psi Chi, the international Psychology honor society, has an annual induction.
Faculty
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Pamela Cartor, Ph.D. website | Associate Professor of Psychology | pcartor@bellarmine.edu |
| Joy Jacobs-Lawson, Ph.D. website | Associate Professor of Psychology, Department Chair | jjacobslawson@bellarmine.edu |
| Stella Kanchewa, Ph.D. website | Assistant Professor of Psychology | skanchewa@bellarmine.edu |
| Courtney Keim, Ph.D. website | Associate Professor of Psychology | ackeim@bellarmine.edu |
| Jean Lamont, Ph.D. website | Associate Professor of Psychology | jlamont@bellarmine.edu |
| Hank Rothgerber, Ph.D. website | Professor of Psychology | hrothgerber@bellarmine.edu |
| Felicia Smith, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Psychology | fsmith2@bellarmine.edu |
| Christy Wolfe, Ph.D. website | Professor of Psychology | cwolfe@bellarmine.edu |
| Ann Jirkovsky, Ph.D. website | Emeritus Professor | ajirkovsky@bellarmine.edu |
Student Achievements
Psychology faculty are actively engaged in research and in supporting research opportunities for students. Below is a selection of previous student research projects presented at the Bellarmine Celebration of Undergraduate Research:
- Attitudinal Changes on Identity and Inclusion in College Students
- The Effects of Parent Engagement, Gender Roles, and Religion on Political Socialization
- How Caffeine Can Affect Sleep Quality, Stress Level, and Academic Performance
- Internal/External Influences and College Major Persistence: Does Ego Identity Play a Role?
- Gender Composition Effects
- All Men Created Equally: Effects of Stereotype Threat on Male Task Performance
- Leadership Perception
- Pain in College Students
- Sleep Perceptions and Cognitive Performance
The Bellarmine University Psych Bowl Team also enjoys frequent success in the Kentucky Psychological Association’s Psych Bowl competition, including a recent run of 10 Psych Bowl victories in 12 years.
Degree Requirements
Experiential Learning
Minors
Additional Information
Contact
Joy M. Jacobs-Lawson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
jjacobslawson@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-7901
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