What you'll learn as a psychology major at UW-Platteville
UW-Platteville's bachelor's in psychology is designed to explore how and why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. Psychology is a science that investigates the causes and dynamics of behavior patterns and a profession that applies knowledge, skills, and techniques to the solutions of individual and social problems. Our psychology program is designed according to American Psychological Association guidelines and provides a foundation in psychological theory and the application of psychology to real-world issues.
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology can prepare for a career by gaining valuable internship experience, volunteering in the community, or participating in the highly recommended Cooperative Field Experience program, which enhances professionalism and allows you to apply what you have learned in class to the workplace.
Careers in psychology
A psychologist can be a scientist, practitioner, or both who specializes in the study of thought, emotion, and behavior and the treatment of behavior-related problems. The scientist conducts research to add to the ever-expanding fund of knowledge available to colleagues and the general public. The practitioner is trained to provide professional assistance to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples, families, and groups. They may also provide services to schools, agencies, organizations, industries, and institutions.
The demand for psychologists is on the rise, with job growth projected to outpace many other fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of psychologists is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is driven by a heightened awareness of mental health's importance in various settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and social services. As the need for mental health professionals continues to expand, a bachelor’s psychology degree can offer a stable and rewarding career path for those passionate about helping others.
As a psychology major, you have a wide range of career paths to choose from, with jobs in human services, business, and educational settings such as:
- Behavior technician
- Data analyst/research specialist
- Educator
- Human resource specialist
- Mental health counselor
- School psychologist
- Social worker
- Substance use disorder counselor
- Youth care worker
A psychology degree enters you into a diverse field with many different types of positions and professions. For most positions, employment is based on level of education, training, and experience. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you may obtain a position as a caseworker in social services, work in a residential facility, assist individuals with developmental disabilities, or work in human services. In order to practice counseling, you would need to pursue additional training in graduate school at the master's level.
More than memorization
At UW-Platteville, experiential learning bridges the gap between your education and your career. Dive into hands-on opportunities that not only build your skills but also make a difference—whether you're contributing to meaningful research or tackling real-world challenges.
Innovative programming
After being admitted to the program, you will be matched with a faculty advisor who will provide guidance and support to help you reach your academic goals. The program allows you to specialize in your area of interest and create a more unique experience by selecting an area of emphasis.
Pursue a B.S. in psychology for your unique goals
A B.S. in psychology at UW-Platteville offers the flexibility to support your individual goals:
- Prepare for graduate work in psychology: Gain the foundational knowledge and research experience to continue your education.
- Build a liberal arts foundation for diverse careers: Use your degree in psychology as a launchpad into fields like management, human resources, sales, social services, or any semi-professional or psychology-related career path.
- Pair with another major for greater career versatility: Many psychology majors also study criminal justice, business, or other related fields to enhance their career prospects.
- Prepare for pre-professional paths: Use your psychology degree as an entry point to law, clergy, medicine, or nursing by building a solid pre-professional background.
If your goal is simply to obtain a quality liberal arts education, a psychology major offers just that. You also could complete coursework in collaboration with the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation to earn the State of Wisconsin Social Worker Training Certificate.
Specialized Emphases and Certificates
Aging Studies Emphasis
This emphasis deepens your understanding of the biopsychosocial aspects of aging, equipping you to work effectively with older populations.
Substance Use Disorders Counseling Emphasis
The substance use disorders counseling emphasis fulfills the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requirement of 360 hours of approved, specialized education in substance use disorder counseling. Students completing the requirement can work as certified substance use disorders counselors in the state of Wisconsin with only a bachelor's degree. Substance use counseling jobs are projected to grow approximately 20% in the next 5 years.
Social Work Training Certificate
Through the Social Work Training Certificate, take social work courses that can lead to licensure as a certified social worker through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Through partnerships with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, you can also streamline your path to a master’s in social work (MSW). With these agreements, you could complete your MSW at Clarke University in as little as 14 months, or at UW-Milwaukee in about a year and a half—considerably shorter than the standard two years.
