Are you fascinated by human behavior? Studying Psychology is a great way to better understand yourself and those around you. This field offers so many different career pathways for you to pursue, from the social sciences and services to education; from healthcare to business, finance, sales or industrial organization; or from human resources to criminalistics.
Psychology Coursework & Electives
Our curriculum and coursework also let you select from a generous choice of free electives and minors, where you can explore additional interests and potential career tracks. Expand your knowledge of clinical psychology and mental health. Pursue an 8-course Counseling Psychology specialization to discover effective counseling practices in a supervised clinical environment. Or, you can choose to study the theories and techniques of group therapy, crisis management, marriage and family, addiction or case management. There are so many options in the field of psychology!
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“JWU’s Psychology program is extensive and brings a lot of growth to someone starting in the psychology field. The hands-on aspect is what I feel makes this program thrive, as well as the small classes.”
- Gianna Marlow ’24, Psychology
Make a Positive Impact with Experiential Education
The lessons you learn here can allow you to make a difference in the lives of others — even before you graduate. Throughout the program, there will be experiential education opportunities for you to put your lessons into practice with real clients in real clinical settings. Learning by doing is the foundation of a JWU education, but it’s especially important in this program so that you’re prepared to head into the industry and make a positive impact on others right away.
Program Highlights
- Learn how to apply key concepts, theories and research findings to understand, explain and evaluate human behavior.
- Use creative and critical thinking to evaluate, interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research ethically.
- Have opportunities to intern in real clinical settings.
- Learn from a program coordinator who is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive and ongoing clinical and instructional experience
- Have practical career guidance above and beyond the academic curriculum.
Sample Courses
- Abnormal Psychology
- Intro to Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology
- Personality Developmental Psychology
- Principles of Group Counseling
- Deviant Behavior
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Charlotte Catalog course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Social Worker
- Clinical Psychologist
- Addiction Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Psychiatric Technician
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Faculty Spotlight: Howard Slutzky, Psy.D.
When he was 7 years old, Howard Slutzky, Psy.D., was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. His parents were told he had about two months to live, but with chemotherapy, radiation and a fighting spirit, they won the battle.
Today, Slutzky is giving back by helping others in a meaningful and transformative way. “I intentionally cultivate my courses and their instruction in a manner that is therapeutic, growth-promoting and inspirational,” he says.
While his primary goal has been a career in clinical psychology, Professor Slutzky discovered a passion for teaching during his graduate school years and was instantly hooked.
Today, in addition to his normal course load, he teaches Introduction to Professional Issues & Ethics, the first of many program-specific courses in the undergraduate curriculum.
Slutzky has also maintained a part-time clinical practice throughout his teaching career. “Serving individuals and couples in a therapeutic capacity offers me a deeply rewarding clinical outlet, while reinforcing the clinical relevance of my instruction and program development at Johnson & Wales.”
