Psychology
Overview
School of Arts and Sciences / Psychology
Psychology helps us shine light on different ways of thinking.
When you study in the Psychology Department, you are choosing much more than job training; you are choosing to explore a variety of perspectives on and ways of making sense of the world in which we live. As a psychology major, you will develop a firm foundation in the science of psychology that you can apply to a wide range of careers.Courses in this Major
Students enjoy a wide range of interesting and unique courses including:
PSY 220: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
This course is an introductory course surveying the principal forms of mental disorders, with emphasis on causes, symptoms, and treatment. An analysis of the program of maladaptive behavior and the study of certain personality and behavior patterns.
PSY 230: INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course offers a study of the application of psychological principles and theories to organizational settings. Topics examined include research methodology, employee selection and assessment, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, and characteristics of the workplace that affect employee and organizational well-being
PSY 245: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
This course addresses selected topics in the area of forensic psychology. The focus of the course will center on the theory, science, applications, and practices of psychology in the criminal justice system. Topics will include police and investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, legal psychology, expert witness testimony, and issues related to corrections.
PSY 260: SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Students will be introduced to concepts in sport psychology. Issues of individual athletes, athletic teams, and sport psychology interventions are discussed. Students are introduced to conceptualizing and presenting sport psychology issues and interventions
PSY 360: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
This course is an overview of key topics, theories, and issues in Health Psychology. Topics include stress, eating, exercise, coping, and the effect of individual traits and psychological/social processes on health. Previously, this special topics course focused exclusively on stress. It has been extended to reflect trends in the fields of psychology and managed care. The intent is to help students become more prepared for entry into graduate school, medical school, or a professional setting.
PSY 415: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
How do we acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge? This course investigates how we make sense of our experience by examining classic and contemporary theory and research in human information processing, the representation and organization of knowledge, and the use of higher cognitive skills. Topics may include attention, perception, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, and decision making.
From 2016 – 2026 the number of job opportunities in psychology are expected to increase 14%
— Bureau of Labor Statistics
Blaze Your Own Path
Career Paths
Students seek a bachelor’s degree in psychology for many reasons. Our Psychology Department focuses on training students in scientific thinking that can be applied to a wide variety of topics. This allows for a flexible skill set that can be applied to many settings, and allows students to adapt to the ever-changing job market. The breadth of the faculty expertise allows the student with an unsure path to explore many aspects of the field. Our graduates have utilized the program to their full advantage, and find themselves working for noteworthy employers such as:
- National Institutes of Health
- Federal Prison System
- United States Air Force
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
A degree in psychology can also take you places other than a therapist’s office. Our students have explored careers in:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Labor
- Personnel and training
- Business
- Education
Research
There are many opportunities for students to become involved in research. Department faculty have active research programs in areas such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational, and social psychology, as well as in the fields of counseling and marriage and family therapy.
You can become involved in research in our department in a variety of ways. You can do research with an individual faculty member, assist a graduate student with a project, become part of a faculty member’s research team, or, once you have the necessary coursework and experience, conduct a study of your own under a faculty member’s direct supervision. Students who have conducted research in our department have presented their findings at national conferences as well as a variety of conferences hosted by La Salle.
Graduate School
For students who want to explore a career as a psychologist, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist, an advanced degree and licensure are required. After leaving your undergraduate studies at La Salle, you’ll be prepared to take the next steps in your journey.
La Salle is home to a number of master’s degree programs that will move you forward in your career. These programs include:
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling
- M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
In addition, we offer a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Other universities our graduates have studied at include:
- Columbia University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Pennsylvania
I am an Explorer
Hope Wells, ’18
Success is out there, you just have to have the will to chase it, and the courage to speak up, and the strength to go on. Just let your path be your motivation.
David J. Falcone, Ph.D.
David J. Falcone, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology. He studied at the University of Dayton before moving on to Western Illinois University where he received a master’s degree in psychology. Subsequently, he attended the University of Kentucky to attain a doctoral degree in psychology. His major areas of interest in research and teaching have changed over […]
Hope Wells, ’18
Major: Psychology
Minor: Marketing, Leadership and Global Understanding
Hometown: Philadelphia
Sports/Clubs/Organizations: Students’ Government Association, African American Student League, Black Cultural Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Curly in College, National Society of Collegiate Scholars
What helped you decide on your major?
I initially chose my major because I wanted to be an inspiration to people around me. I wanted my impact to be global and genuine. I saw myself in counseling, but I also saw myself in the creative realm of marketing and public relations so I chose to major in Psychology and minor in Marketing and Leadership and Global Understanding.
What made you choose La Salle?
I wanted to be in a diverse setting, both socially and academically. I wanted to be able to connect with diversely minded people while not being too distant from the city that I adore and my family whom I love.
What has your experience in La Salle’s program been like so far?
My experience in La Salle’s program has been one full of lessons of courage and perseverance. I have gotten so many opportunities to connect with staff, faculty, and students that have allowed me to build a network.
Who has been the most influential member of the La Salle community on your life?
Danielle Brown, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness. She is so genuine and encouraging. Her work in Higher Education is phenomenal, and she continues to make an institutional impact today. As soon as I met her, she offered words of empowerment and took me out to lunch. She has given me keys to success as well as academic and professional advice. She has become a mentor in my life and has helped me understand so much about going to La Salle, continuing education, life, and work after college.
How do you juggle all of the things on your plate as an active student?
I pray, move with purpose, think positively, stay hydrated, and communicate to my professors, organizations, and peers.
How do you think La Salle is helping to prepare you for the future beyond college?
The atmosphere where I have been able to learn and simultaneously have the encouragement to be involved, building relationships and connections with peers, staff, workers, and administration, has formed me into a multi-talented leader who exceeds expectations and continuously innovates.
What is your advice to any high school students thinking about entering your major program at La Salle?
Explore the many broad careers of Psychology, and definitely pick up a minor or double major. Whether you’re into health, business, politics, or social justice, psychology enhances your general understand of yourself and the world around you.
What has been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned here at La Salle?
Success is out there, you just have to have the will to chase it, and the courage to speak up, and the strength to go on. Just let your path be your motivation.
David J. Falcone, Ph.D.
David J. Falcone, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology. He studied at the University of Dayton before moving on to Western Illinois University where he received a master’s degree in psychology. Subsequently, he attended the University of Kentucky to attain a doctoral degree in psychology. His major areas of interest in research and teaching have changed over the years, and have included questions in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and personality. After almost 40 years of teaching at La Salle, he now thinks of himself as a generalist, and reads and studies in a variety of areas with the aim of bringing a deeper story to his classroom. His personal life includes volunteer work and performances as an acoustic-fingerstyle guitarist and vocalist in the Philadelphia area.
Beyond the Classroom
92% of graduates are employed, volunteering full-time through service programs or pursuing additional education full time within one year of graduation.
100% of full-time psychology faculty at La Salle hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.
Ranked 5th on the Money magazine’s list “The 50 Colleges That Add the Most Value”.
Listed by the New York Times in the Top 6% for median income of graduates at age 34.