About the Department
Psychology is the scientific investigation of behavior and mental processes. It illuminates some of life's most important questions and provides a rich understanding of social influence, learning, human intelligence, the roots of personality, the effects of stress on health, and a myriad of other topics.
Through the use of a modern undergraduate curriculum that includes laboratory and research experiences, the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Department of Psychology facilitates and enhances your understanding of the field of psychology, prepares you for graduate work or employment, and prepares you for a life in a society dependent on scientific literacy. Our small class sizes, emphasis on hands-on learning and undergraduate research, involved and accomplished faculty, and extracurricular activities, clubs and internships make bet36365体育 the right choice for you.
“I enjoyed the professors in the psychology department the most. They made psychology fun and interesting. I enjoyed the ability to build relationships with my professors and have them know who I was.” Lopez says that he “decided to become a Psychobiology major because it was geared toward health. I had the opportunity to learn about psychological research, which I found really interesting.” “Psychology is a part of medicine and I believe it helped me have a better understanding of how they both are involved in patient care.”
Beyond the Classroom
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's Psychology Department offers many opportunities for students to get involved and further their career knowledge through scholarship, student organization, internships, and much more.
Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska
The BHECN Scholars is a pathway program that supports undergraduate seniors who plan to pursue their master’s degree in a Nebraska-based behavioral health program following graduation. Scholars will receive tuition support, mentorship and professional development, and participate in social and learning opportunities built around a cohort model. Learn more about the program.
Student Organizations
- Psychology Club The Psychology Club is an organization open to any student with a major, minor, or interest in psychology. Its purpose is to advance the science of psychology and to encourage, stimulate and maintain scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology.
- Psi Chi The National Honor Society in Psychology was founded in 1929 to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship and to advance the science of psychology. Students are elected to Psi Chi based on their academic achievements.
Experiential Learning
- Apprenticeship Apprenticeship affords students the opportunity to act as a research or teaching assistant for a particular faculty member. Students can get three hours of Psychology credit in PSY 399-Apprenticeship for serving as a proctor for a Psychology course, or by serving as a research assistant.
- Internships Internships offer an opportunity to apply psychological theories and concepts in organizational settings, working in an organization to develop and refine practical skills. Internships can be paid or unpaid and represent a unique learning experience that connects classroom learning and the world of work.
- Readings Students may have a particular interest that they wish to pursue through independently selected books and articles. At this point they can seek the permission of the department chair to earn 1-3 credits on the basis of these readings
- Practicum The Practicum provides real-world experience in applying psychological principles and techniques. In a practicum, the student works as a volunteer in an agency in order to gain practical experience.
- Research After completing at least 24 hours of psychology coursework, students are welcome to present an original research idea to a psychology faculty member of their choosing. Various grants and stipends are available for operating expenses, equipment purchase, or other items needed to conduct research.
Scholarships
- Psychology Faculty Scholarship Fund This scholarship shall be awarded to a student(s) with sophomore class standing or above majoring in Psychology or Psychobiology with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates shall have completed six or more credit hours in Psychology courses at bet36365体育.
