Program

The Siena Heights Psychology Program has consciously built into the program a three-pronged emphasis of:

• Theory and Content
• Research/Analytical
• Field Placement

We have a strong research component built to develop quantitative, analytical skills. We believe very strongly theres a lot of benefit to that quantitative analytical emphasis just beyond the research side of things.

Field placement is not an option, its a requirement. We believe all of our students should be out in the field, out in the community really getting their sense what its like out there being a working professional.

We take a foundational approach to our program. If theres a solid foundation, we believe its got to come during these four years. We believe we provide that.

The Psychology program seeks to develop caring, analytical, and ethical individuals with a solid knowledge of the numerous and dynamic forces influencing human behavior.To accomplish this goal, students in psychology acquire a sound theoretical knowledge of the various aspects of human behavior, such as personality, social development, physical development, and abnormal behavior. The theoretical knowledge provides a foundation for the development of the students’ research projects which are completed their senior year. The internships provide the students with an opportunity to apply this knowledge in community settings outside of the classroom.

The Psychology program fully conforms with the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association for undergraduate education in psychology. These guidelines provide the means to assess our curriculum and insure that our course offerings are current and serve the needs of today’s students.

The knowledge and ability acquired in the classroom and through the internship, prepares students for employment or admission into graduate school. Many of our students continue on to complete advanced degrees in psychology. Our graduates report that the knowledge obtained from each of the program’s components were critical in securing employment and/or gaining admission into graduate school.

A major focus is the students public presentation of their research projects. Additionally students explore current issues and topics in the field of psychology. Students complete their professional portfolios and prepare for employment and/or graduate school after graduation.

Internships, cooperative work experiences and volunteer activities play a pivotal role in the psychology program. While gaining hands-on experience, students can use the internship to test out the many areas of psychology. Students have the opportunity to choose their internship site and work with a population of their choice.

Students spend approximately 150 hours per semester working in these agencies. Many students enjoy their internships so much that when they are offered a job at their site, due to their knowledge, skills and experience, they stay with that organization.

Internship opportunities include:

• Adrian Dominican Services
• Adrian Head Start
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Bixby Medical Center
• Boysville
• Catholic Charities
• Crisis Hot Line
• Department on Aging
• Dominican Life Center
• Department of Human Services
• Community Mental Health
• Domestic Violence Center
• Family Counseling and
• Children Services
• Lutheran Nursing Home
• Ozone House
• Monroe Youth Center
• Michigan Rehab Services
• Sage Center for Substance Abuse

At Siena Heights University students are prepared with the necessary skills and training to obtain employment with their bachelor’s degree in psychology. Employers find that psychology graduates possess great “people skills,” research/methodology, analytical and writing skills that are relevant in a variety of careers such as:

• Mental Health Counselor
• Employee Relations Officer
• Child Development Specialist
• Social Research Analyst
• Adoption Coordinator
• Geriatric Aide
• Education Specialist
• Wellness Program Director
• Art and Activity Therapist
• Community Agency Director
• Family and Child Advocate
• Student Development Leader
• Corrections Officer
• Grief Therapist
• Psychiatric Aide
• Youth Caseworker

Our graduates report that the program’s emphasis on theory, research and practice were critical in securing employment and/or admission into graduate school. Many of our students continue on to complete their master’s or doctorate degrees in Psychology or related fields.

The Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and the Psychology Club at Siena Heights University provide students with additional opportunities to participate in service projects and scholarly activities outside the classroom.

All students with an interest in Psychology can join the Psychology Club. Psychology majors and minors are invited to join Psi Chi if they have an overall GPA that is in the top 35% of their class based on rankings within sophomore, junior, and senior classes at Siena Heights University.

The mission of Psi Chi is to produce a well-educated, ethical, and socially responsible member committed to contributing to the science and profession of psychology and to society in general.

Psi Chi and the Psychology Club are involved with community services activities, fund raising, and support many special campus events.