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Psychology at Saint Martin's University structures coursework and field placements to integrate experiential learning with rigorous study of psychology, closely aligned with the Benedictine principle of service to others.

Program highlights

  • Faculty exclusively staffed by clinical and experimental professionals. All faculty are trained as practitioners as well as researchers.
  • One 15-week required internship for all majors in either research or applied tracks.
  • Research projects generated and carried out by students. Faculty act as guides.
  • Approximately 60 percent of graduates move directly into entry-level social service positions. Remaining graduates pursue advanced degrees in counseling and social work
  • Participation in Psi Chi, the psychology honor society for exceptional students.
  • Student leadership opportunities through Saint Martin's Psychology Club.
  • Students are encouraged to attend and present at conferences.

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  • Research and internships

    Students may take as many as twelve internship credits while completing their degrees. Students pursue internships consistent with their own interests in a variety of settings. These include school counseling, youth outreach, parent and family support, juvenile and adult corrections, drug and alcohol counseling, youth recreation leadership, mental health counseling, case management, social welfare casework, elder services, halfway house and shelter work, vocational rehabilitation, and personnel work.

    Internship locations include:

    • Community Mental Health Centers
    • Correctional facilities
    • Military/JBLM
    • Thurston County prosecutor's office
    • Crisis Clinics
    • Haven House

    In addition to internship opportunities, Saint Martin’s psychology students are encouraged refine and present their senior capstone research projects at such venues as:

    • Western Psychological Association conferences
    • American Psychological Association (APA) conferences
  • Career paths

    A Bachelor of Arts in psychology prepares graduates for advanced study in counseling and social work, along with careers in a variety of health and human service fields including:

    • Mental health services
    • Law enforcement
    • Teaching
    • Art or music therapy
    • Crisis work
    • Labor relations

    In addition, an array of professions utilizes the skills of critical and scientific thinking about behavioral experiences that are developed as a participant in the Psychology Program. These include fields such as:

    • Business
    • Law school
    • Banking
    • Physical therapy and occupational therapy programs
    • Social work

    For a complete list of professional applications, visit "What Can I Do With This Major". For additional information about how Saint Martin’s can help you find the career for you, visit our Career Center.

Requirements

Major

  • 40-46 semester hours of CORE requirements
  • 12 semester hours of lower-division courses
  • 30 semester hours of upper-division courses

*In addition to required courses, Saint Martin’s offer a variety of interesting and unique electives courses such as Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Psychology and Law and Trauma and Recovery.

Minor

  • Six semester hours of lower-division courses
  • 15 semester hours of upper-division courses

Saint stories

Photo of Lauren Curtis, Emily Coyle, Ph.D., Dana Henry, and Kiernan Hawthrone

Hearing the homeless

"I think it’s important for everyone to take a step back and understand that there are many reasons why one can become homeless.” 

Dana Henry Psychology Class of 2019

Read full story

Faculty