Psychology
Minor (M)
Undergraduate Minor
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Psychology is the science of mind and behavior.
Overview
This program delves into the study of thought, action, and emotion, exploring how people influence and interact with one another, develop over time, and the role biological mechanisms play in psychological processes. The curriculum is designed to offer both breadth and depth in the field, preparing students for diverse career paths and advanced studies.
You will engage in courses that cover key areas of psychology, including behavioral neuroscience, cognition and perception, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Electives encourage the exploration of advanced topics like psychopathology, psychology and culture, and organizational psychology, allowing your education to fit your unique interests and career goals.
Minoring in psychology means joining a vibrant academic community dedicated to inquiry, integrity, and creativity. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities and research projects, which enhance your practical skills and employability. With a strong support system and a commitment to your success, Grand Valley State University is an excellent choice for those passionate about understanding human behavior and making a positive impact in the field of psychology.
A teachable minor in psychology is also available.
Department of Psychology
gvsu.edu/psychology
2224
Au Sable Hall
(616) 331-2195
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 40,248.32 | 10% |
| $ 68,181.21 | 25% |
| $105,926.68 | 50% |
| $179,264.72 | 75% |
| $304,123.27 | 90% |
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 40,910.71 | 10% |
| $ 47,837.16 | 25% |
| $ 59,027.84 | 50% |
| $ 73,775.42 | 75% |
| $ 80,496.26 | 90% |
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 56,358.27 | 10% |
| $ 65,835.85 | 25% |
| $ 81,014.02 | 50% |
| $103,903.07 | 75% |
| $144,759.01 | 90% |
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,664.74 | 10% |
| $ 62,487.44 | 25% |
| $ 76,846.77 | 50% |
| $ 91,503.02 | 75% |
| $105,223.38 | 90% |
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Psychology Club, Psi Chi, and SAGE
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Grand Valley has several psychology-focused student organizations/clubs.
Psych Friends Peer Mentoring
Psych Friends Peer Mentoring aims to increase the academic success & well-being of psychology students by connecting upper division psychology majors (mentors) with students newer to the major (mentees). Psych Friends is a great way to expand your knowledge on all that the field of psychology has to offer and to build a social network with others within the psychology community.
Teachable Minor Available
A teachable minor in psychology is also available. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the psychology minor. A minimum 2.7 GPA is required in the minor for students seeking teaching certification at the secondary level.
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