Psychology

Learn to think, write and engage critically and quantitatively to understand the multiple areas of scientific psychology for a career in research, medicine, counseling and related fields.

Psychology  – B.S. in Psychology, Minor

Students in the Psychology department at Montana State work in a collaborative environment for innovative and scientific discovery in psychological science, as well as for the attainment of psychological literacy. Emphasis is placed on applying and understanding knowledge that concerns the behavioral and cognitive processes of humans and other animals, learning of various research methods used to study psychological phenomena and insight into the strengths and limitations of each.

In addition to a major, Psychology is also able to be taken as a minor.

 

 

Benjamin Oosterhoff and Cara Palmer, professors in the Department of Psychology, recently had a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics which found that teenagers’ attachment to their communities as well as their beliefs about the coronavirus are key factors in predicting how adolescents respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

An illustration of a line graph, its trending line pointing upwards.

Top Public University in Montana
According to the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges, Montana State is the No. 1 Public University in the state based on value, post-graduation salary and student experience. 

An illustration of a box, three arrows pointing outwards from each plane.

Unique Opportunities
As Montana's premier research institution, Montana State offers unparalleled access to hands-on experiences in research labs, art studios, teaching farms and the surrounding wilderness.

 An illustration of a microscope in profile.

Hands-On Learning
With the senior thesis capstone course, students conduct psychological research or perform fieldwork in a real-world setting.

 

 

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Psychology students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

  • Counseling
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Human Resource Management
  • Higher Education
  • Medical School

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available, including self-assessment and working with career coaches.