Psychological Science

Faculty

Mareike B. Wieth, chair and professor.
B.A., Kenyon College; M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University. Appointed 2005.

Shanti A. Brown, assistant professor.
B.A., Albion College; Ph.D. Central Michigan University. Appointed 2020.

Andrew N. Christopher, professor.
B.B.A., Stetson University; M.B.A., Southern Methodist University; M.S., Ph.D., University of Florida. Appointed 2001.

Holger B. Elischberger, professor.
B.A., M.A., University of Würzburg; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Appointed 2005.

Jerry Fisher, visiting assistant professor.
B.A., Indiana University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Appointed 2023.

Andrea P. Francis, associate professor.
B.S., Colorado State University; M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University. Appointed 2010.

Eric D. Hill, associate professor.
B.A., Oglethorpe University; M.A., Ph.D., Arizona State University. Appointed 2010.

Tammy J. Jechura, associate professor.
B.S., Bowling Green State University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2004.

Introduction

Psychological science studies the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. As a discipline, psychology spans the natural and social sciences and is based on rigorous scientific analysis and methodologies. Specialty areas represented in the department include clinical, cognitive, developmental, educational, industrial/organizational, physiological, health, and social psychology.

Students who major in psychological science have the oppurtunity to engage in research and internship experiences through laboratory courses, directed study projects, honors theses, and the departments’ internship program (Psychology Practicum). Our undergraduate research opportunities teach students to develop testable questions and hypotheses, operationally define variables, gather and analyze data, interpret results, and write research reports using APA format, all of which are skills that are valued in many work settings and necessary for graduate study. During their junior and senior years, students are able to participate in the department’s internship program (Psychology Practicum) that allows them to work in a variety of field settings (e.g., mental hospitals, juvenile homes, counseling centers, schools and human resource departments), thus further providing hands on experience within different areas of psychology. Finally, in all of our courses as well as in research and intership experiences, the Department of Psychological Science emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, communication and research skills.

Psychological Science Department Website

Career Opportunities

The Department of Psychological Science offers a variety of courses and opportunities designed to prepare students for work in psychology and psychology related fields (e.g., research, human services settings and secondary education). In addition, the department of psychological science has a proven track record of success in preparing students for graduate studies in all areas of psychology. Furthermore, the psychological science major at Albion College also provides excellent preparation for a large variety of other professional areas, including law, medicine and business.

Special Features

Because the department has a strong commitment to hands-on experiences, upper-level students are strongly encouraged to make use of Olin Hall’s laboratory facilities for investigating memory, psychophysiology, cognition, language, learning, personality, developmental and social psychology in collaboration with faculty. Furthermore, students in their junior or senior year are encouraged to participate in a psychology based internship through out Psychology Practicum experiences. Instruction in the Department of Psychological Science includes lecture and class discussion as well as laboratory experiences.

Our major has been approved as a certifiable secondary school teaching major by the State Department of Education.

Albion maintains a chapter of Psi Chi, the national psychology honorary society.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Major

1. Students will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.

2. Students will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.

3. Students will be able to effectively communicate psychological research.

4. Students will be able to apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

5. Students will be able to apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Minor

1. Students will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.

2. Students will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.

3. Students will be able to apply Psychological content and skills to career goal.

Student Learning Outcomes for Psychological Science, with Secondary Education Certification, B.A.

1. Students will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.

2. Students will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.

3. Students will be able to effectively communicate psychological research.

4. Students will be able to apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

5. Students will be able to apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.

6. Students will be able to complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

Student Learning Outcomes for Psychological Science, with Secondary Educatin Certification, Minor

1. Students will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.

2. Students will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.

3. Students will be able to apply psychological content and skills to career goal.

4. Students will be able to complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

Programs

Major

Minor