Psychology

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Chairperson: Dr. Virgil L. Sheets
Department Office: Root Hall, room B-205
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/psychology/
E-mail: psychdept@indstate.edu

Offering programs and courses in psychology and sociology, the Department of Psychology promotes a broad understanding of the social and individual bases of human behavior. Study of psychology and sociology supports careers in social services, health, education, business, and government. Graduates of the department often enter human services, business, or government, or do graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, human resources, or public health.

In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the College of Arts and Sciences and Indiana State University, courses in the department contribute to the Foundational Studies, Women’s Studies, and Honors Programs.

Degrees Offered

The Department of Psychology offers a major in psychology, minors in psychology and sociology, and programs for social studies education majors to become certified to teach sociology or psychology in secondary schools.

Students may choose a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree with a major in psychology. Candidates for either degree must successfully complete the University requirement of a minimum of 120 credits, including Foundational Studies course work, as well as major requirements. Candidates for a bachelor of arts degree must also complete two years, or the equivalent, of a non-native language. Students majoring in psychology are encouraged to choose a minor that complements their career goals, although a minor is not required for a degree.

The psychology major and minor are designed to provide students with a broad background in core areas of psychology while permitting enough flexibility to allow students to tailor their course work in consultation with their advisor to support their professional goals. The psychology major requires supervised training in the conduct of psychological research or the application of psychology in community settings. The psychology minor also requires training in scientific research methods. 

The sociology minor is also offered through the Department of Psychology. A minor in sociology provides foundational knowledge of social structures and behavior for students of criminology and criminal justice, psychology, social work, and family and human development studies.  Sociological training is also valuable for students entering teaching, nursing, business, and technology.  An optional internship/field placement is available for minors who wish to jump-start their plans for employment following graduation. Department faculty are happy to discuss the value of these programs in support of students’ career aspirations.

Departmental Opportunities

The department is housed in three floors of Root Hall, which was built in 1989. The department includes a well-equipped computer laboratory, research space, a psychology clinic, and classroom and office space. The department also houses the Survey Research Laboratory that offers psychology and sociology students opportunities to conduct research as part of their academic work, to assist in faculty-sponsored projects, and/or to conduct research of their own. 

The department sponsors the Psychological Society, which is open to all students interested in psychology, and Psi Chi, a national psychology honorary society, which is open by invitation only to junior and senior psychology majors in good academic standing. All students are invited to attend a variety of lectures and symposia presented by faculty and visiting national and international scholars.

Each year, awards are presented to outstanding students in psychology and sociology, based on academic excellence and notable service to the community.

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