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Centered on Humanistic Psychology

Our psychology major offers rigorous study of human science psychology that includes existential, cross-cultural, depth psychology and post-structuralist theories.

We encourage critical and holistic thinking in order to respectfully address the diverse and unique lived experiences of children and adults, and foster activist perspectives that enhance the well-being of persons and their communities.

Concentration Options

Students also have the opportunity to choose concentrations of study in the following areas:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Child psychology
  • Community psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Psychology of religion and spirituality 
Pictured are psychology undergraduate students at their blanket and coat drive for the homeless.

Courses & Topics

Our courses are designed to prepare students for continued study at the graduate level as clinicians and scholars.

You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the psychology major. Courses include:

  • Theories of Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Children's Play: Psychological Aspects
  • Counseling Practicum
  • Happiness, Well-Being and Human Strengths
  • Psychology of Diversity
  • Psychology of Gender
  • Psychology of Evil and Human Destructiveness
  • Indigenous Psychology

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom

Learn from faculty who have worked in various areas of psychology and had their research published in many scholarly journals.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Brent Robbins, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Psychology.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Brent Dean Robbins, Ph.D.
  • Recipient of the American Psychological Association's Carmi Harari Early Career Award
  • Published research includes mixed method investigations of emotion, embodiment, and the medicalization of the body
  • Past President and Committee Chair, Society for Humanistic Psychology

Psychology Internships

Students in our psychology major participate in internships and practicums at local agencies (many of which are within walking distance of campus) including:

  • Pictured is psychology alumna Robert Novia.Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
  • Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
  • AHEADD Achieving in Higher Education
  • Mercy Behavioral Health
  • Freedom Center
  • Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
  • The Icarus Project
  • Operation Better Block
  • Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh
  • The Project to End Human Trafficking
  • Secret Angel L
  • The Bradley Center

Career Options

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, our students are well-prepared for continued study at the graduate level or to pursue various career opportunities, such as:

  • Advocate
  • Administrator
  • Case Manager
  • Clinician
  • Licensed Counselor
  • Social, Market, or Data Researcher
  • Therapist
  • Therapeutic Support Specialist

Psychology Alumni in Graduate School

Alumni of our B.A. psychology program have gone on to complete graduate school at a variety of schools such as:

  • Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Duquesne University
  • The University of West Georgia
  • Chatham University
  • Seattle University
  • Carlow University

Alumni Success

Learn where our graduates have gone on to build their psychology careers.

More profiles
Pictured is psychology alumna Orlandria Parker.
Orlandria Smith '16
"While completing my undergraduate degree in psychology at Point Park University, I fell in love with the program’s ideology and holistic approach."
Pictured is psychology alumna Taylor Goska.
Taylor Goska '15
"Through my psychology course work, I became more aware of the experiences and emotions of others, which I believe has instilled in me a broader, more understanding perspective and compassionate approach to working with clients."

News & Features

Psychology Professor Recognized for Receiving Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award
Monday, April 16, 2018 Robert McInerney, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, was featured in the Society for Humanistic Psychology's April 2018 newsletter.
Psychology Professor Appointed to Pittsburgh's Gender Equity Commission
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 Sarah Schulz, Ph.D., LSW, was one of 13 individuals selected to be part of a new effort to study gender bias within the city.
Confluence Psychology Alliance Marks 10 Years Collecting Coats for City's Homeless
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Blankets, coats, hygiene products and more were collected and packaged for homeless individuals in the Pittsburgh area at Confluence Psychology Alliance's Blanket and Coat Drive Kick-Off Party Jan. 31 on campus.