Psychology
You’ll find Hastings College Psychology graduates in dozens of different career settings, including service as school psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers, marketing and advertising experts, neuropsychologists at hospitals and research assistants in doctorate (PhD) programs. Others continue their studies with plans of becoming a counselor, occupational therapist or art therapist; or joining a law enforcement agency.
As a Psychology major at Hastings College, you’ll explore human behavior with professors who have a variety of specialties and interests. This allows you to experience a broad range of disciplines while tailoring coursework to areas you find most intriguing. You’ll be involved in writing research proposals, conducting experiments, analyzing results and writing for publication.
You’ll discover how to effectively use technology, including sophisticated data analysis software; how to navigate the vast body of psychological knowledge; and what methods are best for designing and conducting research.
In addition to broad introductory and general-interest courses (such as neuroscience; statistics; and diversity, culture and power), we offer specific expertise courses such as psychopathology, health psychology, animal behavior and cognition, adolescent development and emerging adulthood, victimology, environmental sociology and the sociology of sport.
Go further with a Hastings College education
Thanks to our small class sizes (most have fewer than 20 students!), and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, you’ll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!
Our block-style semester structure means you’ll take just one or two classes at a time — which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because they’re only teaching one or two classes in a block!
Create your future
See for yourself how we tailor your education to your talents and your goals. Schedule a visit and we’ll demonstrate how Hastings will inspire you to reach your potential, or if you’re a high school senior, apply today.
Graduate with experience
While growing your abilities as a Psychology major at Hastings College, you’ll demonstrate an understanding of the goals, methods of knowing, areas of study and assumptions that characterize psychology. Through a broad collection of classes, you’ll gain an appreciation of how psychology connects to so many other fields.
Numerous social service agencies rely on our psychology majors to assist with projects. You may find yourself in an internship supporting persons with intellectual disabilities at Mosaic, completing casework for clients with enCourage Advocacy Center, helping children by serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or providing meals to elementary students as leader of the Food4Thought program. You might shadow staff at The Bridge and Bristol Station as well as the Hastings Public Schools’ psychologist.
Your experience matters
![Psychology 2 Performance icon](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/Performance_icon-150x150.png)
Maximize scholarships — Yes, you’ll get an academic scholarship. But you’ll also get a “plus one” scholarship from the group, team or area you’re part of. It’s a great way to help pay for school — but also to find your people.
![Psychology 3 FourYearPlan 23](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/FourYearPlan_23-150x150.png)
We’ve thought a lot about the ways students learn and built a four-year plan to help you navigate it all. From finding your place and in Year 1, to showing the world you’re ready for what’s next four years later.
![Psychology 4 YourExperienceMatters 23](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/YourExperienceMatters_23-150x150.png)
Your transition from college to a career begins your first semester. Every class, internship, research study and activity adds up. We love to celebrate all the ways you shine — your experience matters!
Get involved beyond the Psychology classroom
- Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society)
- Psi Chi (National Psychology Honor Society)
In addition to Alpha Chi and Psi Chi, there’s always something to do at Hastings. Student clubs, service learning, Greek life, recreation and more make Hastings College a great campus for student life.
Find scholarships for Psychology majors
Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Then there’s “plus one” scholarships — an additional scholarship for participating in anything from athletics to the arts to media (it’s a long list!).
It all adds up to making Hastings an great choice for you and your family.
First employers for recent graduates
- Mary Lanning Healthcare
- Children’s Rehab Center
- Children’s Hospital & Medical Center–Omaha
- Integrated Life Choices
- Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
- The Peace Corps
![Psychology 5 facebook icon](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/facebook_icon.jpg)
Faculty
![Psychology 6 Photo of Juliana Cardoso Smith](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/JulianaCardosoSmith-300x300.png)
Dr. Juliana Cardoso
Assistant Professor of Psychology
![Psychology 7 Stephanie Furrer](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/Stephanie-Furrer-300x300.png)
Dr. Stephanie Furrer
Professor of Psychology
![Psychology 8 NicoleMuszynski 1](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/NicoleMuszynski-1-300x300.png)
Dr. Nicole Muszynski
Assistant Professor of Psychology
![Psychology 9 Rachael Robinson-Keilig](https://www.hastings.edu/wp-content/uploads/RachaelRobinsonKeilig-300x300.png)
Dr. Rachael Robinson-Keilig
Associate Professor of Psychology
Success in Psychology
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Since she was young, Josie Polacek, who graduated in May with distinction in psychology, knew she wanted to become a practicing art therapist and counselor. To do that, she knew...
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When starting her career in a high school this fall, Melissa Burke ‘17 wasn’t expecting her job to be fully online. The Hastings College psychology and health administration graduate works...
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