Psychology

Darla Frandrup, Regents Science 236
507-786-3142

wp.stolaf.edu/psych

The Department of Psychology is committed to maintaining a rigorous academic curriculum within a supportive community structure. It seeks to address broad questions posed by a liberal education and specific concerns of individual students. St. Olaf College’s mission statement provides a framework for curriculum, personal development, and community relations. Because life is more than facts and theories, the Psychology Department encourages students to be responsible citizens dedicated to service, as well as scientific seekers of truth.

Psychology courses introduce the disciplinary knowledge that nurtures growth and behavioral change while providing background for advanced study. Psychology contributes to majors in social work and nursing, to concentrations in environmental studies, family studies, Asian studies, applied linguistics, neuroscience, and gender and sexuality studies, and to the psychology core of the social studies education major.

Psychology majors are prepared for graduate and professional programs in psychology, medicine, law, physical therapy, social work, nursing, and ministry and for entering positions in business, government, or industry.

Overview of the Major

The Department of Psychology follows the American Psychological Association’s guidelines of “synthesizing the natural and social science aspects of the discipline, in part, by requiring students to take courses in both knowledge bases.” Thus both interpersonal and investigative skills are enhanced. Students benefit from research in the library, laboratory, and field, as well as from internships. Through course structure and faculty diversity, the department challenges students to think critically and creatively as they investigate ways in which animals, especially humans, adapt to their environment through biological, social, emotional, spiritual, perceptual, behavioral, linguistic, and cognitive processes.

Special Programs

The Psychology Club, open to all students interested in psychology, is an active organization on campus, as is Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. Together they offer group activities of psychological interest. Psychology majors are eligible for affiliate membership in the American Psychological Association and to receive its publications and announcements.

Special study programs include the social studies education program with a major in psychology and internship programs to pursue special areas of interest in the field.

Research groups in the department allow students to participate in a research program associated with a faculty member. Participation in these research groups allows students to learn how research is done in psychology, to practice skills they will need in graduate school and other employment, and to begin the process of becoming a psychologist. Often the research done in research groups is presented at national and regional conferences and published in professional journals.

Departmental honors and awards include the Gordon Allport Award granted each spring to the junior whose aspirations are in basic sympathy with Allport’s views and who has made efforts to develop his or her own talents, interests, and personality toward fulfilling his or her individual potential. A psychology endowment fund provides funding for equipment, supplies, and travel expenses for students undertaking research in the department.

Recommendations for Graduate Study

Students who wish to attend graduate school are encouraged to consult with the psychology faculty to plan a course of study appropriate to their interests.