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Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Fontbonne allows students to explore all aspects of the human experience — from individual brain functions to the actions of social groups within society. Students learn about human development, social and personality psychology, cognition, and many other topics. You will learn how to use the scientific method to answer questions, design research projects, and collect data that may help improve the human condition.

Psychology is well suited for students who are interested in understanding the cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional experiences of themselves and others and who enjoy applying the scientific approach to better understand human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition to a knowledge base in psychology, students learn essential critical thinking, problem solving, research and communication skills.

Within our 3/2 agreement, students may also apply to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis — all in just five years!

  • Meet Danica.

    Meet Danica.

    This transfer student was looking for expert instructors and a reputable program.

    Read more about her.

    “I was a transfer student to Fontbonne University. I chose the psychology program because I loved the fact that the instructors were still actively working and researching in their field.

    I was able to not only get an internship at the Clayton Sleep Institute, where I dreamed of working, but I was offered a full-time job there after I graduate and a full scholarship for the accreditation course I will be taking! None of this would have been possible without the knowledge and skills that I learned in my courses.

Program Highlights

  • Psychology majors work closely with full-time faculty throughout all four years of the program in order to tailor the program to best support each student’s unique strengths and interests.
  • A variety of experiential learning opportunities are available to students, including psychology labs, internships, service projects and research projects.
    Students have an opportunity to do 1-1 research with faculty, including designing and implementing their own research projects during the final year of the program.
  • Many of our students present their research at local conferences: a rare opportunity for undergraduate students.
  • About half of our psychology majors apply to graduate programs and the other half apply for jobs after graduation; our curriculum includes courses that prepare students for both of these options.

Psychology Course Samples

  • PSY 445

    Biological Psychology

    3 credits

    This course explores the physiological foundations of
    behavior, cognition, and emotional processes. Particular
    emphasis is given to current research advances that
    illustrate the dynamic functions of the brain and nervous
    system. Anatomical and physiological mechanisms
    relevant to sensation and perception, development,
    behavior, emotion, movement, learning, and memory are
    emphasized. The physiological and genetic bases of
    pathology, psychopharmacology, addiction, and aging
    processes are also considered.

  • PSY 200

    Developmental Psychology

    3 credits

    A study of the nature of human development across the life span. The course covers the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of the individual for each of the major developmental periods: infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The psychosocial experience of aging and death is also examined.

  • PSY 305

    Personality Psychology

    3 credits

    Personality psychology involves the scientific study of the
    enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that
    characterize individuals and influence their behavior. This
    course provides an overview of techniques, procedures,
    and findings from the field of personality psychology.
    Attention is paid to the historical background of various
    perspectives, but the primary emphasis of the course is on
    contemporary theory and research as well as discussion of
    critical issues in the field.

Graduate Successes

Recent graduates of our psychology and applied behavioral sciences majors are employed at organizations such as:

  • Metro Bi-State Development Agency
  • The Jane Doe Advocacy Center
  • Market Probe Market Research
  • Maritz
  • Express Scripts
  • Giant Steps (supporting children with Autism)
  • St. Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Northwestern Mutual Finance
  • Market Strategies International
  • Interac (teaching ESL in Japan)
  • Teach for America
  • Veteran’s Business Resource Center
  • Sisters of Loretto Catholic Worker Program
  • Americorps
  • Youth in Need
  • The U.S. Army

Recent graduates are enrolled in graduate programs at institutions throughout the country. Some programs our recent alumni have enrolled in include:
Ph.D. program in School Psychology at UMSL
Ph.D. program in Psychology at SUNY- Buffalo
Ph.D. program in Behavioral Medicine at the University of Southern California
Ph.D. Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis
MA in clinical psychology program, SIUE
MA in counseling program, UMSL
MA in counseling program, Webster University
MA in counseling program, Concordia University
MA in counseling program, SEMO
MSOT program, Washington University in St. Louis
MSW program at SLU
MSW program at Washington University
MA in Instructional Technology, SIUE
MA in Healthcare Management program, SLU
MA in Special Education – Paraprofessional PathwaysSM, Fontbonne University
MA in Criminal Justice program, UMSL

Internships/In-Field Learning Experience

Fontbonne University students have obtained internships at the following organizations:

  • Equine Assisted Therapy (OT)
  • Alton Memorial and St. Claire Hospitals
  • St. Louis Crisis Nursery
  • Clayton Sleep Institute
  • Pattonville School District
  • Preferred Family Healthcare
  • Bright Horizons Learning Center

Psychology Career Opportunities

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact our Office of Admission: 314-889-1400 or 1-800-205-5862 | fbyou@fontbonne.edu