Undergraduate Major
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A fascinating major and an applied science, psychology prepares students for careers in virtually any industry. It also prepares you for life by teaching important skills like communication and critical thinking. In addition to participating in real-world learning through internships and service learning experiences, psychology majors at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø conduct collaborative research alongside faculty scholars.
Career Outlook
Fast-Growing Profession
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø 12,900 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
High-Earnings Potential
The median annual wage for psychologists in 2024 was $94,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Options
- Psychologist
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Training and development
- Healthcare
- Criminal justice
- Teacher
- Human resources
- Social worker
Career Support at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø
17³Ô¹ÏÍø's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
Program Overview
- Application Instructions
Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities
Psychology Club is a university-wide student club and all students are welcome. PSI CHI is an international Honor Society and its membership is by invitation only. Psych Club and PSI CHI sponsor many activities including attendance at Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) annual conference, career panel, etc. Students who take service-learning courses have the opportunity to apply the content and skills learned in the classroom to service.
- Accreditation Statement
17³Ô¹ÏÍø is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- Opportunities for Majors
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club promotes interest in psychology and provides students with the opportunity to associate with other individuals who share similar interests. The club is open to all full-time students at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø and is a recognized organization of the Student Government Association. The Club sponsors lectures, career talks, get-togethers, Christmas on Campus, and service projects at area agencies. Dr. Erin Way, the faculty advisor, can be reached at erin.way@alvernia.edu or by telephone at 610-685-3257. You may also contact the Psychology Club officers through PAX.
PSI CHI International Honor Society
Psi Chi is an International Honor Society whose purpose is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Psi Chi sponsors speakers on campus, organizes trips to psychology conventions, and hosts informal discussion groups to discuss graduate work and careers in psychology. The advisor, Dr. Di You, can be reached by email at di.you@alvernia.edu or by telephone at 610-796-8354.
The Washington Center Experience
17³Ô¹ÏÍø students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.
Smart Ways to Save at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 99% of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Submit the FAFSA and we’ll help you explore scholarships, grants and work-study so you can focus on college—not the cost.
Qualified first-year students may earn 17³Ô¹ÏÍø merit scholarships and awards ranging from $23,000–$29,000 per year ($92,000–$116,000 over four years). That’s real savings that reflect your academic and personal achievements from day one.
Applying for aid is straightforward—and we’ll walk you through it. Complete the FAFSA and list 17³Ô¹ÏÍø (school code 003233) to be considered for federal, state and 17³Ô¹ÏÍø support.
Need-based grants can reduce your cost without adding repayment later. Full-time day students who file the FAFSA may be eligible—plus renewal options when you stay on track academically.
From work-study and campus jobs to experiential learning and paid internships, you can earn money while building your résumé. Ask about opportunities like the O’Pake Institute Fellows Program and 17³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Apprenticeship to Degree Program.
Get to Know Your Faculty
For more information about 17³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Psychology program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to program Psychology & Counseling Department Chair Di You at 610-796-8354 or di.you@alvernia.edu.
Over 800 students named to Spring 2026 Dean's List
To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12 credits.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø adds four business leaders to Board of Trustees
Quartet with strong legacies of expertise, service and philanthropy join the university’s Board.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø names new Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Attorney and Professor of Business Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM most recently served as Interim Provost and Associate Provost.
Over 90 Students Awarded at 2026 Honors Convocation