Briar Cliff University - The Catholic Franciscan Learning Place

Psychology Department

Believe it or not, only about 40 percent of psychologists are counselors or therapists. The rest are government or military workers, school counselors, research assistants, data analysis technicians -- even pharmacists! 

Guess which company has the most number pf psychologists on staff. If you guessed Proctor and Gamble, you were right. The household goods company has its psychologists perform market analysis, product design, product placement testing and product usability assessment. 

Opportunities in the field of psychology are limitless, because it is, by definition, the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. 

Typically, psychology undergraduate majors at Briar Cliff follow one of three tracks:

1. Some students plan ultimately to attend graduate school in psychology;
2. Other students desire an undergraduate program that will lead to a job in a particular area (e.g., an entry level counseling or clinical position);
3. Other students simply want to obtain a Bachelor's degree and enter the workforce.

Do I have to go to graduate school?

No, you do not have to go to graduate school. In fact, nealry 70 percent of our students seek emloyment immediately after graduation. With that being said, there are certain occupations within the field of psychology in which a graduate degree is a necessity.Our remaining students enter graduate or professional programs in psychology (clinical, industrial/organizational, experimental, educational), social work, law and medicine, among others. 

Talk with our department about your career aspirations, and we will guide you in the right direction!

Why should I do research?

Whether you are pursuing a degree right out of undergrad or going to graduate school, research can be important. It provides a venue, outside of the classroom, for professors to observe you and get to know you, possibly leading to stronger letters of recommendation from them. It helps students learn many valuable lessons which are important no matter your career path (i.e., time management, oral and written communication skills, etc.).