Concentrations
Psychology Major Concentrations: Child, Clinical, Cognitive, General, Behavioral Neuroscience
There are three degree types (BA, BS, BSss) available at ETSU. There are five major concentrations available. Most psychology departments do not have a wide variety of major concentrations and our Department is proud to offer such a diversity of choice. You might choose a concentration other than General if you feel strongly about a likely career path or if you are just interested in a particular broad area of psychology.
It is good to get advised by a faculty member in your choice of degree and concentration types. All major concentrations require the completion of a minor. To change your degree type, major concentration, and/or minor, use this form.
From a practical point of view, the major differences are the required allied courses and the minors associated with the types. There are guide sheets associated with each major concentration and they are listed below the general descriptions by degree type, so make sure you understand the differences between degree types. Other concentration differences are listed by type:
General Psychology: this is the most common degree awarded in the country, and you will do just fine with this as your major regardless of your career trajectory. You choose your minor here and it can be anything at all. Selection of a minor can be strategic to combine a particular subject of study with Psychology, or can be something you just find interesting.
Behavioral Neuroscience: this is a major area of study that concentrates on the biological bases of behavior, particularly the importance of understanding the central and peripheral nervous systems in appreciating human experience. The minor is Biology and note that Biology for Majors (BIOL 1110/11) is required regardless of degree type. Chemistry courses are also required.
Child Psychological Science: this major is for those interested in early human development and/or those interested in working with children (either clinically or in educational or other settings). This concentration requires a minor in Human Development and Learning.
Clinical Psychological Science: this major is for those interested in pursuing careers in the helping professions (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work, medical professions). This concentration requires a minor in Sociology and Anthropology.
Cognitive Science: this major is for those interested in the philosophy and mechanisms related to human information processing (e.g., decision making, memory, schema formation, interpretation of information). This concentration requires a minor in Philosophy.