The stress of modern life has given psychology a growing place of importance in our society. Asking questions and searching for answers about why people behave, believe, and act as they do is human nature. It is also psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior.

Mount Marty College psychology majors gain a broad understanding of human behavior to allow them to better understand why individuals act the way they do. Students develop a critical understanding of the field of psychology and insight into human behavior, appreciate the role psychology plays in shaping society, and become prepared for graduate training or employment. In addition, students learn to think critically and discover ways to improve quality of
life.

Unlike most psychology programs in the region, MMC helps students prepare for a career after graduation by requiring students to select an area of emphasis within the major and complete service learning and internship experiences prior to graduation. As a result, graduates from Mount Marty College will have a clear advantage when competing for jobs with graduates from other schools. Given the small size of classes, professors teach all classes, know their students, and commit to helping their students to grow personally and professionally.

Psychology majors can choose from available emphases:

• Human Service emphasis prepares students to work with special populations in the human service industry. This emphasis teaches skills necessary to work in many settings with children, adolescents, elderly, developmentally disabled, or mentally ill.
• Counseling emphasis provides the coursework necessary to be a certified level one drug and alcohol counselor in the State of South Dakota.
• Graduate School emphasis prepares students for graduate school.

Areas of study include personality development, human relationships, people's adjustments to different environments, learning and memory, and mental illness. Basic experimental procedures as well as techniques for interacting with patients or clients are also part of the curriculum.

Mount Marty College believes it is important to combine theory and practice to ensure confident and competent practitioners. This curriculum combines a core of pre-professional studies and psychology courses to help students achieve personal development and professional competence.