Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Psychology at ETSU! The science of psychology examines the relationships between brain function and behavior, as well a between the environment and behavior, applying what we learn to illuminate our understanding and improve the world around us. Our internationally-renowned and award-winning faculty investigate some of the most complicated, intriguing, and contemporary research questions related to the human condition.

The Department of Psychology at ETSU offers doctoral and undergraduate programs of study. At the doctoral level, we offer a Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Psychology. The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology emphasizes clinical services in rural, primary care settings; the Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology emphasizes “translational” applications of psychological science and theory in the service of improving human health. Across both programs we enroll approximately 40 doctoral students at any one time. Admission is highly competitive.

At the undergraduate level, we offer the B.A. and B.S. degree in four concentrations: General Psychology, Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Health Professions. The Health Professions concentration, our newest addition, was designed as a track for pre-med students more interested in majoring in psychology than in the other natural sciences. We also offer a dual degree Psychology B.S. and Social Work B.S.W, offering students more professional options and allowing them elibigility to apply for an Advanced Standing M.S.W program, saving them time and money. All Psychology concentrations provide excellent all-around training in critical and quantitative thinking and in written and oral communication.  

For students not interested in pursuing graduate study, contrary to popular belief, an undergraduate degree in Psychology is extremely versatile. It prepares  students for practically an infinite variety of career paths, including in (but certainly not limited to) business; advertising; finance; marketing; sales; human resources; education; law enforcement, forensics, and public services; public policy and government; health-related professions; social and human services; sports and performance; environmental sciences, and working with children and families. In fact, employers often seek out students graduating with undergraduate Psychology degrees due to their knowledge about human behavior, mental health, critical thinking, and the scientific process.

Whether you dream of being a clinical or counseling psychologist, a psychological scientist, a college professor, or just want a well-rounded, undergraduate liberal arts education, the ETSU Department of Psychology is the perfect home for you. 

Ginni Blackhart, Ph. D.
Chair and Professor of Psychology