Psychology

College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior, cognition, and emotion. It is a broad discipline that includes both basic research and the application of research findings to everyday life. The Sacramento State Psychology Department offers an undergraduate major and minor in Psychology and an undergraduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, there are graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and General Psychology, which includes a broad representation of psychology research areas and interests.  At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, students may choose coursework, fieldwork, and research experiences that allow them to emphasize such areas as Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Community Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Neuroscience,  Personality, and Social Psychology.

The Psychology program at Sacramento State is highly sought after and the undergraduate major is now officially impacted. Students wishing to become Psychology majors must meet eligibility requirements before applying for admission to the program. It is highly recommended that interested students speak with a Psychology advisor as soon as possible.

Degree Programs

Certificate in Behavior Analysis

Minor in Psychology

BA in Psychology

MA in Psychology (General Psychology)

MA in Psychology (Industrial-​Organizational Psychology)

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Special Features

  • The Psychology Department is housed in Amador Hall and contains extensive human and animal research facilities.
  • The Psychological Services Center provides excellent learning opportunities for students in Applied Behavior Analysis. The six-room suite is equipped for audio and video recording of research sessions and a kitchenette for studies with children diagnosed with feeding difficulties.
  • Available facilities support operant and neuroscience research with animals, including a rodent colony as well as equipment for behavioral procedures, histological techniques, and neurophysiological recordings.
  • Computer labs are available for data collection, analysis, and teaching.
  • The Psychology Department maintains close ties with the Sacramento community. Each year students conduct research projects or fieldwork in various community organizations and state agencies.
  • Students are able to take independent study courses in Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Neuroscience, Perception, and Social Psychology.
  • The Prospects Peer Mentoring and Advising Program allows students to give and receive information and support regarding academic and career planning.
  • Our Annual Psychology Department Research Conference showcases student and faculty research projects for the campus community, providing professional development opportunities for students.
  • Several student organizations are involved in extracurricular activities: Psi Chi, Psychology Society, and the Student Association for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Career Possibilities

Individuals with a Bachelor of Arts

Administrative Service Manager · Admissions Counselor · Behavior Specialist · Community Service Manager · Employee Assistance Program Associate · Health Educator · Human Factors Specialist · Management Analyst · Market Research Analyst · Mental Health Worker · Public Relations Specialist · Sales Manager · Sales Representative · Victim Advocate.

Individuals with a Master of Arts

Autism Specialist · Behavior Analyst · Behavioral Consultant · Case Manager · Career Counselor · Community College Instructor · Human Resource Specialist · Mental Health Counselor · Personnel Analyst · Private Sector Consultant · Program Director· Psychometric Specialist · Personnel Selection Consultant · Research Analyst · Research Program Manager · Research Technician · School Consultant · Test Validation Specialist · Training and Development Specialist

Contact Information

Rebecca Cameron, Department Chair
Pat Hughes, Administrative Support Coordinator
Amador Hall 350
(916) 278-6254
www.csus.edu/psyc

Faculty

ACEVES-AZUARA, ITZEL

AKUTSU, PHILLIP D.

AUGUST, RACHEL A.

BOHON, LISA

BRAND, DENYS

CALTON, JEFFREY L.

CAMERON, REBECCA P.

CYRENNE, DE-LAINE

DEMIR, MELIKSAH

ELLISON, ERIN ROSE

ENDRIGA, MARYA C.

FLICKER, SHARON

FURTAK, SHARON

GARCIA PERAZA, PAULETTE

GIGUERE, DAVID

HARRISON, LISA A.

HEINICKE, MEGAN

HURTZ, GREGORY

KIM-JU, GREGORY

KNIFSEND, CASEY

MIGUEL, CAIO F.

MORRISON, ALEXANDRA

PENROD, BECKY

QIN, JIANJIAN

ROBERTS, KIM A.

SCHUDSON, ZACHARY

STRAND, SARAH

STRICKLAND, ORIEL J.

WICKELGREN, EMILY A.

YOUNG, BRITTANY