Wesleyan University Counseling and Psychology Degree Programs
Wesleyan University appears in our ranking of the 50 Great Small Colleges for a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Counselors and psychologists provide a valuable service to individuals and families who may be dealing with a wide range of issues, including mental health problems, substance abuse or family difficulties. In order to obtain a position as a counselor or psychologist, a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum education accepted. Wesley University offers several degree programs designed to prepare people for careers in this growing field.
The major in psychology provides students with an understanding of the mind, brain, and behavior. Students are provided instruction in human development, social psychology, cognitive psychology, cultural psychology, neuroscience, and psychopathology. They also have the ability to work alongside faculty conducting research designed to improve the psychology field. Students understand and interpret basic theoretical perspectives, scientific principles and empirical findings in neuroscience and/or cognition, psychopathology and/or developmental psychology, as well as social and/or cultural psychology.
The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts Combined Psychology program at Wesleyan University which allows students to complete their degree in five years and earn both a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Master of Arts upon completion. The program requires a close working relationship with a faculty mentor as the program focuses strongly on research. Students must complete and orally defend a thesis in order to complete the degree.
About Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University began with just 48 students in 1831 and was named for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It is one of the oldest Methodist institutes of higher learning in the United States. Wesleyan was unique from the start as it offered a strong liberal arts program rather than focus on theological training. In addition, the curriculum focused on literature, natural science and modern languages, placing those studies on the same level with classic programs.
The school admitted only men when it first opened and most of those enrolled were of the Methodist faith. In 1872, women were admitted but male alumni felt that admitting women lowered the standards of education offered by Wesleyan. The Connecticut College for Women in New London was created in 1911 to address the issue and women were no longer permitted to attend Wesleyan. The school separated from the Methodist Church in 1937.
In 1968, women were again admitted to Wesleyan as transfer students and were granted full admission status in 1970. There are approximately 3,000 students enrolled at Wesleyan University today. The school colors, cardinal red and black, were adopted in 1884 in order to create a more striking look as opposed to lavender which was the original choice. In the early 1930s, the sports teams at Wesleyan were known as the “Methodists” and a newspaper reporter labeled them the “Mysterious Ministers of Middletown” after a 1932 game, something that annoyed most of the team. Walter W. Fricke, Class of 1933 and captain of the baseball team, purchased a jacket with a cardinal on the breast pocket and the bird became the school mascot. The Wesleyan Shield is a design taken directly from the family coat of arms of John Wesley. Today, the college uses an open shield to represent a more open and inclusive university.
Notable alumni include television writer Carter Bays, film producer Michael Bay, filmmaker Ruth Behar, head coach of the New England Patriots Bill Belichick and the former Governor of Virginia Gerald Baliles.
Featured Programs
Wesleyan University Accreditation Details
Wesleyan University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation indicates that the school has the resources to meet their stated goals and objectives. It also indicates that Wesleyan offers degree programs that are of the highest quality as determined by criteria created by the Commission. Periodically, the school undergoes a peer-review process to confirm programs offered continue to meet the Commission’s criteria. Any areas that are identified as needing improvement are addressed as quickly as possible.
Wesleyan University Application Requirements
In order to apply for an undergraduate degree in psychology, applicants must do so prior to the end of their sophomore year at Wesleyan. They must also demonstrate they have completed two full-credit courses in the field of psychology and received a “B” or higher in each course. They must have completed an introductory psychology course and fulfilled their Stage I General Education Expectations at Wesleyan.
In order to apply to the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Psychology, applicants must be Senior Psychology Majors and in the first semester of their senior year. They also must have a strong academic record, show evidence of advanced academic classwork and substantive research experience. They must be motivated to research independently as well as collaboratively.
Admission to Wesleyan University is competitive with 13,358 applications submitted in 2019 with only 2,187 admitted, representing just over 16 percent of all applications. The median SAT score for enrolled students is a combined 1,520 and ACT scores average 34. Of those admitted, 68 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.
Wesleyan University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition at Wesleyan University is $56,704 per year. Approximately 42 percent of students received need-based scholarships totaling $45,875. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for assistance. Assistance is awarded solely on the basis of financial need. Scholarships at Wesleyan University total almost $57 million and, each year, the Freeman Asian Scholars program awards scholarships to 11 incoming international students.
In order to reduce student debt, families who earn less than $60,000 per year are often offered assistance that eliminates the need for student loans while those whose family income is between $60,000 and $80,000 are offered assistance that reduces the need for student loans. Two years of undergraduate tuition for those enrolled in the BA/MA in Psychology program are waived to help reduce the cost of tuition.
Wesleyan University offers several degree options in the field of psychology. Wesleyan University does not offer online degree programs but does offer some courses in an online format that adds to the flexibility of the program. Wesleyan University offers programs in a distinctive teacher-scholar culture, creative teaching experiences and a commitment to interdisciplinary learning.
Related Resources:
- 5 Tips for Landing Your First Job after Earning a Psychology Degree
- Is an Online Psychology Degree Cheaper Than a Traditional One?
- Should One Expect to attend Graduate School with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do With a Bachelors Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Interests Would Lead One to Obtain an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Job Outlook for Careers with an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Outlook for Careers in Psychology?
