This is a great major for students who are interested in an education and careers that focus on the relationships between health and behavior and how we might have a positive impact on these. I hope you'll join us in this exciting educational process! Read through the following information and I know you'll be as excited about this program as we are!

Sincerely,
Judy Cusumano, Ph.D.

The field of health psychology emphasizes a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors when exploring wellness and disease.  Health psychology looks at ways of optimizing health, preventing and treating illness, and reducing the risk of disease through the interplay of medical, behavioral, and emotional factors.

Health psychology also focuses on the application of psychological research in promoting wellness, fostering healthy lifestyles, and encouraging treatment compliance.

At Jefferson College of Health Sciences, the Health Psychology undergraduate program offers a well-rounded education in the basic principles of psychology, with emphasis on the interaction between psychology and health, and the behavioral principles that can influence health outcomes.  The program is grounded in both psychological theory and research.  Students learn the theories, basic research principles and statistical methods that guide psychological inquiry.  This provides the basis for a generalist psychology degree as well as a specialty in health psychology.  The relationship of health psychology to other healthcare fields in the role of facilitating healthy behaviors and promoting the development of resilience is covered, and the principles of public health, epidemiology, and health education complete the curriculum.

The Health Psychology program also teaches critical thinking skills, communication skills, science and math skills, and knowledge of contemporary healthcare issues.  As with all programs at JCHS, the Health Psychology program prepares graduates who are knowledgeable, ethical, competent, and caring healthcare professionals.

Individuals with undergraduate degrees in health psychology can apply for entry level positions in social services, volunteer organizations, and public health service organizations.  Graduates may also work in community health education positions, research assistant positions, and other employment opportunities involving the promotion of healthy behaviors and lifestyles.  Additionally, students with a bachelor of science degree in health psychology are well-positioned for graduate education in psychology and other related fields. 

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values consistent with the science and application of psychology, as developed by the American Psychological Association's Board of Educational Affairs (APA, 2002). 

Students will be able to:

1.     Demonstrate familiarity with a broad knowledge base of psychology that includes psychological theory, research, and historical trends.

2.     Understand and apply basic psychology research concepts, including research design, data analysis and interpretation of research findings.

3.     Demonstrate the use of critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to problem-solving and reasoning.

4.     Understand and apply psychological principles to individual and community issues involving health and wellness.

5.     Value empirical evidence, recognize and respect diversity of explanations, and act ethically and with academic integrity.

6.     Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological and social determinants of health and healthy behaviors.

7.     Understand the application of behavior change techniques for the purpose of influencing healthy lifestyles.

8.     Be well positioned for entry level employment in social service/ health organizations or graduate study as a result of a well-grounded foundation of knowledge and skills in psychology.

9.     Demonstrate effective professional communication, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.