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| Faculty / Staff |
| • | Robert C. Reese, Ph.D., Program Director, Health Psychology |
| • | Francis C. Dane, Ph.D., Interim Program Director, Mathematics and Sciences |
| • | Glenn P. Kent, Ph.D. |
| • | Sarah E. Higginbotham, M.S. |
| • | Stuart Tousman, Ph.D. |
| • | Stacy H. Belkonen-Hibben, Ph.D. |
| • | Trent Davis, Ph.D. |
| • | Melanie F. Nix, M.S. |
| • | Mildred C. Huffman, M.S |
| • | Nicole Hoffman, Ph.D. |
| • | Joan Reese, Ph.D., J.D. |
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| Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology |
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Click here to see the Health Psychology section of the 2012-2013 JCHS Catalog.
Welcome to the Health Psychology Program webpage. We offer a baccalaureate degree in Health Psychology, and we are one of only a few programs in the United States who offer this degree. This is a great major for students who are interested in the connection between health and behavior who want to work in positions in which they can help influence healthy behaviors and healthy lifestyles in people of all ages and backgrounds. This is also a great degree for students who are planning to pursue graduate education in health psychology or a variety of other health-related fields.
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What is Health Psychology?
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The field of health psychology emphasizes a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors in health, 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. |
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Theory, Research and Fieldwork
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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 JCHS Health Psychology Program also provides students with the opportunity to get hands on experience working in the field and conducting research. Sophomores and Seniors participate in three semesters of fieldwork experiences, to help students apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to join a faculty member’s research team and participate in research design, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings. Both of these experiences are of vital importance for the integration of knowledge and practice, and greatly enhance students’ applications for graduate school, should they choose to pursue additional education upon graduation.
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. |
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Careers in Health Psychology
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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 health psychology, other areas of psychology and related fields, including Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant studies. |
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Additional Information
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Please see the Health Psychology section of the College Catalog (click on the link at the top of this page) for additional information including required courses, program outcomes, and the requirements for the Psychology Minor. |
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The Mission of the Health Psychology Program
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The mission of the Health Psychology program is to prepare, within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent, and caring graduates who possess a firm foundation of psychological principles and their application to issues of health and wellness; are well positioned for graduate study or entry level employment in the health professions; and have a solid grounding in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and communication skills. |
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Objectives of Our Program
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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:
- Demonstrate familiarity with a broad knowledge base of psychology that includes psychological theory, research, and historical trends.
- Understand and apply basic psychology research concepts, including research design, data analysis and interpretation of research findings.
- Demonstrate the use of critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to problem-solving and reasoning.
- Understand and apply psychological principles to individual and community issues involving health and wellness.
- Value empirical evidence, recognize and respect diversity of explanations, and act ethically and with academic integrity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological and social determinants of health and healthy behaviors.
- Understand the application of behavior change techniques for the purpose of influencing healthy lifestyles.
- 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.
- Demonstrate effective professional communication, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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