Our Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a demanding program that emphasizes a scientific approach to the study of behavior and mental processes supported by research and internships. The Psychology major prepares students for graduate work in psychology and related disciplines, and it provides the foundation for numerous careers in psychology, clinically related fields, and human resources.
We designed our Psychology program to develop each student’s individual interests, building on their unique strengths to prepare them for a variety of opportunities after graduation from Bellarmine. The faculty work closely with students to provide the support and assistance needed to help them identify and meet their career goals.
We offer three program options:
“Ten years ago, I stepped onto Bellarmine’s campus a 17-year-old soccer player from St. Louis, eager to earn a degree in Psychology to help kids with disabilities. Today, I step onto campus to teach those same lessons to my very own psychology class. I leave campus to go run my own company as a therapist for children with autism and as the president of Wicked Sheets. How did I get here? One word: Bellarmine. The determination to accomplish these goals comes with your diploma.”
Alli Truttmann, MA, CPT ‘06President and Founder, Wicked Sheets
Psychology majors have gone on to a broad range of graduate programs in various areas of psychology, medical school, allied health, law school, business administration, and social work. Some of our most recent graduates have pursued graduate degrees at the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Spalding University, and Indiana University. Many have started careers in human services and human resources immediately after graduation at such places as Maryhurst, Lantech, Home of the Innocents, Kindred, Mercer, Humana, and YUM! Brands.
We encourage students to join the Psychology Club. The purpose of the Psychology Club is to gather students with an interest in psychology by providing networking opportunities to discuss topics of interest. The Psychology Club also increases student awareness of careers in psychology. In addition, members participate in at least one volunteer opportunity to serve the Bellarmine and Louisville communities. We also have events such as movie nights, guest speakers, bake sales, and public awareness booths. Membership is open to all interested students. Our chapter of Psi Chi, the international Psychology honor society, has an annual induction.
Pamela Cartor, Ph.D. (website) (email)Joy Jacobs-Lawson, Ph.D., Chair (website) ( email)Stella Kanchewa, Ph.D. (website) ( email)Courtney Keim, Ph.D. (website) ( email)Jean Lamont, Ph.D. (website) ( email)Hank Rothgerber, Ph.D. (website) ( email)Felicia Smith, Ph.D. (email)Christy Wolfe, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Emeritus Faculty: Ann Jirkovsky, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Psychology faculty are actively engaged in research and in supporting research opportunities for students. Below is a selection of previous student research projects presented at the Bellarmine Celebration of Undergraduate Research:
The Bellarmine University Psych Bowl Team also enjoys frequent success in the Kentucky Psychological Association’s Psych Bowl competition, including a recent run of 10 Psych Bowl victories in 12 years.
Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.