Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Psychology

Undergraduate Major

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

A fascinating major and an applied science, psychology prepares students for careers in virtually any industry. It also prepares you for life by teaching important skills like communication and critical thinking. In addition to participating in real-world learning through internships and service learning experiences, psychology majors at Alvernia conduct collaborative research alongside faculty scholars.

Fall 2025 students

Program Overview

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students 鈥� including first-year, transfer, and international students 鈥� may apply via the  or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Psychology Club is a university-wide student club and all students are welcome. PSI CHI is an international Honor Society and its membership is by invitation only. Psych Club and PSI CHI sponsor many activities including attendance at Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) annual conference, career panel, etc. Students who take service-learning courses have the opportunity to apply the content and skills learned in the classroom to service.

Accreditation Statement

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Opportunities for Majors

Psychology Club

The Psychology Club promotes interest in psychology and provides students with the opportunity to associate with other individuals who share similar interests. The club is open to all full-time students at 水果派 and is a recognized organization of the Student Government Association. The Club sponsors lectures, career talks, get-togethers, Christmas on Campus, and service projects at area agencies. Dr. Erin Way, the faculty advisor, can be reached at erin.way@alvernia.edu or by telephone at 610-685-3257. You may also contact the Psychology Club officers through PAX.

PSI CHI International Honor Society

Psi Chi is an International Honor Society whose purpose is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Psi Chi sponsors speakers on campus, organizes trips to psychology conventions, and hosts informal discussion groups to discuss graduate work and careers in psychology. The advisor, Dr. Di You, can be reached by email at di.you@alvernia.edu or by telephone at 610-796-8354.

The Washington Center Experience

Alvernia students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women鈥檚 issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Smart Ways to Save at Alvernia

水果派 99% of Alvernia undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Submit the FAFSA and we鈥檒l help you explore scholarships, grants and work-study so you can focus on college鈥攏ot the cost. 

Qualified first-year students may earn Alvernia merit scholarships and awards ranging from $23,000鈥�$29,000 per year ($92,000鈥�$116,000 over four years). That鈥檚 real savings that reflect your academic and personal achievements from day one. 

Applying for aid is straightforward鈥攁nd we鈥檒l walk you through it. Complete the FAFSA and list 水果派 (school code 003233) to be considered for federal, state and Alvernia support. 

Need-based grants can reduce your cost without adding repayment later. Full-time day students who file the FAFSA may be eligible鈥攑lus renewal options when you stay on track academically. 

From work-study and campus jobs to experiential learning and paid internships, you can earn money while building your r茅sum茅. Ask about opportunities like the O鈥橮ake Institute Fellows Program and Alvernia鈥檚 Apprenticeship to Degree Program. 

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia鈥檚 Psychology program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to program Psychology & Counseling Department Chair Di You at 610-796-8354 or di.you@alvernia.edu.

logo

John Heilenman

Lecturer Psychology
logo

Seth Markwalter

Lecturer Psychology
Elizabeth Matteo 2023

Elizabeth Matteo Ph.D.

Dean College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Arielle Phillips Law 2025

Arielle Phillips-Law Ed.D.

Director Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion
| (610) 796-8207
logo

Sandra Reyher

Assistant Professor Addictions & Mental Health Treatment
logo

Brandon Sands M.A., LPC, NCC, CABA, CPSS

Lecturer Psychology
logo

Melissa Schlechter M.A.

Lecturer Psychology
logo

Karen Tokarick

Lecturer Psychology
Erin Way Headshot

Erin Way Ph.D.

Associate Professor Psychology
| 610.685.3257
Di You Headshot

Di You Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology Psychology
| 610.796.8354

Recent News

水果派 and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Renew Partnership to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways

Renewed agreement continues dual-enrollment pathways, degree opportunities and discounted bachelor鈥檚 completion options for RHSHS students

Tower Health Parnterhship Renewal 2026

水果派鈥檚 O鈥橮ake Institute launches O鈥橫ake Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship

Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities

O'Make Space Ribbon Cutting

Alvernia honors community leaders, alumni at annual President鈥檚 Dinner

Honorees from Greater Reading, Schuylkill County and Lehigh Valley receive recognition for impact on respective communities and the university

CollegeTowne Award Goggleworks Levi Landis