PNC Adds New Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology & History

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) has granted approval to Purdue University North Central to offer Bachelor's degree programs in Psychology and in History. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in these bachelor's degree programs in the Fall of 2012.

Purdue North Central now offers its students 22 baccalaureate programs.

"These new bachelor's degrees will open exciting opportunities for our Purdue North Central students," said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. "PNC is committed to offering bachelor's degree programs in a variety of areas that will lead to relevant, stable careers. Students earning these degrees will be well positioned to put their Purdue degrees to work."

There is a positive career outlook for those earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. The American Psychological Society lists more than 50 jobs in social and human services for which a degree in psychology is appropriate. Graduates will be able to pursue entry-level positions in mental health, social services and research positions.

According to Dr. Michael Lynn, chair of the PNC Department of Social Science, "Many of these jobs are found in Northwest Indiana and are experiencing an increase in demand."

In addition, students who earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology will be eligible to apply for admission to all graduate programs in psychology throughout the United States, said Lynn.

The Bachelor's degree in Psychology is designed to meet all 10 learning goals listed by the American Psychological Association (APA) for undergraduate psychology majors.

Qualifying PNC Psychology majors will have the opportunity for initiation into its chapter of Psi Chi, the International Psychology Honor Society. This organization offers students the distinctive honor of being initiated for life based on their cumulative and major specific GPA as well as percentile rank.

The PNC Bachelor's degree in History degree meets the general guidelines of the American Historical Association. Earning a Bachelor's degree in History will open many opportunities. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's list of the 50 hottest jobs for Economic Growth, graduates with degrees in History will be well suited to pursue careers as researchers, curators, archivists, entrepreneurs, business managers and in government service,. The degree also prepares students well for graduate school, MBA programs and law school. Graduates earning a degree in History will gain essential critical thinking skills, expertise in writing and communication, research capabilities and analytical skills that potential employers find essential in the workplace.

A special feature of the program is its research sequence, which will provide students with the opportunity to conduct original research in local historical societies or other archives. Upon completion of the research, students will have an opportunity to present their work at an annual conference. Qualifying students will have their work published in an online departmental journal.

The PNC program will apply for membership in the Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society, which will provide students with an opportunity for recognition of excellence, and allow them to participate in regional and national research conferences and be eligible for various scholarships, awards and recognition.

Further information about becoming at student at PNC may be obtained by contacting Enrollment Services at 219.785.5200 ext. 5505 or by visiting the PNC website, www.pnc.edu.