There are a variety of reasons that students choose to study psychology at Lander University. Some are looking for the right step towards a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology after Lander, and the appropriate licensure to practice psychology professionally in their states. Others are looking to go straight into the workforce after they graduate, working in human resources, data analysis or starting their own small businesses. Out of Lander’s over 90 areas of study in market-driven programs, Lander’s B.S. in Psychology is a standout program that prepares students for either placement in the workforce or success in graduate school.
The human mind is beautifully complex, and analyzing human behavior is challenging. Psychology majors, however, are ready for these challenges. Students learn how to research, conduct experiments, analyze data, reflect on results and ask tough questions of faculty and peers. These core skills are why Lander’s psychology program has such a strong record of alumni who have found rewarding careers in a number of different fields, or who have gone on to earn advanced degrees from major universities.
Yet, even if a psychology graduate decides not to pursue an advanced degree, these are the exact traits that employers look for in job candidates no matter the career field. Making observations, problem-solving, identifying patterns and trends, being self-sufficient on the job... these are what make psychology graduates obvious choices for whatever they choose to do after graduating from Lander.
Offered both in-person and online, the B.S. in Psychology program is a popular major among Lander students. Learn more by visiting www.lander.edu/psychology.
Here’s a closer look at seven Lander alumni who used their undergraduate degrees in psychology as the first step towards graduate school and rewarding career opportunities:
After graduating from the Honors College at Lander University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in child and family studies, Ferqueron was accepted into the Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology program at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA). Ferqueron is currently in her final year of the program, and has been training to become a therapist at the USCA Psychology Clinic. During her time at USCA, Ferqueron has interned at an acute crisis stabilization center, Aurora Pavillion, part of the Aiken Regional Hospital. Ferqueron will graduate from USCA with her master’s degree in August of 2024, and plans to work towards getting her licensure as a professional counselor-associate (LPC-A).
“The faculty at Lander have given me so much care and support throughout my time in undergrad and after,” said Ferqueron. “The experience of being in the Honors College at Lander was very similar to how my cohort is set up during my master’s program. The close-knit community and small class sizes helped me to adjust to my master’s program easier. It’s also great knowing that my professors at Lander are still so supportive of what I’m doing now.”
Davis majored in both exercise science and psychology, and also played on the women’s soccer team. Post-Lander, she completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015, and gained experience in various areas of clinical social work, including psychiatric assessments at a local hospital; mental health therapy in school-based settings focused on drug prevention and intervention; mental health in correctional facilities; medical social work for families affected by pediatric oncology; and hematologic diagnosis and maternal mental health.
Davis found a passion in advocating for maternal mental health, and in 2023, launched her own private practice, Bloom Perinatal Support, focused on supporting women in preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges and pregnancy/baby loss. She also founded a non-profit, Our Babies Foundation, focused on education, community and connection after pregnancy and baby loss.
“The intimate class sizes at Lander allowed me to connect with my professors, in not just an educational way but also mentorship,” Davis said. “Professors were able to marry the important educational components of psychology with their experience and had time and bandwidth to help foster our curiosity for continued education. Some of my favorite memories from my experience in the psychology program were from being able to walk down to Dr. Cleveland’s office and just knock on her door and pick her brain when she was available. The connections I created with my professors gave me the confidence that I was ready to launch into this amazing field and would be successful.”
Bryant earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lander, with a minor in child and family studies, and began his career as an applied behavioral therapist (ABA therapist) with Greenwood County School District 50. He earned a Master of Science degree and a Specialist in School Psychology (SSP II) degree from Winthrop University, and accepted a job with York School District One as a school psychologist. Bryant has served on the district’s crisis management team, coordinated elementary summer school, and was part of a group to develop a multi-tiered system of support for all students. He also teaches psychology courses at Lander and Winthrop, and will graduate in August with a degree in educational leadership, with the goal of becoming a school administrator.
“Small class sizes at Lander University gave me the opportunity to receive a personalized learning experience from the professors in the psychology department,” said Bryant. “At Lander, I had a name and was not just a student ID number. The professors at Lander exposed me to all the psychological science fields, and helped me find a career path that suited my strengths. They provided me the opportunity to complete internships within the school district and find my true calling.”
A psychology and Spanish double major from West Columbia with a minor in child and family studies, recent Lander graduate Maria Rubio served as a Presidential Ambassador, LINK peer leader, Animal Advocates co-president, psychology teaching assistant, Psi Chi Honor Society co-president, and Honors College Leadership Council executive chair. She interned for the USC Enhancing Capacity in School Mental Health Program, Palmetto Promise, and the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. Maria received a number of scholarships and awards at Lander. Farther afield, she spent a semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. She also presented her research at the Southeastern Psychological Association conference. Maria will soon begin graduate school at USC Columbia to earn her master’s and specialist degrees for K-12 school counseling.
“When choosing a school to attend, I wanted one that would give me a community, a home away from home, and the Lander psychology department did just that,” Rubio said. “From day one the professors opened their doors to an anxious freshman student who wasn't sure what to do next. They helped prepare me for internships, research, guided me through grad school applications, but most importantly always encouraged me. These past four years at Lander allowed me to grow not only academically but as an individual as well, which will help me on my next journey: grad school!”
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Wilson obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Augusta University. Following graduate school, Wilson worked as a forensic interviewer and therapist at Beyond Abuse, and as a counselor at Synergy Counseling, both of Greenwood. While at Synergy, Wilson obtained his license as a professional counselor (LPC). He now works full time as a lecturer of psychological science and human services at Lander, and remains a part-time counselor and supervisor candidate at Synergy Counseling.
“I am always thankful for my time as a Lander student,” Wilson said. “Taking Systems of Psychotherapy, which is an upper-level psychology course, was a pivotal moment in helping me realize I wanted to become a counselor. Working as a supplemental instructor for the psychology department in my final year at Lander also helped me to grow beyond my presentation anxiety, and learn that I actually love to teach. I also learned I enjoy research when I joined a study abroad trip to Guatemala to compare the indigenous populations to those who had immigrated to the United States. The smaller class sizes at Lander helped me to get to know faculty and have experiences that I likely never would have had otherwise.”
Davis is currently a second year master’s student at Ball State University, pursuing dual master’s degrees in sport and exercise psychology, and rehabilitation counseling. As a former youth athlete, Davis’ research interests include women and gender studies, the influence of team culture on eating disorders, and the intersectional experience of race, ethnicity and gender in sports. At Ball State, Davis is a member of the Social Justice Initiative for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, the Counseling Psychology Diversity Committee, and the Black Graduate Student Association.
After graduation, Davis plans to pursue her doctorate and become a licensed sport psychologist, in addition to owning her own mental performance business, ELLAVATE, and continuing to contribute to academia as a professor of sport and exercise psychology. “My favorite quote is ‘still I rise,’” said Davis. “No matter how many times you fail, you can always get back up and try again because that’s where true growth begins.”
Krishinger is the perfect example of a lifelong learner. It was while earning two bachelor’s degrees at Lander University (one in psychology and another in sociology) that Krishinger became interested in data analysis and participation in research. After graduating from Lander, the North Carolina native started teaching herself skills like structured query language (SQL) to enhance the analytical skills she obtained during her undergraduate course of study. This, along with practice using Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Python and R, helped her land a job as a survey statistician for the Census Bureau’s 2022 Economic Census. Krishinger’s impressive work led to her receiving the first ever Quarterly Excellence Award in the Economy Wide Statistics Division (EWD).
“In my view, the advantage of going to Lander is simple,” said Krishinger. “Nowhere else are you going to find better mentors—the professors and instructors at Lander University are unmatched in their dedication to their students. In a period where I felt hopeless, my mentors showed me that I was capable, which gave me the confidence to fail and succeed.”
Flexible and Affordable:
While a college education is a game-changer in long-term career success, it shouldn’t burden you with loads of student debt. That’s why Lander University is proud to offer a world-class education at a price that students and their families can afford. We’ve kept our tuition frozen for nine consecutive years, and most students qualify for state and federal scholarships and grants that make the total cost of their Lander education even lower.
Lander’s psychology program couples that affordable price-tag with a flexible path to a four-year degree. Students can choose between the traditional face-to-face program delivery, or complete the program fully online through Lander’s College of Graduate and Online Studies. Whether your ambition is to become a therapist, a school psychologist, a clinical psychologist, a statistician or to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit, a B.S. in Psychology from Lander University is a foundational step that will serve you well.
Ready to learn more about Lander’s psychology program? Visit www.lander.edu/psychology.