Psychology

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two psychology students working
Psychology students working
Psychology students listening to lecture in classroom.
Obtaining a Psychology degree can help prepare students for numerous types of careers. The mission of the psychology major at CWI is threefold. Michelle Fellows, Faculty

Are you looking to have highly marketable skills for a wide range of job settings? Then studying psychology is an excellent choice for you. Majoring in psychology at CWI will enhance your ability to understand, assist, and collaborate with others; think scientifically and solve problems; communicate effectively; and become more self-aware. Our goal is to prepare you to be competitive for the workforce with an associate’s degree or to transfer to a four-year institution to achieve your bachelor’s degree. 

The Psychology program is located at the Ada County Center, which means most Psychology classes are offered at this location. Psychology is not a program that can be taken fully online or at the Nampa Campus.

Mission

The mission of the Psychology program at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) is to stimulate thought and action informed by psychological science. Our goal is to provide students with challenging classes, inspiring teaching, and transformative educational opportunities that emphasize scientific thinking and opportunities to engage in the community. Students graduate transfer-ready with a greater understanding of the role psychology plays in informing lives and fostering career development.

Why This Program

An Associate of Arts in Psychology prepares students to pursue entry level jobs in a variety of fields or to transfer and achieve success in bachelor’s program. Psychology faculty at CWI are committed to providing meaningful learning and hands on experiences to student. Previous students have said:

“Take advantage of EVERY opportunity that comes your way. Whether through service learning in the community, leadership in PSYC honor society and club, trips to other colleges, or psychology conventions in the region...the possibilities are literally endless.” – CWI Psychology Graduate

“I loved being able to do a Service Learning project for my Development course. It was great being able to learn about something and then see it in action.” – CWI Psychology Graduate

“We had guest speakers in my Careers in Psychology class who would come in and talk to us about their jobs and I remember sitting in class, listening to each of them and, each time, I found myself thinking 'I'm in the right place. This is where I am supposed to be, I'm going to be happy in this field no matter what discipline I choose.'” – CWI Psychology Graduate

Opportunities include:
Hands-on training and experience through peer mentoring and community engagement
Development of scientific reading, writing, and research skills
Work study positions at CWI and in the community
Present at conferences
Psychology Club
Psi Beta Honor Society

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Information literacy
  • Personal responsibility
  • Data analysis
  • Discipline specific knowledge and skills

Clubs

Psychology Club Logo

College of Western Idaho's Psychology Club is for anyone interested in psychology — not just psych majors! Join us to meet cool new people, network with professionals, build your resume, and grow personally. Club events are geared toward...

Additional Opportunities

In addition to learning in the classroom, the Psychology program provides students with opportunities such as:

  • Presentations by guest speakers
  • Networking with community agencies
  • Participation in the College's annual Connections Project
  • Psychology Club
  • Community engagement

Respectful Community

College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.  More on Title IX

News and Blogs

Heather Schoenherr with her students

Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr, is recognized for the transformative and life-changing nature of her teaching.

Psi Beta honors students

Congratulations to four members of CWI’s Psi Beta Honor Society, who recently received the prestigious Emerging Researcher Award.

2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen

Speak Up! Ink Up!, a charity event hosted by 2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen, raises nearly $11,500 for Idaho foster children.

CWI students, Kylee Malouf, left, Mercedes Nelson, and Timothy Buckles with world-renowned social psychologist, Roy Baumeister.

Current and former College of Western Idaho Psychology students represented the College at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Annual Convention April 7 – 9.

Jana McCurdy

Congratulations to Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Social Sciences, Jana McCurdy, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for March 2022.

Psychology students and professors working together at a laptop

Psychology Research Bridge Program gives students a competitive edge for graduate school and job opportunities upon graduation.