Find Your Path in Psychology and Social Sciences

Majors in the psychology and social sciences pathway helps you build a wide range of skills that are valuable in both your studies and future career. You’ll gain practical abilities that can help you connect with people, solve problems, and make a positive impact on society. When working with communities, researching public issues, or analyzing data, the skills you develop here will set you up for success in many different fields.

• Critical thinking: Analyze complex issues, evaluate information, and make well-informed decisions that affect real-world situations.

• Communication skills: Learn how to effectively communicate with people from unique backgrounds, whether in writing, speeches, or conversations.

• Problem-solving: Develop strategies to address community challenges, public policy concerns, and individual needs in your community or workplace.

• Empathy, active listening, and cultural awareness: Understand and connect with others’ experiences while respecting cultural differences, helping you provide support and solutions in a variety of environments and global contexts.

• Research and data analysis: Conduct research and use data tools to explore issues in psychology, social work, law, and policy, helping you analyze trends and make evidence-based decisions to solve real-world problems.

This pathway offers numerous opportunities to develop strong leadership skills that will benefit you throughout your career. You’ll gain hands-on experience leading community projects, promoting social good, and guiding others toward common goals. These experiences will prepare you to take initiative, inspire action, and lead with confidence in many environments.

• Collaboration: Take on leadership roles in group projects, community initiatives, and student organizations to practice decision-making and motivating others.

• Social good: Learn to champion important causes and lead initiatives that contribute to social well-being.

• Collaboration and teamwork: Gain experience working with teams, managing different perspectives, and collaborating to achieve shared goals.

• Communication for leadership: Strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, a key skill for any leader in guiding and inspiring others.

• Conflict resolution: Learn how to handle conflicts, mediate disputes, and develop solutions that lead to positive outcomes.

Penn State’s Health Policy and Administration programs, available at seven campuses, is accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

AUPHA is a global network committed to improving healthcare management and policy education. It promotes excellence in university-based health administration programs and prepares future leaders to enhance healthcare delivery worldwide.

Accreditation by AUPHA ensures students receive a high-quality education, recognized across the industry, and develop the skills needed for leadership roles in healthcare.

Thinking about law school? Penn State’s pre-law advising helps students in any major navigate the path to a legal career.

Whether you’re exploring if law school is right for you or preparing applications, dedicated advisors provide expert guidance through info sessions, workshops, and one-on-one appointments. Get support in choosing the right courses, finding internships, and selecting the best law school for your goals.

Learn more about pre-law advising.

A degree in psychology and social sciences opens opportunities for advanced education. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge in areas like psychology, public policy, or social work, you’ll be prepared for graduate-level programs that build on your undergraduate foundation. These programs allow you to specialize further and gain expertise in your field, setting you up for success in even more careers. Explore the graduate pathways available to continue your academic journey and expand your future possibilities.

Learn more about graduate psychology and social sciences programs.

Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.

You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.

Learn more about Career Services.

At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.

With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.

Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.

These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.

Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.

Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.

Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Learn more about Invent Penn State.

Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.

Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.

Learn more about global learning opportunities.

At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.

Explore undergraduate research opportunities.

We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.

Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.

Learn more about IUG programs at Penn State.

Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.

With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.

We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.