La Roche University

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses in experimental and theoretical psychology with applied and developmental topics. Students study scientific methods and statistics alongside courses that explore cognition, learning, personality, abnormal behaviour, social psychology and lifespan development. Practical learning is emphasised through laboratory classes, research projects, and supervised practicum or internship experiences.

• Foundations of Psychology: introductory psychology, history and systems of psychology, ethical issues in psychology.
• Research and Quantitative Methods: research methods, statistics for behavioural sciences, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Core Topics: developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality theory, abnormal psychology.
• Applied and Elective Areas: counselling and helping skills, industrial/organisational psychology, health psychology, child and family studies, forensic psychology electives where available.
• Capstone and Applied Experience: senior seminar or capstone project, independent research under faculty supervision, and opportunities for internships or practicum placements in community agencies, schools or clinics.

Students may tailor their degree with minors or elective clusters (for example in education, business, or criminal justice) and are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research with faculty or to complete service-learning placements that integrate theory with community practice.

Entry requirements

La Roche typically expects applicants to hold a recognised secondary school qualification (such as A‑levels, International Baccalaureate, or an equivalent high school diploma). Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong performance in English and in a science or social science subject.

• For applicants from the UK or similar systems: expected A‑level passes or equivalent qualifications; specific grade expectations are set by admissions and can be discussed with the admissions office.
• For international applicants: an equivalent secondary credential and proof of English language proficiency where required.
• Non‑traditional students or transfer applicants: college/university transcripts detailing completed coursework, including any prior psychology or statistics modules where applicable.
• All applicants are assessed holistically; personal statements, references, and any relevant volunteer or work experience in health, education or human services can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Psychology from La Roche enter a wide range of careers. Many proceed to graduate or professional training (for example in clinical psychology, counselling, school psychology, social work, or occupational therapy). Others pursue roles that value understanding of human behaviour and research skills.

• Direct-entry roles: case support, behavioural health technician, rehabilitation or community support worker, human resources assistant, research assistant.
• Education and youth services: teaching assistants, youth workers, early intervention support roles (often with further certification).
• Business and public sector: customer behaviour analysis, training and development, organisational support, marketing research.
• Further study pathways: master's or doctoral programmes in psychology, counselling, social work, occupational therapy, or allied health professions.

Internships, practicum placements and undergraduate research completed as part of the degree help graduates build employable skills and professional references.

Why study at La Roche University

La Roche University offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which benefits students in a discipline that values supervised research and applied training. The psychology faculty balance teaching with active scholarship and community engagement, providing chances for undergraduates to participate in real research projects and practicum placements.

• Close student–faculty interaction and opportunities for one‑to‑one research supervision.
• Access to practicum and internship partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers and community organisations in the Pittsburgh region.
• A liberal arts approach that encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing psychology students to combine their major with complementary courses in business, education or the humanities.
• Support services for career planning and graduate school preparation, including guidance on internship placement, CVs and application processes.

These features make La Roche a strong choice for students seeking hands‑on experience, personalised mentorship and preparation for next steps in either employment or further professional training in psychology.