School of Psychology
School of Psychology
Psychology at Southern Miss
Psychology involves the study of human behavior. Diverse experts from Clinical, Counseling, School, and Experimental Psychology provide comprehensive, hands-on training both in and out of the classroom. Training facilities include mental health clinics and research labs, which allow students to take concepts learned in class and apply them to solve important societal problems. This collaborative approach to our curriculum allows graduates to be better prepared for careers in mental health, business, law and education. Student success initiatives and individualized advising work to create customized pathways for success.
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Our Programs
The School of Psychology adheres to a scientist-practitioner training model offering firsthand, diverse, educational experiences across both the scientific and applied areas of psychology. First established in 1940, the mission of the School of Psychology is to educate the public through the discovery, and creation of psychological knowledge and the dissemination of that knowledge through scholarship, teaching, professional service and evidence-based psychological practice. We have a long history of supporting the university and surrounding communities through research and psychological service in the schools, business, and through providing low-cost mental health services to residents of South Mississippi. Learn more about our History and Mission.
We offer a BS degree in Psychology as well as four graduate programs. The MS in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.
The PhD programs in Psychology with emphases in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology are all accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation.
We also offer an experimental PhD program (Experimental Psychology).
USM Center for Behavioral Health, Psychology Research Labs, Statistics Tutoring Center, & Undergraduate groups
Our faculty manage exceptional research labs, where our students obtain direct experience as part of their degree program, and a training clinic offering mental health services to USM students, faculty and staff as well as children, families and adults from across south Mississippi.
Students are encouraged to join Psychology Club which offers opportunities for professional development, service projects, and social activities. Please contact faculty advisor: Dr. Mark%20Huff%20for more information.
Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology has a chapter on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Membership is open to high achieving juniors and opportunities for professional development are available. Please contact faculty advisors Dr. Elena%20Stepanova%20(Hattiesburg) or Dr. Kenji%20Noguchi, (Gulf Park) for information.
Psychology Highlights
providing hands-on opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research
providing social and professional development opportunities
providing innovative treatment services to students and the local community
- Faculty are invested in research and training opportunities that make an impact on people’s lives, including substance use, suicide, childhood obesity, and aging.
- We are the only school in the country with accredited doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology.
- Students are trained by experts and are invited to actively apply their learning outside of the classroom through scientific research, applied training experiences and participation in student organizations.
- Over 20% of undergraduates and 90% of graduate students publish or present their research to local, regional and national audiences.