In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid as you pursue a Psychology Education degree.
Psychology Education Degree
Become a Psychology Teacher
Psychology studies the mind and behavior and is an excellent foundation for a variety of careers, especially education. With a Psychology Education degree, not only will you be able to teach your students well about psychology itself, but you’ll also have a good understanding of your students themselves. At Wayne State, you’ll develop the tools you need to teach psychology in high school and middle school. Earning a Psychology Education degree is your chance to help your students understand more about their own personalities and lives, as well as others’ ways of thinking.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A., B.S. (Subject Endorsement)
In addition to choosing the Psychology subject endorsement, you will also need to select a field endorsement or a second subject endorsement to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Hours required:
For endorsement: 36
For professional education: 27-33
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)
Popular pairings: Sociology Education (6-12), Social Studies Education (6-12), Middle Level Education (5-9)
School: Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Psychology and Sociology, Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.
No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
College Affordability Guide
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2022 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. College Affordability Guide focuses not only on the financial cost of colleges, but on the opportunity cost: what happens to students once they're enrolled. Do they graduate? Can they pay back their loans? Their analysis is designed to find schools that are affordable not only for the average student, but for lower-income students as well.
Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits, including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world as a psychology teacher.
Skills Learned
- Experimental psychology methods and research
- History of the development of psychology
- Deeper understanding of how people think
- Interactions between the brain and behavior
- Approaches to assess and treat abnormal psychology
- Forensic psychology including psychological profiling
- Insight into group and organizational behavior
- Psychopharmacology and the effects of drugs
- Increased environmental and social awareness
- Statistical measures used in social science research
- Teaching and instruction methods
- Curriculum development for grades 7-12
- Classroom management and organization
- Observation and analysis
- Leadership
- Communication and social skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Possible Careers
- Junior high / high school teacher
- Psychology teacher
- Counseling teacher
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Social worker
- Substance abuse specialist
- Human resource specialist
- Behavioral health technician
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Case manager or advisor
- Research analyst
Employers
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Colleges and universities
- Education and learning centers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Behavioral health clinics
- Social services
- Community organizations
- Government / federal agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Businesses and corporations
- Law enforcement agencies
- Research and consulting firms
- Marketing firms
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Psychology Education degree program.
Marianna Baykina, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Shane Westfall
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Psychology Education program by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Active Minds
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Aspiring Educators
- Pi Gamma Mu (social sciences honor society)
- Psi Chi (psychology honor society)
- Psychology/Sociology Club
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career! Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Research projects – Conduct your own research projects and present your work at area symposiums and psychology conferences.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your degree to teach psychology, you’ll complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.