Psychology and Counseling

Department Address
Cherry Hall, Room 324
5030 Cherry Street
(816) 235-1318 (Phone)
(816) 235-1062 (Fax - please use cover sheet)

Mailing Address
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Department of Psychology
5030 Cherry Street, # 324
Kansas City, MO 64110-9976

Department Chair:
Kymberly K. Bennett

Professors:
Kymberly K. Bennett, LaVerne Berkel, Jennifer D. Lundgren, Jacob Marszalek, Johanna Nilsson, Laurel Watson

Associate Professors:
Oh-Ryeong Ha, Daniel Maitland

Associate Teaching Professors:
Marvalee Collins, Ricardo Marte

Associate Clinical Professor:
Kathryn Brewer

Assistant Professors:
Elizabeth Neilson, Michael Ternes, Westley Youngren

Assistant Teaching Professor:
Cynthia McDonald, Tamilia Reed

Department Description

The Department of Psychology and Counseling is focused on generating and sharing knowledge to promote human health and well-being. Our faculty members are national and international leaders in research areas such as child development, obesity and eating disorders, neuropsychological functioning, early life stress and trauma, affective neuroscience and neuroeconomics, positive psychology, quantitative psychology, motivation, religious and spiritual issues in counseling, international issues and populations, social cognition and health, gender and women’s issues, discrimination and advocacy, recovery and serious mental illness, and community factors in health. 

At the undergraduate level, the department offers a general program of study leading to the bachelor of arts degree in psychology. A minor in psychology is available to students majoring in other disciplines. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Counseling and a PhD in Clinical Psychology.  Details about these programs may be viewed via the 'Graduate' tab above.

Career Implications of the Degree

Psychology is a broad discipline incorporating material from the natural sciences, other social sciences and the humanities. The study of psychology entails an examination of the human condition that is relevant to a wide range of occupations. A psychology major serves as the basis for an excellent liberal arts education and also serves as an excellent introduction to the world of scientific inquiry. Psychology students learn about the important concepts that underlie current scientific thought and they receive training in the application of psychological research methods.

The educational background obtained by a student majoring in psychology will prove useful in a variety of professional settings and will provide adequate preparation for entry-level positions in many fields. Graduates with bachelor's degrees in psychology have established careers in such diverse areas as:

  • Business and industry
  • Child care
  • General healthcare
  • Gerontology
  • Mental health services
  • Probation and parole
  • Public relations and marketing
  • Research or laboratory assisting
  • Services for people with developmental disabilities
  • Social services

For students interested in pursuing a career in the field of psychology, a psychology major is clearly a logical beginning. There are positions available to job candidates with bachelor's degrees in psychology, including ones in human resources, case management, sales, etc.  If students are interested in a career in mental health working one-on-one with clients (e.g., becoming a therapist or counselor) or in research (e.g., college professor), most of these positions require graduate degrees (i.e., master's, doctorate). Students who want to pursue a career in clinical or counseling psychology, or those who want to conduct research as a career, are advised to prepare for graduate study. The psychology major at UMKC offers a solid educational foundation for students who plan to work toward advanced degrees in the field, as well as for those who anticipate starting their career upon completion of the BA.

Departmental Activities

Honor Society

The department has a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. Each year Psi Chi presents a variety of educational and social programs. Membership is open to students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Regular meetings are held throughout the academic year. Information about membership and current events is available on RooGroups.

Psychology Club

The department also has a Psychology Club. The members of the Psychology Club join with the members of the Honor Society for educational social programs. Membership is open to students at both undergraduate and graduate level who have an interest in psychology. Regular meetings are held throughout the academic year jointly with PsiChi. Information about membership and current events is available on RooGroups.

Graduate Psychology Activities Committee

The focus of the Graduate Psychology Activities Committee (GPAC) is to coordinate graduate student and student-faculty social events, enhance communication between the members of various graduate programs in the department, and coordinate educational events to support the professional development of students in the graduate programs. The committee and the events planned are open to graduate students within the Department of Psychology and Counseling.

The Master's of Counseling Student Organization (MCSA) 

This is the organization for students pursuing their Master of Arts in Counseling. It serves as a source of support and advocacy for students enrolled in the program. In addition to seminars and social events, MCSA has a student mentorship program.

Financial Aid

Financial aid information can be found on the UMKC Financial Aid website.