Psychology: Alumni and Outcomes | Gettysburg College

Mari Palacios Sanchez '23

Peace Corps Volunteer

“Being a Gettysburgian to me means being a learner, one that is immensely interested and curious of what else there is to learn,” said Sanchez. The picturesque landscape and stunning sunsets are just part of the reasons Sanchez trekked from the Midwest to Gettysburg. The psychology major with a French minor participated in several volunteer services, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Casa swimming, and SCAAP, and studied abroad in France. She cites leadership and communication among the main skills learned at Gettysburg that will help her in the future as a member of the Peace Corps and eventually as she continues her education.

Britney Brunache '22

English Teacher, Teach for America

“I am most proud of completing my theatre arts senior capstone because it was a chance to build it through the Kolbe Fellowship. During the fellowship, I was able to write a 60-page full-length play about Haiti in the 1960s, examining the Duvalier Regime,” said Brunache, who is president of the Black Student Union on campus. “In the fall of my senior year, I was able to direct the show with a cast of predominately students of color and show it to the campus. The team that I built during this time, the connections that I made throughout the process, and the experience that I was able to bring to the Theatre Department as well as students outside the department made me proud that I was able to have my stamp on the campus.” After graduation, Brunache, who studied theatre arts and psychology at Gettysburg, will be teaching high school English in Philadelphia under Teach for America. “In the future, I hope to open my own performing arts school that students can go to, to learn how to express themselves in a safe space,” she added.

Alexis Rinker '22

Master's in Psychology, American University

A pivotal moment for Rinker was studying globally in Budapest, Hungary. While at Gettysburg, she also enjoyed exploring the battlefields. “During my time at Gettysburg, the battlefields have almost acted as a sanctuary for me, which is ironic as they served as a fighting ground during the Civil War,” Rinker said. “However, walking and running on the battlefields forced me to slow down and enjoy the beauty and history that Gettysburg has to offer.” Graduating with a psychology major and a French minor, Rinker plans to pursue a master’s in psychology and travel more.

Taylor - Jo Russo '22

Doctoral Candidate in Applied Social Psychology, Georgetown University

“The most pivotal part of my education at Gettysburg has been the mentorship that I have received since I stepped foot on campus. From my first-year advisor, Dr. [Charles] Myers, to my second mom on-campus, Gretchen Natter, to my psychology and life advisor, Dr. [Christopher] Barlett, my life has been changed because of the invaluable staff and faculty members here,” said Russo who double majored in psychology and philosophy and minored in peace and justice studies. “I have learned from my various mentors that it is good to ask for help, to follow my heart and not other people’s opinions, and to believe in myself no matter what. I cannot thank Gettysburg enough for the connections and support it has given me and will continue to provide me with for life.” After graduation, Russo plans to pursue a PhD in social psychology, which combines her psychology major and passion for social justice-related topics.

Graduate Study

Considering your options

A comprehensive chapter for people considering graduate school in psychology can be downloaded from the publisher. The reference for this chapter is: Prinstein, M.J., Choukas-Bradley, S.C., & Guan, K. (2012). Deciding to apply and successfully gaining admission to graduate schools in psychology. In M.J. Prinstein (Ed.), The portable mentor: Expert guide to a successful career in psychology. Second Edition. New York: Springer.
A 2018 special issue of Teaching of Psychology, (Vol 45 issue 1 ) focuses on career issues for undergraduate psychology majors. This content is available through the Gettysburg College Library.

Frequently asked questions about graduate study in psychology

Sources of information about graduate study in psychology and related fields

Preparing graduate school and job applications

The bachelor's degree in psychology provides solid preparation for work in a range of different areas. The knowledge you gain about perception, decision-making, motivation, communication, and other aspects of human behavior applies broadly to many fields. Most students who are interested in careers in the psychology field go on to further study in graduate school. But, it's also possible to get an entry-level job in psychology with a bachelor's degree.

Careers overview

A 2018 special issue of Teaching of Psychology, (Vol 45 issue 1) focuses on career issues for undergraduate psychology majors.
Online career-exploration resource for psychology majors.
An overview of career opportunities, resources, and other helps.

Careers with a psychology bachelor's degree

Resources for post-graduation job searches

General career resources

Career Options

The bachelor’s degree in psychology provides solid preparation for work in a range of different areas. The knowledge you gain about perception, decision-making, motivation, communication, and other aspects of human behavior applies broadly to many fields. Most students who are interested in careers in the psychology field go on for further study in graduate school. A Gettysburg psychology degree, with its emphasis on research and experimentation, provides an excellent foundation for graduate study.

Recent Gettysburg psychology majors are pursuing further studies at the following graduate and professional schools

Boston College
Columbia University
Fordham University
Florida State University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University
New York University
Pennsylvania State University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Villanova University
Temple University
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Massachusetts
University of Notre Dame
Kings College, London
Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
Pace University
SUNY, Albany
University of Kansas
University of South Dakota
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Delaware
University of Windsor
Lehigh University
University of Connecticut
St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA

Psychology Alumni and Outcomes

Psychology Major Outcome Stories