Looking to fill demand from local employers, the State University of New York (SUNY) Canton will offer a new psychology degree for the fall 2012 semester. Officials told the Watertown Daily Times that the new bachelor of science program in applied psychology will help provide a wide range of career opportunities for students who add the degree to their resume. John T. Nixon, the lead faculty member who developed the program, told the news agency that there are a number of social service agencies that have an increasing need for graduates with a background in applied psychology. The degree could help graduates land a job as a case manager, in direct care, in mental health or with the Department of Social Services. Nixon said students will be able to concentrate in general human services or in applied behavioral analysis, which he said will give them more specific skills to be able to work with developmentally delayed individuals. He said that the school has already identified 35 to 40 jobs or field placements for future students within a one hour drive of the Canton campus. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for psychologists are expected to increase by 12% through 2018. |