Department of Psychology
APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. and B.S. in Psychology programs — combining scholarship, research, undergraduate service-learning, and graduate clinical training within JSU's HBCU heritage and multicultural mission.
Scholarship, service, and clinical training
The Department of Psychology at Jackson State University is a unit of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts.
The Department of Psychology is committed to enhancing knowledge of psychological principles and practices through scholarship, research, undergraduate service-learning, and graduate clinical training. In addition, the faculty to promote the discipline of Psychology through professional service at the national and local levels.
The Department has 9 faculty members, all of whom have diverse training and research interests. We currently offer two degree programs: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (APA accredited).
- Department
- Psychology
- School
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- College
- College of Liberal Arts
- Degrees
- B.S. · Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation
- APA (since 2001)
- Faculty
- 9 members
- Phone
- (601) 979-2371
Our approach to psychology
Scholarship
Enhancing knowledge of psychological principles and practices through scholarship and research.
Service-Learning
Undergraduate service-learning that connects classroom theory to community practice.
Clinical Training
APA-accredited graduate clinical training preparing the next generation of clinical psychologists.
Psychology by the numbers
2001
APA Accreditation Year
2
Degree Programs (B.S. & Ph.D.)
9
Faculty Members
1995
Clinical Ph.D. Launch Year
From 1877 Natchez to today's psychology
A rich heritage as a coeducational historically black institution
Jackson State University's history stretches back to 1877. Founded in Natchez, Mississippi as a seminary to educate ministers and teachers, the original goals of the school encompassed expanding the opportunities for freed American Negroes living in the Deep South through moral, intellectual, and religious education, thus providing its graduates with the ability to serve society and become leaders within their communities.
This grounding vision has shaped each step of JSU's development — from its early move to the city of Jackson through its evolution into being far more than a teacher's college. These principles impacted how psychology came to be taught at the institution and spurred its search for continued excellence through expansion into graduate programs.
Key moments in JSU Psychology
JSU Founded in Natchez
Founded as a seminary in Natchez, Mississippi to educate ministers and teachers, with a mission to expand opportunities for freed American Negroes in the Deep South.
University Status
JSU officially gained university status from Mississippi's state legislature. The Department of Psychology moved to the School of Liberal Arts, reflecting its research focus.
CHP Genesis & Afro-Centric Course
Dr. Janet St. Lawrence began investigating HIV and STD issues during the AIDS epidemic, founding the Community Health Program (CHP). Dr. Cynthia Ford designed an afro-centric psychology course.
Clinical Ph.D. Launched
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program launched with a charter class of 5 students, designed around a core mission of multicultural training.
APA Accreditation
Jackson State University received American Psychological Association accreditation for its Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program.
First Dissertation Defense
The first dissertation defense occurred, marking the maturation of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program.
Multicultural training — our defining commitment
The idea behind multiculturalism is that the most effective clinical psychologists are those who have separated themselves from their personal biases — and that this can only occur through in-depth understanding of other cultures. Multicultural training remains a primary mission, with practica, externships, and field research experience serving underserved people — in the area of Jackson, this most often means rural and African-American populations.
The department's foremost research division
Founded by Dr. Janet St. Lawrence during the advent of the AIDS epidemic, the CHP has grown into the department's foremost research division — providing community service while training students and conducting original studies that gain national attention.
Two degree programs
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. resources
Detailed program information for the APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program:
Clinics, labs, and student life
Interested in joining the Psychology Department?
The Department of Psychology occasionally hires faculty and staff positions through the JSU careers portal. Browse current Psychology positions at the JSU careers site to see what opportunities are available now.
Ready to study Psychology at JSU?
For more information, please contact the Department at (601) 979-2371 or email Dr. Kaye Sly.
Contact Psychology
1325 J. R. Lynch Street
P.O. Box 17550
Jackson, MS 39217-0350